As you’re passing by the aisles of your local pharmacy, what are you looking for? Perhaps it’s something to make your body stronger? Or your skin to look better? How great would it be to find a product that can achieve both of these goals?
Well, actually, it is possible! Collagen, known to be the most abundant naturally occurring protein in the human body, can do just that. In fact, it is responsible for many vital processes, including providing strength to muscles, bones, skin, and tendons.
The only issue? Once we reach the age of 30, the natural production of collagen begins to slow down. That’s when it may be beneficial to look into different collagen supplements, like liquid collagen.
What is liquid collagen? What should you know about taking liquid collagen vs. collagen powder? What is liquid collagen used for? Is it really better than other options on the market? We answer all the important questions in the article below.
What is Liquid Collagen, and What Does it Do?
Over the last few years, collagen has been one of the most raved-about products on the market. Since the demand for it has been so high, many types of collagen supplements are now available, from capsules to gummies. But what’s often said to be the most effective solution is liquid collagen that you can drink.
Most liquid collagen is created by taking tissues from animals like pigs or fish. However, nowadays, you’ll also find vegan options that typically include vitamin C, which is known to support collagen synthesis (but this means you won’t be taking the collagen itself, but something that will help your body produce it).
What’s great is that many liquid collagen products also feature other beneficial supplements, like hyaluronic acid, zinc, and biotin.
Liquid Collagen Benefits
Most conversations about collagen focus on the benefits of liquid collagen for the skin. But the truth is that the supplement can help with many other things, including cardiovascular health, muscle health, bone health, and so much more.
So, what does liquid collagen do? Here’s a look at the main benefits you can expect when taking the supplement.
Liquid Collagen For Skin: Longer Youthfulness
Most people include liquid collagen supplements in their diet with the goal of improving their skin health, and research seems to support this idea. According to studies, liquid collagen can offer several cosmetic benefits, mainly reducing skin-related signs of aging. This means the skin becomes more elastic and hydrated and has fewer wrinkles.
Likewise, a 2020 review revealed that liquid collagen could reduce skin pigmentation or darkening, encourage skin cell rejuvenation, improve wound healing time, and even reduce cellulite and skin waviness.
Similarly, resveratrol has shown potential benefits for skin health, including anti-aging properties and protection against environmental damage. Learn more about resveratrol and its benefits for skin health.
Liquid Collagen and Hair Growth
Hair growth is largely determined by genetics. However, there are other aspects, like your nutrition, stress levels, and lifestyle, that can impact your hair health.
Although collagen is sometimes discussed as a potential remedy for hair loss, there still aren’t many studies confirming this idea. Nevertheless, there is some research that analyzes the relationship between hair and collagen. It seems that younger cells at the base of hair follicles require more collagen. This suggests that declining collagen levels might lead to hair loss.
Another study explains that collagen derived from fish could support hair regrowth in people with alopecia.
Liquid Collagen and Cardiovascular Health
This may seem unusual, but liquid collagen can also benefit cardiovascular health. As scientists have discovered, the protein can help maintain strong and flexible arteries. Low collagen levels, on the other hand, are associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Although more research needs to be done to fully understand collagen’s effects on cardiovascular health, studies have already shown promising results. For example, a 2023 review showed that collagen supplements for heart health slightly improved several cardiovascular health markers.
Improved Bone Health
As we age, it’s increasingly important to take care of our bone health. Otherwise, there’s an increased risk of osteoporosis, a disease that causes bone mineral density to decrease. This may consequently lead to more fragile bones, which makes them easier to break or fracture. So, what does liquid collagen do on this matter?
According to a recent study, taking collagen may be especially beneficial for people who experience cartilage loss due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Not only does it support the regrowth of cartilage, but it also helps with joint inflammation.
Better Muscle Health
In the same way that our bones get weaker as we age, it’s natural for our muscle mass to decrease with time, too. This process is called sarcopenia and is a normal part of aging. However, some research suggests that collagen supplements could be an excellent solution for this issue.
In a 2023 study, 97 men followed a 12-week collagen supplement regimen. During this period, they also did regular resistance training. The results were interesting – the men had increased their muscle strength compared to a placebo group who only did the training.
Learn more about the benefits of collagen for men.
Liquid Collagen for Weight Loss: Can it Help?
