The truth about how your collagen supplement is actually made | Rewinding collagen supplements

Summary

This script delves into the world of collagen supplements, questioning their efficacy and sustainability. It explores the sources of collagen, including animal-derived and marine options, and addresses the environmental impact of the collagen craze. The video also examines scientific studies on collagen's effects on skin elasticity, particularly in older adults, and offers advice on choosing supplements with third-party testing. It concludes with alternative methods to boost collagen, such as sunscreen, vitamins, and skincare, emphasizing a holistic approach to skin health.

Takeaways

• 🤔 There is still a lack of evidence to confirm the effectiveness of collagen supplements in increasing skin collagen.
• 💁‍♀️ Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian are promoting collagen supplements, suggesting they help preserve youth and skin elasticity.
• 📉 As we age, our body loses about 1% of collagen each year, which might suggest a need for supplementation.
• 🧬 Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissues of the human body, with type 1 collagen being crucial for skin, nail, and hair health.
• 🌐 Collagen supplements come from either animal-derived sources like bovine and porcine, or marine animals, and there is controversy regarding their environmental impact.
• 🍃 There is no such thing as vegan or plant-based collagen; plant-based products are often labeled as 'collagen boosters' but do not contain actual collagen.
• 🔬 A double-blind placebo-controlled study showed improvement in skin elasticity for women over 50 who took collagen supplements, with lasting effects even after discontinuation.
• 🏆 If considering collagen supplements, it's important to look for third-party testing labels and traceable ingredients to ensure safety and quality.
• 🌱 New forms of synthetic collagen are being developed, such as Geltor's lab-fermented protein that aims to be an exact match to animal collagen with less environmental impact.
• 🌞 Sunscreen, vitamin C, vitamin A (retinol), and glycolic acid are alternative ways to stimulate collagen production and protect skin integrity.
• 💆‍♀️ Lifestyle factors like stress management, good sleep, exercise, and a diet rich in antioxidants can also support collagen levels and skin health.

Q & A

What is collagen and why is it important for the human body?

Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissues of the human body, including the skin, bones, tendons, and cartilages. It is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity, firmness, nail and hair health, and overall tissue integrity.

How does the body's collagen production change with age?

As one ages, the body loses about one percent of its collagen each year, which can lead to a decrease in skin elasticity and firmness.

What are the different forms in which collagen supplements are available?

Collagen supplements are available in various forms such as powders, liquids, gels, pills, tablets, and gummies.

What are the two main sources of raw materials for collagen supplements?

The raw materials for collagen supplements mainly come from two sources: animal-derived and vegan. Animal-derived collagen is primarily from bovine and porcine sources, while vegan collagen does not exist as plants do not produce collagen.

Why is there controversy surrounding the sourcing of animal-derived collagen?

The controversy arises because, while collagen is often marketed as a byproduct of the meat industry, the increasing demand for collagen supplements has been linked to deforestation in Brazil, and there are concerns about the sustainability and ethical sourcing of these products.

What is the difference between marine animal-derived collagen and other animal-derived collagens?

Marine animal-derived collagen, which can come from various fish and marine mammals, is reported to be more easily absorbed by the human body due to its lower molecular weight and has a lower chance of causing inflammatory responses and contaminants.

What does the term 'collagen booster' refer to in the context of plant-based products?

In the context of plant-based products, 'collagen booster' refers to ingredients that may support collagen production but are not actual collagen. These can include vitamins like vitamin C, which is known to stimulate collagen production.

What is the significance of a double-blind placebo-controlled study mentioned in the script?

The study is significant because it provides evidence that collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, especially in women over 50 years old, and that the effects can be long-lasting even after discontinuing the treatment.

What should consumers look for when choosing a collagen supplement?

Consumers should look for third-party testing labels such as those from USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab, and ensure the product is made from clearly traceable and ethically sourced ingredients. Hydrolyzed collagen is also recommended for better absorption and digestion.

What are some alternative ways to support collagen production in the body?

Alternative ways to support collagen production include wearing sunscreen to protect against UV damage, incorporating vitamin C and vitamin A (retinol) into one's skincare routine, using glycolic acid for skin exfoliation, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, exercising, and eating antioxidant-rich foods.

What is the role of synthetic collagen in the future of collagen supplementation?

Synthetic collagen, such as that being developed by companies like Geltor, is produced by fermenting plant sugars and has the potential to offer an ethical and sustainable alternative to animal-derived collagen. It is designed to have a lower environmental impact and match the collagen found in animal proteins.