Thanks to the most recent social media craze, skin-care, and wellness aficionados have been putting a scoop of collagen peptides in their coffee, taking collagen pills with their morning vitamins, and now, drinking collagen water. The drink, according to trend followers, promotes strong bones, joints, and hair.
Collagen is frequently used in the cosmetic industry because of its alleged benefits for the skin. According to a review published in January 2019 in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, the protein, which makes up 75% of the dry weight of skin, provides skin its structure. Collagen is well-liked by those who have stiff joints because it also plays a crucial role in the construction of joints and bones.
Natural collagen is produced by the body, and its significance is well known. The limited research that has been done suggests that collagen supplements, including collagen water, may have advantages despite the paucity of available data.
What you need to know about collagen water is provided here.
Collagen Water: What Is It?
The phrase “collagen water” encapsulates its two essential components, which are water and collagen.
Collagen has several names associated with it. Shorter chains of amino acids make up collagen peptides, commonly referred to as hydrolyzed collagen. This is the type of collagen that collagen water often contains. Collagen peptides, which are proteins produced from animal bones and skin, are combined with water to create collagen water, according to Jeffrey Gladd, MD, an integrative doctor in Columbia City, Indiana, and the creator of Gladd Integrative Medicine.
Only two components are needed to make homemade collagen water; however, store-bought versions may also include trace amounts of fruit juices and plant extracts. Despite its straightforward composition, collagen water is frequently a substantial supply of protein. Some collagen water solutions have up to 10 grams (g) of protein per bottle, which makes them a great post-workout beverage to rehydrate and nourish muscles.
The body’s most prevalent protein is collagen, and health-conscious consumers have taken notice. Since 2014, there has been a steady rise in internet searches for collagen, with many people viewing collagen supplements as the next fountain of youth, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Although there is no quick answer for the signs of aging, such as the development of wrinkles, loss of muscle mass, and modifications in the health of the joints and bones, consuming collagen may be beneficial.
In particular, Dr. Gladd notes that collagen “appears to be particularly helpful for addressing indicators of aging skin and relieving symptoms connected to osteoarthritis.” Collagen may also reduce joint discomfort, smooth wrinkles, and improve suppleness.
You will also stay hydrated if you consume collagen in the form of collagen water, a liquid version of collagen.
Is Collagen Water Good for Your Health?
The prevalence of collagen can be ascribed to lotions and moisturizers that promise to increase the skin’s natural amounts of collagen. However, there is insufficient evidence to back up these claims, and the majority of dermatologists remain dubious of topical collagen. However, consuming collagen has received more attention, and the limited but encouraging findings are encouraging.
According to the aforementioned review in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, oral collagen supplements boost the flexibility, hydration, and collagen density in the dermal layers of the skin. Researchers came to the conclusion that ingesting collagen is typically safe because no adverse occurrences were reported. The founder of Hadley King Dermatology and a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Hadley King, MD, states that “Further studies are needed to corroborate these preliminary findings and to define effective dose regimens.”
Over time, the skin’s collagen levels gradually decline, which increases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen helps to keep the skin supple, thus as we age, our bodies naturally lose collagen, which can cause our skin to sag. According to a study published in April 2020 in Advances in Wound Care, oral collagen peptides decreased skin vulnerability and prevented skin tears in older persons who were hospitalized. Additionally, researchers discovered that the collagen supplement greatly improved the flexibility and moisture of the skin.
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Collagen has potential health advantages beyond aesthetic ones. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis and typically affects the hands, hips, and knees (CDC). In a March 2019 meta-analysis published in International Orthopedics, collagen supplementation has been demonstrated to improve osteoarthritis by considerably reducing symptoms in a patient-standardized survey, particularly in subjective stiffness. Despite this encouraging research, a review published in the February 2022 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology pointed out that popular claims about oral collagen in general are more compelling than what the available scientific literature demonstrates the real efficacy of these supplements to be.
Collagen’s health risks Water
Due to the fact that collagen water is a supplement, experts suggest handling it similarly to other supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises speaking with your healthcare team before attempting one in particular (FDA). If you are taking medicine or are managing a health condition, this is very crucial.
Remember that supplements, even collagen supplements dissolved in water, are not governed by the FDA.
Nevertheless, researchers claim there is little risk associated with collagen water.
Glass claims that there are “relatively few recognized hazards” associated with using collagen supplements, but urges customers to be careful of possible heavy metal contamination, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead. He also advises buying collagen water from reliable companies that subject their products to independent testing to guarantee the highest levels of quality and safety.
Collagen water might also include other elements that, from a nutritional standpoint, you should be aware of, like extra sugar and artificial sweeteners.
How to Combine Water with Collagen Powder
You may produce collagen water at home if you want to experiment with it and have more control over the contents. This option is probably more cost-effective as well. Two well-liked items are Orgain Grass Fed Pasture Raised Collagen Peptides, which have 45 servings for $23, and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, which have 14 servings for $27.
Glass claims that making collagen water at home is as easy as putting a scoop of your preferred collagen powder into a glass of water. Additionally, collagen powders can be added to other drinks like coffee, tea, juice, and smoothies.
Follow the directions on the packaging for the ideal powder-to-liquid ratio when mixing collagen powder with water and other beverages. To make the process simpler, the majority include a scoop.
What You Should Know: Is Collagen Water a Beneficial Wellness Trend?
Collagen concentration in the skin after ingestion is still up for debate, according to Dr. King. Although these investigations are often modest and short-term, some first findings are encouraging.
Overall, the current research on the use of collagen for enhancing skin health and reducing the effects of aging is still in its early stages, and further research is required to establish who would benefit and which kinds of collagen would be most beneficial. However, investigations have generally not identified any negative impacts.
However, since collagen water is just water and protein peptides, it could theoretically be utilized to help you meet your protein and hydration demands.
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If you’re thinking about trying collagen water, chat with your medical team first to find out if it’s safe and if it might help you achieve your long-term health objectives.
