Mom’s Article April 2015 Edition – Where Have All the Superheroes Gone?

As I run-through my ceremonial article search on hot topics, one that continues to shadow me is the subject of aging; let me further clarify, anti-aging. The hot thread in recent discussions is that people don’t seem to mind aging, they just don’t want to look older. Personally I would just like to avoid the aches and pains that have seemed to creep up on me as the years steadily accumulate. If I have to endure ritualistically plucking a ridiculous grey hair from my eyebrow and trying to ignore my share of wrinkles, I’d prefer not to have to feel the aches and pains that remind me that they’re there.

Much like my own personal objection to daily pain, it would seem one of the more popular inquiries is how to avoid joint and muscle pain. In a quest to remedy this and not give in sooner than I have to, I’ve recently added an important supplement to my daily regiment. I believe this has made a significant difference in my mobility and I dare say energy level, although let me emphasize this is merely my opinion. It’s also reduced the need for excessive amounts of ibuprofen that had become an unwelcome yet last alternative I had resorted to in order to get anything done.

Aren’t There Any Superheroes Left?
Looking for an effective solution, enter what I call the superhero option…collagen. Was this too good to be true? Not only was collagen good to support my bones and joints, but it had other benefits as well.  Collagen is a major component in forming the body’s tendons, ligaments, muscles and cartilage. I learned that as we age, the body is less able to manufacture a sufficient amount of collagen. The results of the low collagen production include wrinkles, thinning skin and brittle hair among the other common complaints of joint pain. Well this surely explains a handful of things.

Collagen is a form of fibrous protein that is normally present in the bodies of humans and even mammals. It provides a supportive structure for various body tissues such as muscles, bones and ligaments and prevents them from falling apart. It works with another compound called elastin, another protein found in connective tissue[1], to provide strength and firmness to the tissues. Collagen also works to keep the skin looking firm, tight, flexible and youthful looking. Young people naturally produce more collagen than older people. With age, collagen in the body breaks down leading to wrinkles and folds around the mouth. By stimulating collagen it leads to more youthful looking skin. First developed for commercial use in the 70s[2], collagen has been used for several years to help combat the signs of aging. It should be noted that collagen supplements are often derived from bovine and chicken collagen and may not be suitable for vegetarians. As always you should also check with your health care provider before adding any supplementation to your daily diet.

The Proof is in the Pudding
Various studies indicate that collagen supplements can be effective in the treatment of pain[3], swelling as well as stiffness around joints. It has also shown to be effective in relieving symptoms in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis[4]. Positive effects were noted even at the lowest dose administered to trial subjects, indicating results better than expected as no side effects had surfaced either.

Research continues to support that collagen is a worthy opponent against the loss of bone density. For people who suffer from osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, collagen supplements combined with calcium are a worthy consideration as a choice for treatment[5]. As osteoporosis is an affliction that strikes many women and even some men, collagen supplements are more frequently being prescribed to patients to prevent the weakening of bones. Suitably, calcium and collagen are often used in combination to help bind calcium in order to strengthen bones and provide improved flexibility.

The first thing you hear when you talk about osteoporosis or osteopenia, the precursor to osteoporosis, is adding calcium to your daily diet. I sought out alternatives to calcium supplements to help with my personal bone density issues as calcium supplements didn’t agree with me. I felt taking calcium made me tired and I felt better when I stopped taking it. I don’t recommend anyone getting off of a calcium supplement. If your doctor has recommended you take calcium, please discuss your concerns with your doctor before making any changes. I’m merely lending my story should anyone else feel similar as it may prompt a worthy discussion with a medical professional.

Other studies have found collagen alone to be as effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis[6], as well as a relief for activity related joint pain. One 24-week clinical trial showed improvement of joint pain in athletes who were given collagen hydrolysate. The study concluded that collagen can be used to support joint health and possibly reduce the risk of joint deterioration[7]. The results suggest that athletes consuming collagen can reduce pain that would otherwise have a negative impact on an athlete’s performance. Studies also indicate that collagen supplements used with protein and amino acids supplements help in improving mobility and flexibility in athletes as it can also help maintain the body’s repair process.