Over the last few years, interest in collagen supplementation for weight loss has grown, but scientists have yet to find a direct link between the two. Most of the studies available are small, animal-based, and typically focus on specific collagen peptides, meaning you can’t attribute the results to all supplementation.
However, even if there’s no direct link between liquid collagen supplementation and weight loss, the protein may indirectly help with the issue. Since liquid collagen can offer relief for joint pain, people can be more physically active. So, does liquid collagen help you lose weight? In a way, yes.
You might be interested in discovering the potential benefits of berberine for weight loss. This powerful compound, found in various plants, has been studied for its ability to help regulate metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity.
How to Take Liquid Collagen
When it comes to liquid collagen dosages, there are no official recommendations. To ensure maximum efficiency, it is best to follow the instructions on the product label. As you’ll notice, the concentration of collagen may vary significantly. Depending on the formulation liquid collagen is often much better absorbed then powder collagen.
What’s the recommended dosage?
Age Group | Gender | Recommended Dosage | Health Benefits |
---|---|---|---|
20-30 years | Male | 10-15 grams/day | Supports muscle recovery, skin health |
Female | 5-10 grams/day | Supports skin hydration, hair, and nail health | |
30-50 years | Male | 10-20 grams/day | Aids joint health, maintains muscle mass |
Female | 10-15 grams/day | Supports skin elasticity, joint health | |
50+ years | Male | 15-20 grams/day | Enhances joint mobility, reduces wrinkles |
Female | 15-20 grams/day | Improves skin texture, strengthens bones |
Other than that – you can do as you please. Simply, take the liquid collagen bottle, shake it gently, then open it up and drink. What’s great about water-based collagen products is that they have a fast absorption process.
When Is the Best Time to Take Liquid Collagen?
As mentioned before, there are no strict rules for taking collagen supplements. If you’re experiencing gases or gut issues with these products, it’s a good idea to take them in the morning. Furthermore, you can even mix collagen with your morning smoothie!
However, taking collagen in the evening can also be beneficial. At night, your body repairs itself, and collagen can support this repair process. Research indicates that collagen can promote tissue regeneration, which is especially important during the nighttime recovery period . In addition, it can help improve sleep quality because it contains glycine, an amino acid that has a calming effect on the brain.
For those who prefer to boost their collagen intake naturally, incorporating collagen-rich foods into your diet is another effective option. Explore the best collagen-rich foods to enhance your health.
Liquid Collagen vs. Powder
If you’re trying to decide between liquid collagen vs. powder collagen, here’s a comparison of the supplements. This will help you understand which is better – liquid or powder collagen (depending on your needs).
Pros and Cons of Liquid Collagen
Pros | Cons |
– Ease of use | – More expensive |
– Faster absorption | – Shorter shelf life |
Pros and Cons of Powder Collagen
Pros | Cons |
– Better price | – Mixing needed |
– Often contains fewer additives | – Taste and texture |
Potential Side Effects of Collagen
Generally, liquid collagen is considered to be safe for most users. According to a 2021 study, even high doses of the protein were not likely to cause any issues.
However, if you’re worried about liquid collagen side effects, make sure to read the product description since most of them include other ingredients (like animal, fish, and shellfish), which may increase the risks of:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Indigestion
Conclusion
The word collagen has become almost synonymous with strong nails, long hair and youthful skin, so it’s no surprise that collagen supplements are all the rage. But to work miracles, you have to actually take them. This means it’s important to find a product that you like, but also has the right formulation for the best effect.
Also remember that it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements. He or she can give you personal advice on the best solution for your body.
References:
- Proksch, E., et al. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47-55.
- Borumand, M., & Sibilla, S. (2014). Daily consumption of the collagen supplement Pure Gold Collagen® reduces visible signs of aging. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 9, 1747.
- Zague, V. (2008). A new view concerning the effects of collagen hydrolysate intake on skin properties. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(9), 479-483.
- Clark, K. L., et al. (2008). 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 24(5), 1485-1496.
- Asserin, J., et al. (2015). The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(4), 291-301.
- Zdzieblik, D., et al. (2015). Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 114(8), 1237-1245.
- Choi, S. Y., et al. (2014). Effects of collagen tripeptide supplement on skin properties: a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Journal of Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistry, 57, 683-687.
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