Taking Collagen Keeps Skin More Elastic But Won't Stop Wrinkles, Say Scientists

Taking regular collagen supplements tin rejuvenate nan tegument by boosting elasticity and hydration aliases moisture - but it won't extremity wrinkles, says a caller technological review.

Experts looked astatine nan disposable grounds and opportunity they are highly assured that collagen pills aliases powder supply "some legitimate" tegument gains if taken complete clip but are nary speedy fix.

The supplements whitethorn besides easiness deterioration and tear, arthritis associated symptom and stiffness, according to nan results from 113 tests involving astir 8,000 people.

Collagen is simply a type of macromolecule made people successful nan assemblage but that declines pinch age. It supports and strengthens skin, nails, bones and connective tissues, including tendons and cartilage.

'Collagen is not a cure-all'

From early adulthood onwards, nan assemblage produces little collagen and existing collagen breaks down astatine a somewhat faster rate.

Smoking and sun harm make this worse.

Around nan menopause, erstwhile women extremity having periods, tegument loses moreover much collagen - astir a third, opportunity nan researchers who person published their findings successful nan Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum.

There are respective types of supplements group tin take, including marine, bovine and vegan collagen. The reappraisal was incapable to show if definite types worked amended than others.

The researchers from Anglia Ruskin University accent that galore of nan studies conducted pinch supplements person been funded by nan supplement industry, and that "bold claims" person been made astir collagen anti-ageing benefits. The reappraisal did not person immoderate manufacture funding.

One of nan lead investigators, Prof Lee Smith, said: "This study brings together nan strongest grounds to day connected collagen supplementation.

"Collagen is not a cure-all, but it does person reliable benefits erstwhile utilized consistently complete time, peculiarly for tegument and osteoarthritis. Our findings show clear benefits successful cardinal areas of patient ageing, while besides dispelling immoderate of nan myths surrounding its use."

Collagen whitethorn beryllium champion positioned not arsenic an anti-wrinkle treatment, but for holistic attraction for ageing and sun-damaged skin, opportunity nan researchers.

Smith says: "If we specify anti-ageing arsenic a merchandise aliases method designed to forestall nan quality of getting older, past I judge our findings do support this declare for immoderate parameters.

"For example, an betterment successful tegument reside and moisture is associated pinch a much youthful-looking appearance."

Bridget Benelam, a nutrition intelligence astatine nan British Nutrition Foundation, said fare was besides important for tegument health.

"Vitamin C helps pinch collagen statement and truthful ensuring you get capable from foods specified arsenic citrus fruits, berries, greenish vegetables, peppers and tomatoes whitethorn help. Zinc, recovered successful meat, poultry, cheese, immoderate shellfish, nuts, seeds and wholegrains, besides helps nan assemblage nutrient collagen.

"Dietary sources of collagen and galore collagen supplements are made from animal products and truthful not suitable for vegan diets. However, nan assemblage makes its ain collagen from nan amino acids recovered successful dietary macromolecule and truthful macromolecule from sources specified arsenic beans and lentils tin supply nan amino acids needed for collagen production. There are besides vegan supplements available."

Dr Tamara Griffiths, president of nan British Association of Dermatologists, welcomed nan investigation but recommended more: "Further information pinch targeted, robust dermatological studies are required to build connected nan committedness raised by this systematic review."