Collagen Powder

Collagen powder is a type of supplement intended to help boost collagen levels. An essential building block of the skin, collagen is naturally produced in the body. 

Found naturally in skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. As you age, collagen is harder for your body to produce and existing collagen begins to break down. 

Collagen powder, a hydrolyzed version of collagen taken from animal tissues, is a broken down version of collagen that is believed to be easier for the body to absorb. It’s often advertised as collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate. 

Research on collagen powder as a regular dietary supplement is fairly new, with most research covering the application of collagen for wound healing and diseases that affect the joints.

Collagen is found naturally in our bodies and helps with a wide range of functions such as repairing skin, strengthening bones, increasing muscle mass and relieving joint pain. Our bodies naturally produce collagen from the proteins and nutrients in the food we eat.

Aside from skin, joint, bone and muscle benefits, most claims regarding alternative benefits, such as collagen for hair growth or nail health, tends to be anecdotal in nature. Reputable studies do show promising signs, but there are also some cons to keep in mind.

The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate collagen powder and other supplements the same way that it does medications. Supplements are classified as food with less strict standards. 

Without strict oversight, there is no guarantee of the consistency of its active ingredient. Consuming collagen powder may be beneficial when used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices, but should not be used as a substitute for natural protein. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before initiating any new supplements or diet changes.

There are five types of collagen, and each type helps body tissues maintain shape, elasticity and strength. There are also different sources and forms of collagen — collagen powders, for example, can come from cattle products, marine products or chicken products.

Each type of collagen promotes different benefits for the body, so it’s important to review what source the collagen powder comes from. The five types of collagen are as follows:

• Type I: This collagen is the most common type and accounts for 90% of the body’s collagen makeup. Type I collagen is found in the dermis layer of the skin and is responsible for the tough yet flexible nature of our skin. It’s present in cattle, marine and eggshell membrane collagen products.
• Type II: This collagen type is less tightly packed than type I and specifically produces a substance found to support healthy inflammatory response in joints. Type II contains chondroitin and glucosamine which are known for repairing cartilage after joint damage. It’s present in marine and chicken collagen products.
• Type III: This collagen type works in tandem with type I and is the second most common type. Type III collagen helps support the gut, muscles, blood vessels and the uterus in women. It’s present in cattle collagen products.
• Type V: This collagen type helps form cell membranes and placenta tissue which supports embryo development. Type V collagen is present in eggshell membrane collagen products.
• Type X: This type is purely responsible for bone formation and is commonly found in the joints.

The variation of collagen types and forms puts the burden on consumers and practitioners to understand collagen supplements better. When considering using a collagen powder, check what source the collagen comes from and whether that type of collagen will support the goals for your body.

Before you choose to use collagen powder as part of your nutrition routine, speak with your doctor to make sure that any underlying medical conditions, food allergies, drug interactions or health effects will not lead to a more serious medical situation. Once you speak with your doctor and determine whether or not collagen powder is right for you, do some additional research.

Not all collagen powders work the same. Ensure that the outcomes you want match the intended uses for the collagen powder you are considering. Try to use hydrolyzed collagen powder from natural sources — this broken down version of collagen is most likely to be absorbed by the body.

 To limit your exposure to harmful toxins, choose grass-fed, antibiotic-free, organic animal sources. Also, be sure to purchase a product from a company and vendor who you trust.