What Are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen peptides are supplements that are made from the bones, skin, and cartilage of some animals. Their main function is to increase the endogenous synthesis of this protein.
Every day they acquire more relevance for their nutritional and physiological properties , since they play a key role in the maintenance of the skin, hair, bones and nails. Now, how do you get them? What are its effects?
Collagen synthesis in the body
To better understand how they intervene in the body, it is necessary to understand the role of collagen in living beings. This substance is one of the proteins that make up the connective and connective tissues of the body, especially the skin, joints and bones.
It is one of the most abundant molecules in many living organisms due to its role in biological structures. It is synthesized through the amino acids that are ingested. The body absorbs them and forms 3 polypeptide chains that link together to form it.
However, despite their abundance, collagen fibers are damaged over time and lose their thickness and strength. Consequently, the aging process is accelerated.
Collagen peptides: how are they obtained?
Now, thanks to the consumption of collagen peptides, the body improves the synthesis of this protein. Although the raw material used to obtain this product is collagen itself, these are obtained from the hydrolysis of the substance contained in the skin, cartilage and bones of fish, sheep, pigs and cattle.
They generally contain a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 100 amino acids, and are characterized by excellent cold water solubility that does not form gels, even in highly concentrated solutions.
Benefits of collagen peptides
- A study published in the journal Nutrients states that collagen peptides are effective agents in hydrating the skin and as anti-wrinkles.
- On the other hand, it has been suggested that the oral intake of them has benefits as a preventive of conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
How do collagen peptides work on the skin?
Due to its directly proportional relationship with skin aging, collagen has gained great interest in the cosmetic industry. In this sense, it has been discovered that short chain peptides are bioavailable and bioactive; therefore, they can induce beneficial effects.
In addition, if they are administered orally, they can reach the deepest layer of the skin and stimulate the endogenous production of components of the extracellular matrix in the skin. Because of this, they can play such effects.
What do studies say about it?
In a study published in the Nature Research Journal, it is commented that the similarity between collagen peptides from bovines and humans is what explains the significant improvements that supplements have on skin parameters.
In addition to this, a scientific study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that this similarity also occurs with porcine collagen peptides. According to this research, they appear to improve collagen synthesis in humans and, therefore, can be used successfully to improve and repair skin throughout the body.
How to enhance its effects?
Although collagen peptide supplements are beneficial, many of them also have other substances such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, especially vitamin C and magnesium. Due to these substances, they manage to obtain more positive effects on the hydration and elasticity of the skin.
Collagen Peptides: What Should You Remember?
Collagen peptides are used, above all, for cosmetic purposes, as they markedly improve the appearance of the skin. Also, in conjunction with other substances, its effects can be enhanced.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that hydrolyzed collagen is also made, but this has an anti-inflammatory purpose. Therefore, it is used for bones and joints.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that collagen makes up, not only skin, but also bones, hair, and other tissues. Thus, it is convenient to ensure their adequate assimilation.
