What Are Collagen Gummies?
Collagen gummies have become an increasingly popular supplement in recent years. As collagen levels naturally decline with age, many people take collagen supplements to help maintain youthful-looking skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones. Collagen gummies provide a convenient and tasty way to get your daily collagen intake.
Collagen gummies are made with collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed by the body. They often contain types I and III collagen from bovine, fish, or egg shells. The gummies come in a variety of delicious fruity flavors and do not require refrigeration like some other collagen supplements. Many brands also add vitamin C, biotin, and other nutrients to enhance the benefits.
Benefits of Collagen Gummies
Here are some of the evidence-based benefits of taking collagen gummies:
Improve Skin Elasticity and Hydration
Collagen is a major structural protein that keeps skin looking youthful and supple. It makes up about 70% of your skin. As you age, collagen production slows down leading to wrinkles and dryness. Studies show taking collagen supplements for at least 4 weeks can significantly improve skin hydration, elasticity, and collagen density to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Relieve Joint Discomfort
The collagen in gummies can help to rebuild cartilage that cushions joints. This may reduce painful swelling and stiffness in joints from arthritis. Clinical trials found collagen supplements reduced joint pain and improved mobility in athletes and those with osteoarthritis after exercising.
Strengthen Hair and Nails
Collagen gummies may give you longer, thicker hair and strong nails less prone to breakage. Collagen comprises nearly 89% of your hair structure. It also promotes nail growth and prevents brittleness. Taking collagen supplements has been shown to increase nail growth and thickness as well as hair follicle size.
Boost Muscle Mass
Some research indicates collagen supplements combined with resistance training may help build muscle mass. Collagen makes up 10% of your muscles. The protein in collagen gummies may help increase synthesis of muscle proteins like creatine to help you gain more muscle mass from working out.
Support Heart Health
Studies indicate collagen supplements may lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness. This may help reduce your risk of heart disease. The peptides bind to cholesterol in your blood preventing arterial plaque buildup. They also help make blood vessels more flexible.
Improve Liver Health
Collagen gummies may support a healthy liver. The amino acids glycine and proline help restore damaged liver tissue. This assists in normal liver functioning. In one study, participants with liver fibrosis showed improved liver function after taking collagen for 6 months.
Protect Brain Function
As a major component of the blood-brain barrier, collagen helps prevent toxins from entering the brain. The amino acids in collagen also help synthesize neurotransmitters critical for optimal brain function. Preliminary research indicates collagen supplements may improve mood and cognitive function.
Aid Weight Loss
Some studies demonstrate collagen supplements may promote fat burning and build lean muscle mass to support weight loss. The peptides help curb appetite by keeping you full longer to reduce food intake. Collagen also prevents new fat cells from forming helping lower BMI.
Slow Signs of Aging
Collagen gummies may help combat the effects of natural aging. Collagen production starts dropping around age 25 leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. Taking collagen orally replenishes collagen throughout the body to maintain a youthful look and mobility as you age.
Types of Collagen in Gummies
There are several types of collagen used to make gummies, each with its own unique benefits:
Type I - Skin, Hair, Nails, Tendons
Type I collagen provides structure to skin, hair, nails, tendons, and ligaments. It makes up 90% of your organic collagen. Type I gummies promote elasticity and hydration for glowing skin and may strengthen brittle nails.
Type II - Joints and Cartilage
Type II collagen makes up moveable joints and cartilage. Consuming type II collagen is shown to improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation in arthritis patients. It may also help build muscle mass.
Type III - Blood Vessels and Heart
Type III collagen supports cardiovascular health through elastic arteries and heart tissue. About 10% of your collagen is type III. Supplements may improve circulation and lower blood pressure.
Type V - Cell Surfaces
Type V collagen is found in hair follicles, cell surfaces, and tissue repair. It interacts with type I collagen to form hair and nails. Type V may enhance hair growth and skin healing.
Type X - Bone Formation
Type X collagen is involved in endochondral ossification regulating new bone formation. It may help increase bone mineral density to prevent osteoporosis.
Sources of Collagen in Gummies
The type of collagen found in gummies depends on the source it's derived from:
Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen comes from cows and is rich in type I and III collagen. It supports skin elasticity and joint mobility. Ensure the cows are grass-fed without antibiotics or hormones.
Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is derived from fish skin, scales, or bones. It contains mainly type I collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Make sure wild-caught fish are sustainably sourced.
Porcine Collagen
Porcine collagen from pigs has similar benefits to bovine collagen. It may promote skin and nail health. Choose cruelty-free brands that use clean pork sources.
Egg Shell Collagen
Egg shell collagen provides mostly type I and V collagen for hair, skin, and nails. It offers a safe option for those avoiding beef and marine sources.
Plant-Based Collagen
Vegan collagen contains vitamins and amino acids that mimic collagen-building benefits without animal ingredients. Sources may include peas, rice protein, citrus fruits, and leafy greens.
Other Collagen Gummy Ingredients
Collagen gummies often include complementary ingredients for added health benefits:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C aids collagen synthesis and protects it from damage. It provides powerful antioxidant effects for healthy skin.
Biotin
Also known as vitamin B7, biotin plays an essential role in metabolizing fats and amino acids. It promotes healthy hair, nails, and skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects against free radicals and inflammation. It helps collagen gummies better hydrate your skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
This compound attracts moisture and plumps the skin to minimize wrinkles. It enhances hydration and suppleness when combined with collagen.
Resveratrol
Found in grape skins, resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that protects collagen from free radical damage. It also supports joint comfort.
Benefits vs Risks of Collagen Gummies
Collagen gummies offer many benefits with little risks for most people when taken as directed. However, there are some things to keep in mind:
Benefits
- Improve skin elasticity, hydration and smoothness
- Reduce fine lines, wrinkles and cellulite
- Increase lean muscle mass
- Strengthen brittle nails
- Promote shine, growth and thickness of hair
- Improve joint flexibility and mobility
- Support gut and heart health
- Boost metabolism and weight control
Potential Risks
- May cause mild digestive upset in some
- Bovine sources may not be suitable for those avoiding beef or dairy
- Marine collagen unsuitable for those with shellfish allergies
- Porcine sources incompatible if avoiding pork for religious reasons
- Rare potential for negative immune response
Consult your doctor before taking collagen gummies if you have any food sensitivities, are pregnant, or have a serious medical condition.
How to Take Collagen Gummies
Most collagen gummy brands recommend taking 2 to 4 gummies once or twice per day. Follow dosage instructions on the package to meet your individual needs. For best results:
- Take gummies consistently every day with food
- Choose a product with at least 10 grams of collagen per serving
- Take gummies at least 30 minutes before or 1 hour after eating for optimal absorption
- Drink plenty of water to enhance hydration
- Take a break 1 week after every 3 months of daily use
- Pair with vitamin C for increased efficacy
- Avoid taking gummies immediately before bedtime
Expect to take collagen gummies for 2-3 months to see noticeable results in your hair, skin, nails, and joints. Ongoing daily use helps maintain the benefits long-term.
Top Collagen Gummy Brands
Some of the top-rated collagen gummy products include:
Vital Proteins Collagen Gummies
Sourced from grass-fed bovine, these gummies provide types I and III collagen with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. They support hair, skin, nail, and joint health.
Sports Research Collagen Peptides Gummies
Contains collagen types I and III from grass-fed cows with biotin and vitamin C. Promotes youthful skin, flexible joints, and thicker hair and nails.
Codeage Multi Collagen Protein Gummies
Provides bovine, fish, and egg collagen with elderberry, vitamins, and minerals. Helps strengthen hair, skin, bones, and joints.
Zhou Collagen Peptide Gummies
Features hydrolyzed bovine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C for skin elasticity, joint relief, and anti-aging benefits.
NeoCell Super Collagen Gummies
Includes collagen types I and III sourced from grass-fed bovine. Vitamin C aids collagen formation to improve skin smoothness and elasticity.
Collagen Gummies: Final Verdict
Collagen gummies offer a tasty and nutritious way to nourish your hair, skin, nails, joints, muscles, and more. The research shows collagen supplements like gummies can help slow signs of aging, strengthen connective tissues, promote skin elasticity, and reduce joint discomfort.
High-quality collagen gummies made with clean sources of bovine, marine, or plant-based collagen can provide natural youth-enhancing and anti-aging benefits. They are safe for most people when used as recommended. Pair your gummies with vitamin C for optimal results.
Incorporate collagen gummies into your daily wellness routine for beautiful, youthful skin, luscious hair and strong nails. Your joints will also thank you!
FAQs
What are the main benefits of taking collagen gummies?
The main benefits of collagen gummies are improving skin hydration and elasticity, strengthening brittle nails, reducing joint discomfort, supporting hair growth, and slowing signs of aging.
When is the best time to take collagen gummies?
Take collagen gummies either 30 minutes before eating or 1 hour after eating for optimal absorption. Taking them with vitamin C also enhances the effects. Avoid taking them right before bedtime.
How long does it take to see results from collagen gummies?
It typically takes 2-3 months of consistent daily use to notice significant improvements in your hair, skin, nails and joints from taking collagen gummies.
What is the difference between bovine and marine collagen?
Bovine collagen comes from cows and is rich in types I and III collagen. Marine collagen comes from fish and contains predominantly type I collagen. Both support skin health but marine may be better for anti-aging.
Can collagen gummies help with weight loss?
Some research shows collagen supplements can help burn fat, build lean muscle, curb appetite and lower BMI to potentially aid weight loss efforts when combined with diet and exercise.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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