12 Amazing Benefits of Collagen for Health (and Beauty)

Collagen can be found everywhere these days – from pills and powders to collagen-infused gummy bears, and even beer! Not sure what collagen is and why it’s so good for your health? Here are 12 easy-to-understand collagen benefits that will make you a believer in this vital substance.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is one of the most abundant substances in the human body. It is a type of protein that makes up about a third of all the protein in your body.

It is found especially in the bones, skin, muscles, and tendons but can also be found in the internal organs, since some types of collagen hold together connective tissue in these areas. Without collagen, all the “parts” in your body would be swishing around pell-mell (not a good visual at all).

In other words, collagen “keeps it all together” and provides a sturdy structure. If your collagen production is healthy and balanced, it keeps your joints, skin, and other parts flexible too.

Another important thing to understand about collagen is that there are over two dozen kinds. In general, however, there are three basic types: I, II, and III. As you shall see, each type of collagen is beneficial for your health in its own unique way.

Top 12 Collagen Benefits

Collagen is absolutely essential for keeping you healthy and feeling young and vibrant. These 12 collagen benefits are just the tip of the iceberg:

#1 – Healthy Skin

Lack of collagen in the body means skin begins to lose elasticity. This causes skin sagging and wrinkles, especially as we age and collagen production goes down. A 2017 Japanese study [1] found that collagen hydrolysate (collagen that has been broken down into peptides for better absorption) are able to transfer from the bloodstream directly to the skin. Several studies over the last decade or so have pointed to the benefits of added collagen for skin health.

When collagen production decreases, the skin begins to sag and wrinkles form. Collagen hydrolysate, which is a more absorbable form of collagen, was found in a Japanese study to be able to transfer from the bloodstream directly to the skin. This has led to more studies on the benefits of added collagen for skin health.

#2 – Glowing, Silky Hair

Likewise, a 2012 study [2] conducted by the University of California, Las Angeles, found that “oral supplement…safely and effectively promotes significant hair growth in women with temporary hair thinning.” The study participants were given collagen supplements for eight months and researchers found that “average hair count was increased by 40 percent, and the average weight of each hair strand was increased by 17 percent.”

In other words, collagen helps keep your hair healthy, shiny, and thick!

#3 – Hard-as-Nails Nails

A 2017 report published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology [3] found that collagen supplementation helped improve brittle nails after 24 weeks of use. The study participants were given 2.5 grams of collagen peptides daily, and researchers found that this was effective in treating nail brittleness.

brittle nails after 24 weeks of use. The study participants were given 2.5 grams of collagen peptides daily, and researchers found that this was effective in treating nail brittleness.

#4 – Improving Eyesight

The eyes are made up in large part of watery, gelatinous tissue. This means that they need enough collagen to make them strong and able to work effectively. Research in India suggests that a lack of collagen may be one of the causes of cataracts [4].

While it’s not clear that adding collagen to your diet will help prevent cataracts, it can’t hurt and it may help.

One of the main components of the eyes is watery, gelatinous tissue, which means they need enough collagen to be strong and effective. Research in India suggests that a lack of collagen may be one of the causes of cataracts.

#5 – Easing Joint Pain

The connection between collagen and healthy joints may seem obvious – and it is. Collagen, especially Type II (sometimes called cartilage collagen), is the primary component of the tissues that provide a buffer between bones and which make up joint muscles.

A 2018 meta-analysis conducted by the University of Sydney [5] found that collagen supplements used specifically for osteoarthritis “demonstrate(ed) clinically important effects for pain reduction in the medium term” and was more successful for reducing knee pain than other supplements studied.

The connection between collagen and healthy joints may seem obvious – and it is. Collagen, especially Type II (sometimes called cartilage collagen), is the primary component of the tissues that provide a buffer between bones and which make up joint muscles. A 2018 meta-analysis conducted by the University of Sydney found that collagen supplements used specifically for osteoarthritis “demonstrate(ed) clinically important effects for pain reduction in the medium term” and was more successful for reducing knee pain than other supplements studied.

Adding collagen to your diet is a great way to ensure that you’re getting all of the health benefits it has to offer.

#6 – Fat-Burning and Muscle-Building

Some research also suggests that collagen may be beneficial in helping you lose weight through fat burning. This is because collagen contains the amino acid glycine, which is essential for creatine synthesis. Creatine is a compound that is formed in protein metabolism which provides the body with fuel, especially during physical activity.

As a healthy counterpoint for the fat-burning amino acids in collagen, this abundant protein substance may also help you build muscle. A 2015 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition [6] found that after 12 weeks of collagen supplementation and resistance training, older males saw a greater increase in muscle strength as well as fat burning than the control group. Some research also suggests that collagen may be beneficial in helping you lose weight through fat burning. This is because collagen contains the amino acid glycine, which is essential for creatine synthesis. Creatine is a compound that is formed in protein metabolism which provides the body with fuel, especially during physical activity. As a healthy counterpoint for the fat-burning amino acids in collagen, this abundant protein substance may also help you build muscle. A 2015 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that after 12 weeks of collagen supplementation and resistance training, older males saw a greater increase in muscle strength as well as fat burning than the control group.

