Do Collagen Supplements Work? | 5 HUGE Mistakes When Taking Collagen

Summary

This video tackles the efficacy of collagen supplements in combating skin aging. It dispels myths about collagen absorption, explaining that ingested collagen is digested into di- and tripeptides that reach the skin and promote fibroblast activity, supporting the extracellular matrix and reducing matrix metalloproteinases that cause aging. The video also highlights five common mistakes to avoid for effective collagen supplementation: managing stress, ensuring adequate vitamin C intake, getting sufficient sleep, taking collagen at appropriate temperatures, and never underestimating the importance of sunscreen.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Collagen is a crucial protein for the structure of bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• 📉 The body's collagen production naturally declines starting around the age of 25, contributing to skin aging.
• 🧪 Collagen supplements are a topic of debate, with concerns about their absorption and effectiveness.
• 🔬 Research indicates that ingested collagen is digested into di- and tripeptides, which are absorbed and can reach the skin.
• 🚕 The PEPT-1 transporter facilitates the absorption of collagen peptides across the intestinal mucosa.
• 🩺 Once absorbed, collagen peptides are found in the bloodstream and can be retained in the skin tissue for up to two weeks.
• 🛡️ Collagen supplementation can help combat skin aging by promoting fibroblast activity and supporting the extracellular matrix.
• 🤯 Stress management is essential when taking collagen supplements, as high cortisol levels can hinder collagen production.
• 🍊 Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis and should be ensured through diet or supplements for optimal collagen function.
• 💤 Adequate sleep is necessary for maintaining healthy collagen levels, as fatigue can slow down collagen production.
• ☕️ Collagen supplements should be taken at room temperature to avoid denaturation from heat, which can reduce their effectiveness.
• ☀️ Sunscreen is critical in conjunction with collagen supplements, as UVA rays can break down collagen and negate the benefits of supplementation.

Q & A

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

Collagen is a protein that acts as a primary building block for various body tissues including bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity, bone strength, and overall tissue integrity.

At what age does the body typically start losing collagen?

The body begins to lose collagen around the age of 25, and this loss becomes more significant in the 30s.

What is the primary cause of skin aging according to the script?

The primary cause of skin aging is the loss of collagen.

What are the main doubts some experts express about collagen supplements?

Some experts doubt that collagen supplements are effective because they believe the collagen is destroyed by stomach acids and not absorbed into the bloodstream.

What happens to collagen once ingested?

Once ingested, collagen is digested into di- and tripeptides, which survive further hydrolysis and are transported across the intestinal mucosa via the PEPT-1 transporter.

How does the collagen absorbed into the bloodstream appear in the skin?

Hydroxyproline-containing di- and tripeptides from collagen peptides have been shown to appear in the blood one hour after ingestion and can reach and be retained in the skin tissue for up to 2 weeks.

How does collagen supplementation help fight skin aging?

Collagen supplementation promotes the growth and migration of fibroblasts, which helps them to be more active in supporting the structure of the extracellular matrix and combating matrix metalloproteinases that cause aging.

What are the five mistakes to avoid when taking collagen supplements according to the script?

The five mistakes to avoid are: 1) Not managing stress, 2) Not getting enough vitamin C, 3) Not getting enough sleep, 4) Taking collagen at high temperatures, and 5) Underestimating the importance of sunscreen.

Why is stress management important when taking collagen supplements?

Stress can increase cortisol levels, which can decrease collagen production as the body's resources are used to combat stress rather than maintain collagen.

What role does vitamin C play in collagen function?

Vitamin C is a key cofactor in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, helping to ensure that collagen functions at optimal levels and contributes to a plump, youthful skin appearance.

How does sleep affect collagen production in the body?

Lack of sleep can compromise the immune system, which in turn slows down collagen production. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night is ideal for supporting collagen synthesis.

Why is the temperature at which you take collagen supplements important?

The temperature is important because collagen powder may fall apart at temperatures above body temperature, potentially reducing its effectiveness. It is recommended to take it at room temperature or with an iced beverage.

What is the significance of sunscreen in relation to collagen benefits?