According to published research, orally administered collagen has been shown to be absorbed intestinally and to accumulate in cartilage. Collagen ingestion stimulates a statistically significant increase in synthesis of the extracellular matrix of mature cells found in cartilage. These findings suggest mechanisms that might help patients affected by joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.

My Heart Starts Pumpin’ Whenever You’re Around
As we can see collagen has an effective way of supporting our cellular structure. It’s no small wonder that it can also help improve our circulation. Collagen supplements can strengthen blood vessels and improve their elasticity. By fortifying blood vessels it helps improve circulation throughout the body. Collagen fibers are the most abundant components of the extracellular matrix in arteries and cardiac muscles, specifically the myocardium[8]. Synthesis and degradation in collagen turnover have been linked to cardiovascular inflammatory diseases[9].

We Can Build It, We Can Make It Better
As we’ve covered already, collagen is needed to repair and rebuild connective tissue to encourage strong muscles, skin and joints. Collagen also strengthens the structure of bones, tendons, cartilage and ligaments. Collagen supplements can encourage muscle mass to regenerate and help a body from injuries. This is especially pertinent for athletes as this can help improve the recovery from sports-related injuries faster than without supplementation.

Beauty Is But A Flower, Which Wrinkles Will Devour[10]
Age has an unfortunate effect on our skin causing it to sag and wrinkle. As collagen depletes with age, wrinkles and lines form in those places where the skin moves most such as joints, forehead and lips. In fact, the layer of fat that holds our skin tight to our bones begins to diminish as the years pass. As such, environmental elements, pollutants and rays from the sun all contribute to its demise. This is due to the effect of everyday UV rays breaking down the collagen and other connective elements in the skin. The good news is that collagen supplements can replenish what is lost, allowing the layer of fat to remain and the skin to hold strong. Collagen promotes the delivery of blood and nutrients to the skin, resulting in healthy, radiant and youthful-looking skin.

I’m As Free As My Hair
Collagen supplements can help the hair grow long and strong, as it increases the body’s natural hair-building proteins. Collagen initiates hair growth, and depending on the level of loss, it may help regrowth by restoring the collagen in the hair shaft. As a major component in hair growth, it fights off free radicals that can affect hair’s texture, growth and thickness. Supplementation can strengthen hair by increasing the diameter of individual hairs, giving hair an overall fuller appearance.

Is There Wind Behind That Cape?
Clearly I’ve presented the various benefits collagen supplementation can offer. I was skeptical, but I can safely report that at the time I’ve written this article, I’ve been able to see a noticeable difference in my own body. Maybe I oversold it a bit, but you must admit that the additional effects of collagen are pretty impressive. These include more efficient metabolism, boosting energy, that often lead to weight loss that leads to much improved overall health. When the body is able to burn fat more efficiently, and maintains increased energy levels this can lead to more frequent as well as more efficient exercise. Better, more reliable sleep cycles also help the body function at higher levels and eliminate fatigue that can cause stress and over-eating. Retention of energy-burning muscles also helps increase metabolism and the body’s overall fuel-burning efficiency. All this is the result of the improved quality of cellular structure.

Take It From The Top
So where’s the bad news in all this. There doesn’t seem to be any downside to collagen supplementation. However, while it might sound convenient to find a skin cream with collagen to target wrinkles you’d like to see eradicated, and there are a few products peddling collagen for skincare available on drugstore shelves, topical absorption of collagen is very difficult and not reliable. Experts argue that because the skin has several layers and these creams only treat the surface layer of the skin, the substances intended to enhance collagen are not absorbed at a deep enough level to make a true difference. At best, topical collagen enhancers decrease the rate at which the skin loses water, keeping the skin supple. No scientific studies exist proving that these creams do much more than that. Evidence based documentation corroborates various findings that most creams and lotions, regardless of how expensive they are, don’t work. Collagen can be injected intra-dermally, but that can be a rather expensive procedure.