Hair, Nails and Skin:
Collagen has amino acids (cysteine and proline) that form building blocks of the main structural component of both hair and nails (keratin) and the outer layer of skin, called the stratum cormeum (Human Clinicals).
Hair: Collagen helps maintain overall hair health including slowing greying and hair loss (Tanimura, et al., 2011). The loss of collagen production, part of the human ageing process, is now linked to hair follicle stem cell aging and the eventual shrinking of hair follicles, the end result can be hair thinning and even balding. Supplementing with collagen type 17a1, found in type 1 collagen, can prevent this (Matsumura, et al., 2016). Further, collagen can increase hair strength, thickness (Scala et al., 1976) elasticity and lesson breakage, thinning and loose (Delilah, 2016).
Arginine, found in collagen, is shown to help with hair growth (Wu et al., 2000).
Collagen increases blood flow to the scalp, carrying necessary nutrients in the form of keratin (made from amino acids found in collagen) to the hair follicles. Collagen increase moisture levels in hair and protect against split ends (Renew Alliance, 2016).
Nails: nail health can be assisted greatly by adding type I collagen to your diet. Age often brings about dry, brittle and thin nails. Collagen is high in arginine, which helps with blood circulation (it is high in nitric oxide). This in turn helps move needed nutrients into the nail bed, positively impacting the first stages of nail growth (Delicious Living). Collagen supplementation is effective at improving nails, including obvious defects, (Schwimmer & Mullnos, 1957). but only as long as the supplements are takin, (Rosenburg et al.,1957).
Skin: Type I collagen can improve the appearance of aging skin (Asserin, Lati, Shioya, & Prawitt, 2015) and reduces age related changes to skin (Matsumoto et al, 2006). After four weeks of supplementation, Collagen has been shown to greatly improve skin elasticity, skin thickness and after 8 weeks of supplementation, help improve skin moister (Asserin, Lati, Shioya & Prawitt, 2015). Collagen even reduces moister evaporation from skin (Proksch, et al., 2014). IF the collagen is hydrolyzed and mixed with hyaluronic acid and essential vitamins (B6, C, D3, E) and minerals (Zinc, Copper, D-biotin), it has been found to significantly improve skin hydration, wrinkle depth, and elasticity (Borumand & Sibilla, 2015).
Adult acne is positively impacted by collagen supplementation. This type of acne is often the result of hormonal changes inflammation and oxidative stress, these can weaken the structure of collagen. Collagen helps strengthen the cells of skin (weakened by bacteria) and it fills in and repairs damaged skin (Renew Alliance, 2016).
Collagen can even help lesson sun damage to skin (UV-B-irradiation damage), which leads to photo aging (Tanaka, Koyama & Nomura, 2009).
Cellulite: collagen improves the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks (Axe, 2015). After 6 months of taking hydrolyzed collagen normal weight woman have shown significant improvement in the appearance of moderate cellulite. Collagen suppliments reduce skin waviness, improves skin thickness, lessons cellulite overall in normal weight woman and helps overweight woman manage the appearance of cellulite (Schunck, Zague, Oesser & Proksch, 2015). This is as collagen strengthens the dermis (layer of skin just below top layer) improving skins thickness and springiness. Cellulite becomes visible when skin thins and droops, so by thickening the skin above, collagen helps to hide it (Sandy, 2016).
This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not to take the place of medical advice or treatment. Seek out a qualified health care provider if you have questions or need help. Dr. Grant is not responsible for any possible health consequences of anyone who follows or reads the information in this content. Everyone, but especially those taking medication (over the counter or prescription) should talk with a physician before undertaking any changes to their lifestyle or diet (including taking supplements).
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