Understanding Collagen Supplement
With nutritional supplements flooding the market left, right and center, it becomes all the more challenging for health-conscious individuals to balance their daily nutrition with the right supplements.
While some nutrients are more specific in their functionality, certain nutrients play a wider, multi-purpose role in our bodily functioning. Collagen is an apt example of one such nutrient.
This blog addresses commonly raised questions relating to collagen - its importance, utility, and benefits.
Collagen is a protein that is a fundamental building block in the cells and tissues of humans, as well animals. It is the most prominent nutrient in our bodies, intrinsic to the connective functions of tissues with bones, cartilages, muscles, tendons, and foremostly, our skin. It is also essential in basic cellular processes and tissue repair and maintenance. Structurally composed of three amino acids: glycine, hydroxyproline, and proline, collagen is naturally produced by our bodies, through fibroblasts, a connective tissue cell.
As we age, collagen production gradually slows down. But with the complications of modern lifestyles - lack of sleep, exercise, excessive sun exposure, smoking, and alcohol consumption, accelerate the declined production of collagen. This inevitably leads to lowered bone strength and wrinkled skin.
With respect to food sources, non-vegetarians have it easy, as they can rely on animal flesh and bones, such as chicken and fish skin, and eggs, which contain collagen in connective tissues. Vitamin C is also a raw material in collagen production, utilized during collagen synthesis. Citrus fruits including grapefruit, lemon, lime, and oranges, as well as berries, beans, and peppers, are important dietary components for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Being considerate of the nature of Indian diets, generally not rich in non-vegetarian foods due to multiple reasons, compensating for the same through collagen supplements becomes necessary. In addition to the cosmetic consideration of better skin, but also for better joint mobility and strength, and improved bone mineral density (significantly so for postmenopausal women, who suffer from reduced bone mineral density).
Wary of Indian consumers with majorly vegetarian diets, Swisse provides a helping hand to your body’s collagen formation, with the Swisse Vegan Collagen Builder. Equipped with amino acids, Biotin, and Vitamin C, the Vegan Collagen Builder enhances skin elasticity, and supports skin repair and regeneration. The supplement is also composed of Vitamin E and Zinc, that act as an antioxidant for skin enrichment. For individuals with a non-vegetarian diet, the Swisse Collagen Glow Powder - made from Hydrolysed marine powder - is one of the most effective sources of natural collagen. The marine powder is subjected to Hydrolysis - an enzymatic process that breaks collagen into more digestible collagen peptides. What are collagen peptides you ask? A form of collagen with a low molecular weight that enables it to be dissolved in both hot and cold water for easier digestion. The Collagen Glow Powder contains essential amino acids that cannot be biologically produced in the human body, making it a highly ideal anti-ageing supplement. The presence of Vitamin C, E and grapeseed extract work towards greater hair, joint and nail health.
The mentioned Collagen supplements are recommended for a single dosage, directly after a meal, or differently as per the instructions of a healthcare professional.