I've heard some pretty great things about collagen supplements over the past few years. I set some health goals and made my health a primary focus this year, and as a part of the lifestyle change I've been making, I decided to do a little research and try a collagen supplement.
The supplement I chose is Research Labs Multi Collagen. It's available on Amazon for a pretty reasonable price on a two for one deal, if you decide you're interested in giving it a try after reading what I have to say here.
Let's start with what collagen is: it's a major structural protein in our tissues. It works with other substances to maintain skin elasticity, volume, and moisture. It helps make up proteins like keratin that form skin, hair, and nails.
As you age, your existing collagen breaks down and it becomes harder for your body to make more. Your body's ability to create collagen is also decreased by sun damage, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
What kind of benefits does collagen offer? According to WebMD and other sources, there is reasonable evidence that collagen supplements may provide the following benefits:
- Help maintain hydrated skin
- Relieve osteoarthritis pain
- Lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Increase bone density
- Help your body produce new bone
- Improve skin hydration and elasticity
- Lessen wrinkles
- Healthier arteries
- One study showed an increase in hair quantity and thickness
- After 4 weeks of use, studies showed faster nail growth and fewer broken or chipped nails
- After 12 weeks of use, a study showed increased muscle mass
My research indicated that you can't overdose on collagen, but it can adversely affect kidney health if you take too much, and that adults can safely consume 2.5g - 15g of collagen per day.
I've been taking the supplement at a dosage of 3g per day for about two months, and I've been pleasantly surprised at the benefits that I've been able to notice. My nails are definitely growing faster and stronger. I had some issues with them chipping prior to starting the supplement, and since about two weeks in, I haven't even had a nail break.
I've also seen visible improvement in my skin. It's not as dry, it's in better overall condition, and the few wrinkles on my face are less visible.
I haven't really noticed any of the other benefits mentioned above, but some of those would require some medical testing that I obviously can't do at home.
End result? I'm going to keep taking the supplement, and will probably increase my dosage to 6g per day to see if that makes any additional impact, since the small amount I've been taking has already been beneficial. And I would recommend a collagen supplement to other women my age, as well as a vitamin supplement. We have to take care of our bodies, and I wish I had made self-care and health a bigger priority in my life much sooner.
**NOTE: Nothing in this review should be construed as medical advice. This is just my perspective and research readily available to anyone on the internet. As with any supplement, particularly those that do not have FDA approval, you should consult your physician before adding it to your health regimen.
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