Sunscreen is crucial because UVA rays can penetrate deep into the dermis and break down collagen supply over time. Using sunscreen helps prevent this damage and preserve the benefits of collagen supplements.

Outlines

00:00

🥚 Understanding Collagen Supplements and Absorption

This paragraph delves into the importance of collagen as a fundamental protein for various body tissues and its inevitable decline post-25 years of age. It addresses the common skepticism about the effectiveness of collagen supplements, particularly their absorption into the bloodstream and subsequent benefits for the skin. The script clarifies that ingested collagen is not entirely destroyed by stomach acids but is instead broken down into di- and tripeptides, which are absorbed and transported across the intestinal mucosa via the PEPT-1 transporter. These peptides are then converted into amino acids, mainly hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline, which have been shown to reach the skin and remain there for up to two weeks. The paragraph also discusses the role of collagen in combating skin aging by stimulating fibroblast activity, which helps rebuild the extracellular matrix and counteract matrix metalloproteinases that degrade collagen and other structural proteins.

05:07

🛡️ Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid for Effective Collagen Supplementation

The second paragraph outlines the top five mistakes to avoid when using collagen supplements to ensure their effectiveness. The first mistake is not managing stress, as high cortisol levels from stress can reduce collagen production. The second is lacking sufficient vitamin C, which is crucial for collagen synthesis and maintaining skin's plumpness. The third mistake is not getting enough sleep, as fatigue can compromise the immune system and slow down collagen production. The fourth is consuming collagen in hot beverages, as high temperatures can denature the collagen powder, negating its benefits. The final mistake is underestimating the importance of sunscreen, which is vital in protecting the skin from UVA rays that break down collagen. The paragraph emphasizes the need for regular reapplication of sunscreen and suggests using a physical sunscreen for immediate protection.

Keywords

💡Collagen

Collagen is a protein that acts as a primary component in the structure of various body tissues such as bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In the context of the video, it is highlighted as a crucial element for maintaining skin elasticity and structure. The script discusses the loss of collagen with age and its supplementation as a means to combat skin aging.

💡Skin Aging

Skin aging refers to the natural process of skin deterioration over time, which can be accelerated by various factors including the loss of collagen. The video emphasizes that the loss of collagen is the primary cause of skin aging, and it explores the role of collagen supplements in potentially reversing or slowing down this process.

💡Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements are products designed to provide the body with additional collagen, which may help in maintaining skin health and potentially slowing down the aging process. The video script discusses the efficacy of these supplements, addressing common doubts and misconceptions about their absorption and effectiveness.

💡Digestion

Digestion is the process by which food is broken down in the body to be absorbed and utilized. The script explains that when collagen is ingested, it is digested into di- and tripeptides, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. This process is vital for the absorption of collagen supplements and their effectiveness in reaching the skin.

💡Dipeptides and Tripeptides

Dipeptides and tripeptides are short chains of amino acids that result from the digestion of proteins like collagen. The video mentions that these smaller peptide chains survive the digestive process and are transported across the intestinal mucosa, which is essential for their absorption and subsequent distribution in the body.

💡PEPT-1

PEPT-1 is a transporter protein that facilitates the absorption of di- and tripeptides across the intestinal mucosa. The script uses the analogy of an 'Uber X' to describe its function in transporting collagen peptides, emphasizing its importance in the absorption process of collagen supplements.

💡Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. In the script, after digestion, collagen is broken down into amino acids, primarily hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline. These amino acids are then utilized by the body, including for the synthesis of new collagen.

💡Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are cells that produce the extracellular matrix of the skin, including collagen. The video explains that as fibroblasts become less active with age, they slow down the synthesis of the extracellular matrix, leading to skin aging. Collagen supplementation is suggested as a way to promote fibroblast activity and combat aging.

💡Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)

Matrix Metalloproteinases are enzymes that break down components of the extracellular matrix, including collagen. The script describes how increased collagen intake from supplements can help fibroblasts combat the destructive effects of MMPs, thus supporting skin health and reducing signs of aging.

💡Stress Management

Stress management refers to the strategies and techniques used to cope with and reduce stress. The video mentions that stress can increase cortisol levels, which may decrease collagen production. Therefore, practicing stress management is highlighted as an important factor in maintaining collagen levels and supporting skin health.

