Crazy For Collagen

It’s flying off health food store shelves for a reason—collagen definitely delivers when it comes to joint health and beauty

- Lisa Turner

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, is responsible for regenerating and forming new tissue, and is crucial for skin, hair, nail, joint, and bone health. As we age, the skin’s collagen matrix starts to decline, collagen fibers break down, and the rate of regeneration slows dramatically. This process can start as early as age 25, and by age 40, collagen production generally decreases by 25 percent. By age 60, it decreases by more than 50 percent. The result: sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and aching joints.

Studies on Collagen & What They Show

Up to 28 different kinds of collagen have been identified, but the vast majority fall into three categories, known as types 1, 2, and 3. Supplementing with collagen (types 1, 2, 3, or a combination of the three) has been shown in several studies to protect against bone and joint diseases and fight skin aging. Some highlights: