The allure of reversing the clock on aging has made collagen supplements a craze in purported wellness routines worldwide. Predominantly, these powders are sourced from animals’ skin and bones and fish skin and are often hailed as the ultimate anti-aging elixir. However, consuming animal collagen for the enhancement of human collagen is not based in science.
Understanding Collagen and Its Role in Our Bodies
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structure to our skin, bones, and connective tissues. As we age, and subject ourselves to sunlight, eating browned meat, and not getting enough fruits and vegetables causes our natural collagen production to decline, leading to wrinkles, joint pain, and other signs of aging. This has fueled the supplement industry to push collagen on us, with many products sourced from animals like cows, pigs, or fish.
The Misconception About Animal Collagen Supplements
The prevailing belief is that consuming animal collagen can directly replenish collagen stores in the human body, thereby reversing signs of aging and improving joint health. However, scientific evidence suggests a different narrative. When you consume collagen from animal sources, your digestive system breaks it down into amino acids, the same as it would any other protein. These components are then absorbed and can be utilized by the body anywhere it uses proteins from muscle synthesis to hormones. Therefore, this process does not guarantee that the amino acids will specifically be used to smooth over your wrinkles.
According to studies, while the amino acids from digested collagen can become building blocks for new collagen, the body does not preferentially direct these amino acids to collagen synthesis.
As Dr. Elizabeth Bradley, Medical Director at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine, points out, “Taking collagen does not directly translate to producing collagen.” The human body regulates collagen synthesis in a complex way that is not solely dependent on the intake of collagen proteins.
Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reveals that the hype around animal collagen supplements might be more about marketing than scientifically backed benefits. The study suggests that these supplements should not be seen as a direct replacement for the collagen lost due to aging (Paul, C. et al., 2019).
A Better Approach: Supporting Collagen Production Naturally
Instead of relying on the shaky science of animal collagen, focusing on nutrition and supplements that support the body’s natural collagen production process is ultimately beneficial. This is where plant-based alternatives like Boon Broth and Boon Collagen Reviver come into play.
Boon Broth
Boon Broth stands out in the world of wellness as a superior, plant-based alternative to traditional bone broths. Unlike its animal-based counterparts, Boon Broth is crafted from a rich blend of sea plant ingredients that are meticulously selected to support collagen synthesis and overall health without compromising ethical standards. One of the standout ingredients in Boon Broth is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a naturally occurring sulfur compound known for its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. MSM is crucial for building keratin and collagen, both essential for maintaining the structural integrity of skin and connective tissues.
Boon Broth is fortified with 12 grams of protein and over 72 trace minerals, which play a vital role in the support of collagen production. Boon Broth will support your digestion, skin, bones, joints and hair in a delicious and satisfying way.
Boon Collagen Reviver
Boon Collagen Reviver focuses on ingredients that enhance the body’s own collagen production. This vegan-friendly animal collagen-free formula includes a potent mix of deeply pigmented antioxidants and compounds that are essential for collagen health, such a Vitamin C, CoQ10, D-Ribose, and a carefully selected blend of deeply pigmented carotenoids including astaxanthin (which is 6000x stronger than vitamin C) and lycopene.
Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, offers dual benefits: it protects skin cells from oxidative stress and boosts collagen production, helping to reduce wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. Together, these ingredients create a synergy that creates supple, smooth, glowing skin that all your friends will ask you about. So, it’s time to stop wasting money on animal products that do not have science behind them.
References:
Paul, C., Leser, S., & Oesser, S. (2019). Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 67(22), 6174-6183. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.9b01070
Bradley, E. (2019). The Collagen Craze: Do Collagen Supplements Really Work? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org
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