💡Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in collagen synthesis. The script points out that vitamin C is a necessary cofactor for the production of collagen and elastin, which contribute to skin's plumpness and elasticity. Ensuring adequate vitamin C intake is advised to support the effectiveness of collagen supplements.

💡Sleep

Sleep is vital for overall health, including skin health. The video script mentions that inadequate sleep can compromise the immune system and slow down collagen production. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night is recommended to support the body's natural collagen production processes.

💡Temperature Sensitivity

The script discusses the importance of the temperature at which collagen supplements are consumed. It suggests that hot temperatures can denature the collagen, rendering it ineffective. Therefore, taking collagen at room temperature or cold, such as in an iced latte, is recommended to preserve its benefits.

💡Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a product that protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. The video emphasizes the importance of using sunscreen to prevent UVA rays from breaking down collagen in the skin. It also points out common mistakes in sunscreen application, such as not reapplying every two hours and missing spots with spray sunscreen.

Highlights

Collagen is a crucial protein for various body parts including bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Collagen loss begins around the age of 25 and accelerates in the 30s, being the primary cause of skin aging.

The absorption of collagen supplements is a common concern, with doubts about their effectiveness.

Ingested collagen is not completely destroyed; it is digested into di- and tripeptides that can be absorbed.

Collagen peptides are transported across the intestinal mucosa via the PEPT-1 transporter.

Hydroxyproline-containing peptides from collagen appear in the blood one hour after ingestion.

Radioactively labeled collagen peptides have been shown to reach and be retained in the skin tissue for up to 2 weeks.

Increased collagen intake promotes fibroblast growth and migration, combating skin aging.

Stress management is crucial as high cortisol levels can decrease collagen production.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and maintaining skin's plump appearance.

Adequate sleep is vital for immune system health and collagen production.

Collagen supplements should not be consumed in hot drinks as heat can denature them.

Sunscreen is indispensable for protecting collagen from UVA rays, which break down the skin's collagen supply.

SPF 30, 50, and 100 provide varying degrees of UVB protection, with SPF 30 filtering 97% of rays.

Physical sunscreen offers immediate protection by acting as a shield against the sun's rays.

Transcripts

Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the  main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair,  

muscles, tendons, and ligaments. And even if  you do everything 'right,' everyone starts to  

lose collagen around 25, and definitely in their  30s. In fact the No. 1 cause of skin aging is the  

loss of collagen. So the question on collagen  supplements becomes the next question to be  

asking. Should I be taking collagen supplements,  and if so, what are some mistakes I need to avoid  

so that they actually work. In this video, we  will look at one of the biggest questions about  

collagen supplements which is the issue on if the  body can absorb them and actually get the collagen  

all the way from the stomach to the skin, which  a lot of youtubers and experts skip over, and 5  

of the biggest mistakes you want to avoid if you  go ahead with trying collagen. Definitely share  

this video because I think it will be helpful to  others, and without further ado lets get started. 

If you guys are new here, this channel is all  about helping you make informed decisions as  

well as be in the know when it comes to your  health and wellness, and I would love for you  

all to gently tap on that like button down  below, and if you really like the content,  

then Id love for you all to subscribe as well,  to stay up to date with new weekly videos. Now  

without wasting anymore time, lets get straight  into it. And ive left the timestamps down below  

too, to make finding information easier. One of the biggest doubts that some experts  

tell you about collagen supplements is  this idea that once you ingest collagen,  

it gets destroyed by stomach acids and  are not absorbed in the bloodstream,  

therefore there is no point to take them. But  heres the thing, if you investigate what actually  

happens to the collagen, it gets interesting.  And I mean, pretty interesting. Since I mean  

you do have studies that look at how collagen  can restore skin hydration, skin elasticity,  

and density. So what gives? Does it reach the  skin or not. You see, Once you ingest collagen,  

it doesnt get fully destroyed. They get digested  into di-and tripeptides which survive further  

hydrolysis. And Because they survive that, they  get to be transported across whats known as the  

intestinal mucosa via a fancy transporter called  PEPT-1, think of this as like your UBER X. At this  

point the collagen can be referred to as an amino  acid mostly made up of as hydroxyproline, glycine,  

and proline. And guess what, hydroxyproline  containing di- and tripeptides have been shown  

to appear one hour after ingestion of collagen  peptides at nanomolar concentrations in the blood.  

