The Truth about Pure Collagen

Ever wondered why pure collagen protein is being sold by supplement manufacturers for a variety of purposes?  Some cosmetic companies claim that their creams or lotions contain it.  Here’s a look at what “real” benefit, if any, these products could provide.

Proteins are the body’s building blocks.  When you eat meat or vegan sources of the nutrients, they are broken down by digestive juices into their component amino acids.

Some of the amino acids pass directly through the intestinal wall to enter the bloodstream.  Others end up in the liver, where they are used by that organ for a variety of purposes.

When proteins are not consumed through diet, the body cannot build muscle tissue or elastic fibers.  Regenerative organs, like the liver and the skin, cannot be replaced.  The entire body suffers.

Dietary supplements containing pure collagen protein were originally created for body builders.  In order to build that much muscle, a person must consume about one gram of protein per pound of body weight.  In many cases, the only way to do that, without getting too many calories or too much dietary fat, is through supplementation.

The supplements have been promoted as weight loss aids, because protein-rich foods or supplements are satisfying.  They can help to suppress the appetite.

The supplements have also been promoted for joint health, although other nutrients are more beneficial to the joints, according to scientific research.  Fish oils, glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, magnesium and many others have more proven benefits.

When it comes to the skin’s health and appearance, there is no reason to believe that pure collagen protein supplements would be helpful.  Collagens are one of the components of the skin’s elastic fibers.  But, when taken orally, they would be broken down in the digestive system.

The body would use the amino acids where needed.  If you weren’t getting enough of those amino acids in your diet, they would first be used in other parts of the body.  The skin’s health and appearance are not particularly vital.  The body takes care of the vital organs, first.  Then, it takes care of the skin.

As far as topically applied creams containing the pure collagen protein, there are no proven benefits associated with its use.  It makes a nice base gel for carrying other ingredients, but it does not penetrate the skin’s surface.  It can cause redness, irritation and itching, clog the pores, cause blemishes and other problems.

There are creams and lotions that stimulate the body to produce more skin cells and elastic fibers, but they don’t contain collagens.  They do contain:

You might not be able to find all of those ingredients in a single product.  Avocado oil and Shea butter, for example, are usually only included in night creams.  Peptide complexes are usually found in eye gels and anti-wrinkle masks designed for occasional use.

Bottom line, the one ingredient that you don’t need to look for in a cosmetic or moisturizer is pure collagen protein.  You’ll find that the ingredients mentioned above are more satisfying.

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