Health benefits of collagen water

Key takeaways:

• Collagen water is a solution that contains a mixture of water and collagen peptides. It can be likened to taking a collagen supplement in liquid form.
• Some touted health benefits of collagen water include improving skin health, slowing down aging, increasing muscle mass, and reducing joint pain.
• More research is needed to ascertain the safety levels of collagen water and the quantity that should be taken for effectiveness.

If you are experiencing joint problems, osteoporosis, skin wrinkling, muscle atrophy, or even hair loss/thinning, it is possible that someone has tried selling you collagen supplements. Collagen supplements are now touted for their many benefits. But why is that so? It will be helpful to first understand what collagen is.

Collagen is an important protein found in all parts of the body but is more abundant in the bones, skin, tissues, and tendons. It is of two types: endogenous collagen and exogenous collagen. Endogenous collagen is the natural collagen produced by the body, while exogenous collagen is the artificial one gotten from sources like supplements.

According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, people can benefit from using collagen supplements, but how that works will depend on a person’s individual needs.

Below are some possible health benefits of collagen water.

1. Improved skin health

Collagen is a major skin component that strengthens the skin and increases elasticity. However, as a person ages, the person’s body produces less collagen, indicating that collagen is essential for a better skin health.

Decreased or inadequate collagen production can increase the formation of wrinkles and cause dry skin. This is where collagen water comes in - to help reduce the formation of wrinkles and also to hydrate the skin 

A 2019 study review of oral collagen supplementation found that taking about 3 to 10 grams of collagen daily for about 69 days improved skin elasticity and hydration. 

There are also other non-evidence-backed claims that using collagen water can help prevent acne. There is no substantial evidence to back this up, though.

2. May prevent hair loss

Collagen can also help improve the outlook of your hair. Taking collagen supplements may increase the strength of your hair by preventing brittleness.

Sometimes, your hair can tell the state of your health. Therefore, if your hair is brittle, it may be a sign that your body lacks adequate collagen.

Aside from strengthening the hair, collagen may also prevent hair loss/thinning and can help the hair grow longer. Taking collagen supplements is one of the ways to make your hair grow super fast. 

3. Increased muscle mass

Another amazing health benefit of taking collagen water is that it can help with muscle growth. Because collagen is an important component of the skeletal muscle, taking its supplement may help increase muscle mass. This is one of the health benefits of collagen water. 

Like in the case of hair and bone, people also lose their muscle mass as they age. Also, loss of muscle mass can occur due to muscle inactivity, i.e., when the muscle has not been put into use, as in the case of people who have been bedridden for a long time. 

A study of 27 men with sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass due to age) found that the men who took 15 grams of collagen supplement while doing daily exercise gained more significant muscle mass and strength than men who only exercised without taking collagen.

However, if you are a bodybuilder, you might want to consider taking supplements like whey protein alongside collagen. Whey protein contains a high amount of amino acids like leucine which plays a vital role in muscle building. 

4. Stronger bone health

One of the benefits of collagen water is bone health improvement. Collagen constitutes a significant portion of the bones. Collagen gives the bones strength, stability, and structure. So, the more collagen available to your bones, the stronger your bones will be.

Unfortunately, as people age, the collagen in their bodies declines, as does their bone mass. Deterioration of the bone mass can lead to a condition known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone condition that presents with low bone density and an increased risk of bone fracture. 

Studies have found that taking a collagen supplement (whether in liquid, powdered, or solid form) can help inhibit the bone breakdown that causes osteoporosis. 

A study found that taking a calcium supplement alongside a collagen supplement can lower the blood levels of the proteins that cause bone breakdown compared to taking only a calcium supplement.

5. May reduce joint pain

Collagen water may be beneficial to your joint health. Since collagen helps maintain the strength and stability of the cartilage (the rubber-like structure present in the joints), having less of it in the body may negatively affect the joints.

As the collagen amount in the body decreases with age, your risk of developing joint problems like osteoarthritis increases. Studies have suggested that one way to improve osteoarthritis symptoms and overall joint pain is by taking collagen supplements. 

A study review of more than 500 people who have osteoarthritis found that taking about 10 grams every day for about 24 weeks significantly improved symptoms of osteoarthritis like pain and stiffness.

Dietary sources of collagen

In case you cannot readily access collagen water in your locality, there are some foods you can eat to boost your collagen level. Some great dietary sources of collagen include:

• Lean meat
• Chicken
• Spirulina
• Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits)
• Nuts and seeds (e.g., cashew nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds)
• Fish
• Eggs (particularly egg white)
• Berry
• Bell peppers
• Bone broth
• Beans
• Tomatoes
• Salmon
• Soy
• Cauliflower
• Oysters
• Green leafy vegetables

Wrap up

Different studies have shown the role collagen plays in the body. This indicates that supplementing with collagen water may have numerous health benefits.

However, this doesn't mean you should rely on collagen water if you notice certain prolonged abnormalities in your body. For instance, hair loss can be caused by a serious underlying health condition, that will require that you consult a doctor.

Also, before taking any supplement, including collagen water, speak with your doctor to ensure it is right and safe for you.