Which is the Best Collagen Booster?

Collagen 101

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for roughly 1/3 of all protein, and especially concentrated in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, the digestive system, and tendons. Collagen is also responsible for maintaining the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments, bones, joints, and tendons, and supports the health of the skin, gums, teeth, hair, and nails. While the body does make collagen, this production starts to wane as soon as we hit our twenties, leading to dehydration, thinning of the skin, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thinning hair, loss of muscle mass, and the deterioration of joints.

Are Collagen Supplements Ideal for Everyone?

Collagen supplements have never been as popular as they are today, and they do, in fact, offer myriad health benefits. However, it's important to note that the body can't absorb collagen in its whole form, so it must be broken down during the digestive process before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. To increase collagen’s bioavailability, quality collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, meaning that collagen’s amino acid chains are broken down via a chemical or enzymatic process. These peptides can then easily be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. (This is why if you're opting for a collagen supplement, it's important to look for one that has been enzymatically hydrolyzed).

Collagen supplements are not appropriate for everyone. Indeed, while collagen supplements are effective and generally well-tolerated, some people report mild symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, lack of appetite, and itchy skin. In addition, it’s important to realize that there are two main sources of collagen, marine collagen and bovine collagen, so not an option for vegans and vegetarians.

Collagen Boosters

• An Alternative to Collagen Supplements

Because collagen’s amino acid composition differs from that of other proteins, there are few alternatives and certainly no vegan options. Collagen boosters; however, are a wonderful substitute. An effective collagen booster may supply key amino acids involved in collagen synthesis — glycine, lysine, proline, and glutamine – all of which can be had from vegan sources. Other effective collagen boosters include:

Vitamin C – is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in collagen synthesis (collagen builder). Vitamin C also plays a role in the maintenance of collagen by acting as a sort of glue that binds collagen fibres together. This explains why Vitamin C is so frequently added to collagen supplements.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) – is a naturally occurring substance found in almost every cell in our body, and has the unique ability to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water. Thus, it is crucial to maintain optimal hydration in skin tissues. HA also enhances the body’s ability to synthesize and use collagen.

Biotin– also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin related to the vitamin B family. It helps to convert certain nutrients into energy and plays an important role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Biotin also helps the body make better use of collagen.

Silica– is the second most abundant element on earth and the third most abundant trace element inside the body. Silica is also the most potent and effective collagen booster around. Indeed, research has shown that silica supplementation ensures that the body’s collagen skin cells are optimized by ensuring that connections are made between collagen and proteoglycans. This makes collagen more resilient and able to bind to water to increase hydration in the skin (water retention being critical to the repair and renewal of skin, of course). Without silica, proteoglycans simply cannot link up to create strong, resistant, and flexible tissues. This is why silica is a must whether on its own to help bolster your body's natural synthesis of collagen or in combination with a collagen supplement to enhance its benefits.

Final Thoughts

Taking a collagen supplement may be beneficial to your health, especially in strengthening your hair, skin and nails and supporting joint health; however, you may be missing out on half its benefits by not taking one of these supporting nutrients along with it. Each supplement listed above enhances the absorption and effects collagen supplements have on the body, and can support your natural collagen production. You can choose one or a couple of these nutrients; either way you will receive a collagen boost.

The popularity of curcumin and turmeric as powerful anti-inflammatories has been growing steadily in recent years, as consumers are increasingly turning to natural solutions to relieve their aches and pains.