Collagen supplements are often marketed to improve skin, hair, nails, and joints, but do they really work? Here's what science and nutrition experts say about the role of collagen in maintaining healthy appearance and joints as we age.

Collagen is one of the major structural proteins in the body and helps improve the appearance of skins, nails, and hair. Will collagen supplements enhance your physical appearance?

Does collagen from gelatin supplements promote healthy skin, hair, nails, joints, and heal digestive issues?

According to nutritionist Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, collagen is broken down during digestion into smaller proteins and amino acids that can be absorbed from the digestive tract. The body uses these amino acids as building blocks to build new proteins as needed.

As our body gets older, we tend to have less collagen in our skin and joints, but that’s not necessarily because we don’t have enough building blocks to make more – maybe we do, maybe we don’t. The issue lies more in the time it takes our aging DNA to produce these proteins. So collagen supplements won’t necessarily help speed up the process but it won’t not-help either. It really just depends on your body.

Looking for more information about collagen supplements and if it’s right for you? Schedule a free nutritional consultation today!

Original source: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/know-your-nutrients/will-collagen-supplements-improve-your-skin