20/11/2021
5 collagen benefits for women
1. Joints
Our joints naturally lose laxity as we age, says functional medicine practitioner Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., influencing our natural joint comfort. And while this holds true for everyone, women tend to experience it more during menopause, according to a research article. Supplements can help support collagen levels, thus improving mobility and comfort in the joints, she says.*
2. Bones
Bone health is important for everyone, at every stage of life. However, women are especially prone to concerns around bones, as the first few years of menopause are marked by changes in bone density. "Since estrogen is a key regulator of bone metabolism, the declining estrogen during menopause can predispose women to this," explains Gonzalez. "Therefore, [taking] collagen is an important step in supporting your bones."* Case in point: In one clinical trial, collagen supplements decreased bone turnover in postmenopausal women.*
3. Skin
Of course, skin health is a common concern across the board, regardless of gender. But women may experience certain skin changes associated with menopause. As mentioned earlier, as estrogen levels decrease during menopause, so does collagen production. "This loss of collagen leads to thinner and drier skin, [as well as] wrinkles," says Gonzalez. Luckily, she adds, "it's possible to improve aged and mature skin," thanks to supplements like collagen.* For example, in one clinical trial, middle-aged women who took collagen supplements for three months experienced improved skin elasticity and hydration. Gonzalez also points to a scientific review of 11 studies with more than 805 participants, which found similar skin-related benefits related to supplemental collagen.*
4. Hair
"As women age and hit menopause, their female hormone levels of progesterone and estrogen start declining," explains Gandhi. When this happens, their androgen hormones also decline, sometimes leading to changes in hair texture and growth—or even hair shedding. However, "hair is made of keratin, a protein found in collagen," Gandhi says. Collagen supplements provide essential amino acids to help rebuild hair while fighting free radicals that negatively affect hair or scalp health, she adds.*
5. Gut
Although collagen for gut health is a new area of study, research has found a link between low collagen level and digestive health says Gonzalez. Collagen supplements may help, as they offer two noteworthy amino acids: glutamine and glycine. "Glutamine has been shown to reduce inflammatory processes in the intestinal wall and improve intestinal permeability," thus supporting digestion, says Gonzalez.* Meanwhile, "glycine has been shown to support the stomach lining," she adds.*
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/collagen-benefits-for-women-what-to-expect-from-supplement