And to be sure of that, they investigated it using  radioactively labeled collagen peptides and saw  

that the absorbed peptides do reach the skin and  are retained in the tissue for up to 2 weeks. Yes,  

a whole 2 weeks. But then what, it gets to the  skin i get that, but how does it prevent aging.  

Well to understand that, you have to take a look  at one of skin agings biggest culprits which are  

lazy fibroblasts that slow down synthesizing the  extracellular matrix of the skin, which is a big  

component of the skin. And because fibroblasts  slow down and get lazy, you have their enemy,  

mmps which are matrix metalloproteinases that show  up and destroy collagen, fibronectin, elastin, and  

more. But since we take in more collagen from our  collagen peptides, we then promote the growth of  

those fibroblasts and help fibroblast migration,  so they can stop being lazy and support the  

structure of the extracellular matrix and attack  those nasty matrix metalloproteinases which cause  

aging. So now that we know that collagen reaches  the skin and promotes fibroblast activity to fight  

and reverse skin aging. What are the 5 mistakes  I need to avoid to be successful with collagen. 

The first is: If youre taking or starting to  think about taking collagen. You need to control  

your stress and practice stress management. Stress  can cause an increase in hormones like cortisol,  

which research has found high amounts of cortisol  can decrease the production of collagen. This is  

because Less collagen is produced in high-stress  because the body's resources are used to stop the  

stress, instead of maintain the collagen.  So staying active, connecting with others,  

laughing more, and yoga, even laughing yoga  if youre into that, can lower cortisol. 

The second is: Not getting enough vitamin  c. Vitamin c helps ensure your collagen  

is functioning at the levels it should be.  Especially because Vitamin C is a key cofactor  

in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, giving  your skin that plump look your searching for. 

And on that note, Whether that is topically  or ingested, vitamin c stimulates collagen  

synthesis and acts as a potent antioxidant to  scavenge any free radicals that are breaking  

down your collagen. And The 10% l-ascorbic  acid by cerave is my current favorite one,  

which you can pick up down below. Or if  you want a stronger one, then Id go with  

the paulas choice c15 super booster at 15%. The third mistake is. Not getting enough  

sleep. When the body is overly fatigued and  not fully rested, it compromises the immune  

system which in turn slows down collagen  production. 7-8 hours a night is the sweet  

spot. So make sure you catch your z’s. The fourth mistake is: temperature. The  

temperature you take your collagen is important  for it to be effective. Drinking it hot might  

not be helpful because "collagen powder  falls apart at temperatures above body  

temperature,Which could Basically mean,  you are just consuming gelatin with zero  

collagen benefits. Instead you can take it  at room temperature or with an iced latte. 

The fifth mistake is: Underestimating your  sunscreen. You can take all the collagen  

supplements and collagen stimulants in the world  but if you skip sunscreen youd not only waste your  

money, but get no real collagen benefits. And  One of the biggest sunscreen mistakes is not  

reapplying it after that 2 hour mark and secondly  if youre using spray sunscreen. Spray sunscreen  

can lead to easily missed spots in which the sun  can burn off your collagen. Especially those UVA  

rays, which go much deeper into dermis of skin and  over time break down the collagen supply. And no,  

your foundation isnt enough SPF to block  UVA. You should still at the minimum wear a  

hat when you go outside, sunglasses if you  can, seek shade, and use an SPF of 30 or  

more. SPF 30 filters 97 percent of the sun’s  UVB rays, SPF 50 filters 98 percent, and SPF  

100 filters 99 percent. And if you dont want to  wait the 30 minutes for the sunscreen to absorb,  

try a physical sunscreen which works right away,  since it acts like a shield instead of a sponge. 

Click the red subscribe button down below if you  found any value and ill see you on the next one.