Hydrolyzed Collagen: What it is for, Benefits and how to take it

Hydrolyzed collagen is a nutritional supplement that is prepared mainly from bones and bovine cartilage, and is used to promote the production of collagen in the body, helping to improve the appearance of the skin and strengthen the joints, nails, bones and hair This supplement can be found in the form of capsules or powder, the latter having to be diluted in water, juices or teas.

Collagen supplementation is usually recommended after 30 years, but it can also be used earlier by people who spend a lot of time exposed to the sun, who smoke or who have an unhealthy diet, since these factors worsen the health of the skin, stimulate aging and can affect the production of collagen in the body.

Benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen

The main benefits of hydrolyzed collagen are:

• Improve skin firmness and elasticity;
• Strengthen joints, nails and hair;
• Prevent and treat osteoporosis symptoms;
• Prevent aging;
• Take care of joints, tendons and ligaments;
• Improve blood pressure control;
• Prevent the emergence of gastric ulcers.

It is important to note that these benefits are obtained mainly when accompanied by a healthy diet, which enhances the results of collagen supplementation.

What is it for 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, responsible for making connective tissue such as skin, cartilage, bones, tendons and protect organs, being essential for the maintenance of these body structures. As you get older, the body decreases the production of collagen, sagging skin, wrinkles or joint pain.

In addition to this, there are other situations that can also affect the production of collagen such as smoking, being exposed to the sun for a long time, having an unhealthy diet and some diseases.

Hydrolyzed collagen means that it goes through a process where its molecules are smaller, being much easier to process by the body, and can be taken as a supplement or even found in many beauty and skin care products.

How to Take it

The recommended amount of collagen intake is 8-10 g maximum per day, which can be consumed along with a meal, at any time of day. The best type of collagen is hydrolyzate, since its absorption at the intestinal level is greater. Collagen powder can be found with or without flavor and can be diluted in water, juices, soups or shakes.

It is important the intake of vitamin C together with collagen as it enhances its effects on the body, so it is advisable to dilute the collagen or take your capsules together with a source of vitamin C, such as lemon, orange, pineapple or tangerine juice . With the intention of improving its efficiency, some collagens already bring vitamin C into its formulation.

When Should Collagen be Taken?

Collagen is usually indicated for people over 30 years or who have joint problems. In addition to this it is also recommended for people who do not get enough protein in the diet, which can accelerate the loss of firmness in the skin and bring problems at the level of the joints.

It can also be recommended for people who smoke or spend a lot of time exposed to the sun, as they are factors in which the skin ages more quickly. In addition to this, collagen can still be used to promote healing of post-surgical wounds, favoring the reduction of scars.

Where to Buy

It can be found in pharmacies, drug stores, natural products stores and online. It can also be found as an ingredient in food products such as snacks in which its composition has collagen and cereal bars with collagen.