Collagen is a type of protein naturally found in the body that plays an important role in building and supporting many tissues, from bones and cartilage to skin, hair, eyes, and the digestive system, says Sonya Angelone, RDN, who practices in San Francisco. Unfortunately, our natural collagen production decreases as we age. Supplementing with collagen may not only support healthy aging, but also protect skin, gut, bone, and joint health.
When you take a collagen supplement or eat foods rich in collagen, you’re typically consuming collagen that comes from an animal, says Ryanne Lachman, RDN, an integrative and functional nutritionist in Cleveland. (However, vegan-friendly forms of collagen are now available.) Collagen peptides are often sold in powdered or capsule form, and collagen can also be consumed in bone broth.
1. Support Healthy Aging
2. Up Your Dietary Protein Intake
Your body works hard to digest protein from sources like chicken or beef, and some people may find they deal with digestive symptoms like burping or stomach pain after a meal, says Lachman. But collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, meaning the collagen is broken down, a process that makes it easier for your body to digest. Collagen supplements (particularly the powders) may be a more comfortable way to get protein into your diet, she says. The process of hydrolyzing also allows collagen peptides to dissolve in water, which makes it relatively simple to use them in everyday foods (like water or smoothies).