Collagen has also been shown to help with energy levels, mood and appetite. When collagen is abundant, our system is working seamlessly to rejuvenate our skin, tissues and joints and we experience a truly restorative sleep.
Improvements in skin, nails, muscle and joint health may become noticeable after three to six months of regular collagen supplementation, but results varied across scientific studies. Results may take longer depending on personal factors including age, nutritional status and overall health.
One of the primary amino acids that are found in collagen is glycine. Glycine is known to increase your serotonin levels without simultaneously raising your dopamine levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood. Low levels of serotonin can leave you feeling unhappy and depressed.
Collagen and mood
Ingesting collagen as your main form of protein can potentially lead to a deficit in tryptophan. A decrease in tryptophan results in lower serotonin levels and has the potential to cause feelings of anxiety, irritability, and depression (particularly if you already suffer from a mood disorder.)
As such, no matter your goal for using collagen, it will take at least 8 weeks to experience noticeable results ( 6 ). Most studies use a minimum of 8 weeks to assess collagen's effects on skin health and joint pain relief, but other studies use longer periods, such as 12 months, for bone health ( 9 , 14 , 22 ).
Many of the studies available suggest that you'd be able to noticeably see improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and density anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks of regular collagen supplementation.
A standard recommendation is to take it in the morning, first thing. The main reason for this is that you take the supplement on an empty stomach. This suggestion potentially has some reasoning, and we suggest you take SkinGlo on an empty stomach.
Collagen is generally considered to be a safe and nontoxic daily supplement for healthy individuals, and most people won't experience adverse side effects.
"Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz. Your body naturally makes collagen, but this production decreases with age.
A surprising benefit of taking collagen is the positive impact it can have on your sleep. This is because collagen is loaded with the amino acid glycine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms the central nervous system and helps us to unwind, relax, and fall asleep.
Collagen supplements may increase satiety, or the feeling of fullness. This could aid weight loss and management by reducing hunger, and therefore, how many calories you eat in a day. Collagen might have this effect because it's a protein.
Taking a collagen supplement will not cause you to gain weight. In fact, it can help support you on your weight loss journey along with proper diet and exercise. Collagen is beneficial to your bones, muscles, hair, skin, and nails. It also helps to improve your heart health.
Mood booster: there is evidence to suggest that collagen is a mood booster. So, you'll feel happier and have more serotonin, which should make you have less anxiety.
Some collagen products contain eggs or shellfish. If you are allergic to either of these foods, your body could have a reaction to the supplement. According to some studies, people can develop mild side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach after taking these oral supplements.
Collagen peptides have been safely used in doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 months.
If you experience any itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after taking collagen supplements, it's important to stop taking them and see a doctor immediately.
Not only does collagen help with hair loss, collagen also helps for hair growth! As we mentioned before, collagen can help to improve scalp circulation and deliver essential nutrients to the hair follicles. In addition, collagen can help to strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage.
Bottom line: Most people have 1 treatment and feel some tightening right away. It takes time for your body to make collagen, so you'll see the best results in about 6 months. Some people benefit from having more than 1 treatment. Results can last 2 to 3 years with the right skin care.
Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.
Human studies are lacking but some randomized controlled trials have found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity. [3,4] Other trials have found that the supplements can improve joint mobility and decrease joint pain such as with osteoarthritis or in athletes.
Studies recommend that adults consume between 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen per day to enjoy its health benefits. You can consume collagen powder by mixing it into smoothies, shakes, baked goods, or even your coffee or tea.
Increasing your collagen intake may help increase your metabolism by adding lean muscle mass to your frame and helping with the conversion of essential nutrients. Remember that retaining muscle mass is crucial as you age, since it helps support posture and bone health, and burns more calories.
Collagen can help you reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve your skin's elasticity, yet, it won't happen overnight. You should also note that it can't fully reverse cellulite, but it can make your skin look smoother and healthier.