18/03/2025
Collagen and Brain Health: Unlocking Its Hidden Potential
Unless you've been living under a rock, you're probably familiar with collagen supplements. Scroll through any fitness-focused social media account, and you'll see collagen being hailed for its support of joints and muscle health. It's also gained immense popularity in the beauty industry, with many touting it as the "fountain of youth."
But did you know that collagen might have benefits for brain health as well? This emerging area of research is catching the attention of many, with studies suggesting that collagen plays a crucial role in protecting brain cells from conditions like Alzheimer's disease. While the research is still in its early stages and more work needs to be done, there is growing evidence that collagen offers significant brain-supporting benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore how collagen could potentially enhance brain health, its various uses, and offer guidance on choosing the right collagen supplement for yourself or your clients.
**What is Collagen?**
Simply put, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It’s a key component of connective tissue, providing structural and functional support to your skin, bones, tendons, muscles, and organs. Collagen is also vital in signaling your body to repair damage and fight inflammation.
Your body naturally produces collagen, but production decreases as you age. As collagen levels drop, a range of issues can arise—especially if you don’t replace it. This is where collagen supplements come in, which experts often recommend to help counteract collagen loss and its associated effects.
But is that the only reason you might want to consider collagen? Research says otherwise.
**Not All Collagen Supplements Are the Same**
Not all collagen supplements are created equal. There are notable differences between the types of collagen and how they’re produced. For instance, cheap hydrolyzed collagen is made through high heat or chemical processes, while lyophilized (freeze-dried) collagen undergoes a more delicate, expensive process. The most beneficial type is natural collagen, which retains its triple helix (tropocollagen) structure, closely resembling human collagen. This type is often derived from fish, particularly freshwater fish like silver carp or salmon, and is considered more biologically active.
Additionally, collagen sourced from fish is considered relatively safe, as there are no known diseases passed from fish to humans. In contrast, collagen derived from cows, pigs, or chickens does not carry the same assurances.
**Collagen and Brain Health**
Collagen is widely recognized for its uses in beauty and fitness, but its impact on brain health is something that’s just starting to be explored. Collagen’s anti-aging effects keep our skin looking youthful and radiant, while its muscle-building properties help us stay fit and recover from injuries. But could it also be the secret to better brain function?
The answer appears to be yes. Collagen plays an essential role in supporting the brain, and its absence may contribute to brain degeneration. One-third of collagen is made up of glycine, a non-essential amino acid that’s key to maintaining brain health. Research has shown that glycine not only enhances cognitive function but also supports the treatment of mental health disorders.
**Collagen and Schizophrenia**
Studies have found that glycine has a strong connection to schizophrenia. In psychiatric patients, glycine supplementation has been shown to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, collagen peptides—specific types of collagen—may protect the brain by improving neural synapses, offering potential benefits for those dealing with schizophrenia.
**Collagen and Alzheimer’s Disease**
Collagen has been shown to protect the brain from the accumulation of amyloid-beta proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. By preventing these proteins from collecting in brain tissue, collagen may help reduce the risk of developing this debilitating condition as we age.
**Collagen and Cognition**
Research also suggests that collagen may aid in alleviating brain fog. Recent studies indicate that collagen supplementation can positively affect brain structure, potentially boosting cognitive function and mental clarity.
**Collagen and Sleep**
Collagen may even help improve sleep quality. Thanks to its glycine content, collagen aids in falling asleep faster and staying in a deeper, more restorative sleep. Improved sleep is closely linked to better brain function, and a 2024 study found that collagen supplementation helped reduce awakenings and improved cognitive performance in physically active individuals with sleep issues.
**Conclusion**
With its wide-ranging benefits, collagen is quickly emerging as a powerhouse supplement for brain health. From improving cognition to supporting restful sleep and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases, collagen might just be the next must-have ingredient in your daily routine. So, whether you’re looking to improve your brain health or enhance your overall well-being, collagen might be the super ingredient you’ve been waiting for.
Reference Sources
Decrypting a collagen’s role in schizophrenia
Intranasal Delivery of Collagen-Loaded Neprilysin Clears Beta-Amyloid Plaques in a Transgenic Alzheimer Mouse Model
Effects of Collagen Hydrolysates on Human Brain Structure and Cognitive Function: A Pilot Clinical Study
The Effects of Glycine on Subjective Daytime Performance in Partially Sleep-Restricted Healthy Volunteers
Collagen in the central nervous system: contributions to neurodegeneration and promise as a therapeutic target
Collagen peptide supplementation before bedtime reduces sleep fragmentation and improves cognitive function in physically active males with sleep complaints
Full article here:
https://mailchi.mp/vitacare-biotechnology/collagen-doesnt-work-really-10590460?e=[UNIQID]
