Who Needs Collagen (and why)?

Who Needs Collagen? 

From face creams, to bone broth, to a multitude of pills, collagen products have been touted all over the internet and television ads as the wonder supplement.  But what is it, who needs it, and what form is best? 

Collagen is a protein made by the human body, but its composition is quite unique.  It can make a helix, or coil, which is very dense and strong.  This is the reason that collagen is found in skin, joint tissues, hair and nails.  In fact, joints are 75% collagen, skin is 70%, and tendons are 85%!  As aging occurs and injuries happen there is loss of collagen in these tissues which can lead to loss of elasticity, less stable structure and decreased range of motion.  Remember the old gelatin capsules that were advertised for making nails stronger?  There is actual validity to the claim, as gelatin is collagen, but the degree to which the body can absorb and utilize it is extremely variable. 

Vitamin C taken concurrently with collagen is essential; without it the strong coil of the collagen protein cannot be absorbed and utilized in the tissues.  Vitamin C not only helps with utilization of collagen, it helps buffer oxidative stress, the natural process of cellular function, which accelerates as we age. Studies have suggested that it can take 6 months to see the benefits using collagen daily.   

Sports nutrition studies have shown that daily doses of 15 grams daily have significantly accelerated healing time for ankle sprains, knee injuries and Achilles tendon damage.  But prevention is worth that “pound of cure”.  Every athlete should take it as part of a daily regimen.  While arthritic knees, hips, and shoulders may not completely heal with a collagen supplement, it should at least keep mobility optimal! Skin which has lost its elasticity due to sun damage or simply the loss of hormones and general aging can improve when properly supplemented from within.  

Bone broth is a good source of collagen, but at least 2 cups daily are needed, and most people are not willing or able to do that.   If you intend to add collagen, I strongly suggest the excellent formulation from the Klean Athlete line; Klean Collagen plus C.  It can be dissolved in water or any other beverage or smoothie, can be frozen into a popsicle or slushie, and can be combined with any other powder or liquid supplement that you may take.   It is safe and nontoxic. 

Commit to 6 months and see the difference it makes! 

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