#7 – Reducing Cellulite

The presence of cellulite may be another sign of low collagen. This is because of collagen’s relationship to skin elasticity. Without enough collagen, the skin can pucker and become weak. This can allow liquid to gather under the surface of the skin, which gives it that dimpled look.

A 2006 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that collagen supplementation improved the appearance of cellulite after eight weeks. The presence of cellulite may be another sign of low collagen. This is because of collagen’s relationship to skin elasticity. Without enough collagen, the skin can pucker and become weak. This can allow liquid to gather under the surface of the skin, which gives it that dimpled look.

A 2006 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that collagen supplementation improved the appearance of cellulite after eight weeks.

#8 – Strengthening Teeth

Collagen also forms one of the building blocks of healthy teeth, especially collagen type XVII which helps to form tooth enamel. In addition, a 2015 Serbian study [7] found a correlation between low collagen levels, inflammatory processes, and periodontal disease. The study participants with lower collagen levels also had a greater number of cavities and gum diseases.

Adding collagen to your diet can help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free. Collagen also forms one of the building blocks of healthy teeth, especially collagen type XVII which helps to form tooth enamel. In addition, a 2015 Serbian study found a correlation between low collagen levels, inflammatory processes, and periodontal disease. The study participants with lower collagen levels also had a greater number of cavities and gum diseases.

Adding collagen to your diet can help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.

#9 – Aids the Liver

Collagen can help your internal organs as well, including the liver. In fact, collagen can be a great liver protector. The glycine in collagen can prevent this primary detoxification organ from getting overtaxed by too many harmful substances, according to an animal study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences [8]. Many experts state that the best way to cleanse the liver is with a bone broth fast. Bone broth is an excellent source of many types of collagen.

Collagen can help your internal organs as well, including the liver. In fact, collagen can be a great liver protector. The glycine in collagen can prevent this primary detoxification organ from getting overtaxed by too many harmful substances, according to an animal study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences.

#10 – Helps Your Heart

The amino acid content in collagen is one of the reasons why supplementation can be so beneficial, especially as we age. Proline is an important amino acid found in collagen that has been proven to help release fat buildup along arterial walls and in the bloodstream [9]. Because of this, there is evidence to suggest that collagen can help with high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) as well [10].

The amino acid content in collagen is one of the reasons why supplementation can be so beneficial, especially as we age. Proline is an important amino acid found in collagen that has been proven to help release fat buildup along arterial walls and in the bloodstream. Because of this, there is evidence to suggest that collagen can help with high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) as well.

#11 – Helps Heal Wounds

As stated in Benefit #2, collagen is vital for skin elasticity and strength. This goes for skin and tissue repair as well. This is why the latest non-toxic wound healing and dressing technology in medicine use organic as well as synthetically-produced collagen substances for sponges, injectables, membranes, films, and skin grafts [11].

As stated in Benefit #2, collagen is vital for skin elasticity and strength. This goes for skin and tissue repair as well. This is why the latest non-toxic wound healing and dressing technology in medicine use organic as well as synthetically-produced collagen substances for sponges, injectables, membranes, films, and skin grafts.

The interesting aspect to all of this is when you add in zink to your diet to help your body absorb the collagen faster.

#12 – Helps Heal Leaky Gut

Perhaps one of the most exciting and hopeful benefits of collagen is for the millions of Americans who suffer from digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, and neurological conditions connected to Leaky Gut. Leaky Gut, or intestinal permeability, is a condition where microscopic holes form in the digestive tract, allowing toxins and foreign matter to pass through into the bloodstream.

Collagen can help break down proteins in food. This gelatinous substance can also help soothe and repair the intestinal lining. This keeps both bad and good bacteria in the GI tract where it belongs. A 2003 study published in the Journal for Clinical Pathology [12] found that individuals with IBS (inflammatory bowel disease) also suffered from lower concentrations of collagen. Supplementing with collagen could help these patients improve their symptoms.

Perhaps one of the most exciting and hopeful benefits of collagen is for the millions of Americans who suffer from digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, and neurological conditions connected to Leaky Gut. Leaky Gut, or intestinal permeability, is a condition where microscopic holes form in the digestive tract

Is Collagen Supplementation Right for You?

There you have it… the top 12 benefits of collagen in a nutshell. We discuss each of these benefits and uses in more detail in other articles and teach you how to find the best collagen supplement here.

As with all supplements, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any protocol, especially if you have significant health issues. Hopefully, however, this is enough to show you (and them) the importance of collagen for just about every function in your body!

Organixx Clean Sourced Collagens blend contains five types of collagen from four sources. What’s more, it’s combined with targeted nutrients such as zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 which specifically enhance the bioavailability and potency of collagen. Clean Sourced Collagens is formulated from the ground up to enhance and support your body’s natural ability to heal and rebuild itself from the INSIDE out.