Collagen is a fibrous protein that the body produces via fibroblasts. Rich in amino acids, it is present in nails, skin, hair and even bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments… and its role is to soften joints, strengthen nails and hair and hydrate and tone the skin by boosting its elasticity.
Unfortunately, our collagen declines as we age, “at a rate of 2% each year after the age of 30, then it experiences a drastic drop (-30%) at menopause, with fibroblasts drawing most of their production capacity from estrogen.”, explains Nariné Mikssiyan, dietician-nutritionist and D-LAB training manager.
It’s not a miracle solution
As a result, the tissues’ resistance capacity is reduced when this “support structure” is lacking. This is also the case when the body is put to the test (intense sports practice, pregnancy, unbalanced diet or strict regime, etc.). The nutritionist therefore recommends “supplementing without to wait for to delay the destruction of fibroblasts”, even if it is not a miracle solution.
Be careful, says Fleur Phelipeau, founder of D-Lab, “this supplementation alone will not resolve chronic inflammation, bone fragility or established aging of the skin.”
It must be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle routine
This supplement should be considered as one solution among others within a healthy lifestyle routine.
“Concretely, this means having a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet low in fast sugars. It is also important to use suitable care, to protect yourself from UV rays and pollution, to move regularly, to avoid stress and a sedentary lifestyle and to monitor your hormone balance,” recommends Claude Dalle, anti-aging doctor.
How to choose a good collagen?
- Choosing the right galenic. Collagen supplements come in ready-to-use capsules, powders, or shots. The former are easy to transport, the latter allows you to consume a large dose of collagen, and the third is often disappointing and not very environmentally friendly. The choice is not trivial, because, let’s be honest, collagen does not taste good and generally has to be mixed with fruit juice, compote, yogurt, or a cake base.
- Read the composition carefully. Prefer formulas where the active ingredient is used in a simple base, without excessive addition of elements that have no nutritional benefit. To avoid: colorants and texturizing agents (xanthan gum, pectin), additives, artificial flavors or sugars (sorbitol, sucralose) to camouflage the taste, explains Lucas Pinos. We also know that when it is coupled with other ingredients – vitamins, trace elements, minerals -, its biosynthesis is optimized and the results more impressive.
- Select the other ingredients. “Hyaluronic acid or vitamin C to fill in wrinkles and fine lines, firm and protect the skin; biotin or zinc to limit imperfections; sulfur or methylsulfonylmethane to soothe painful joints; prebiotics and probiotics and L-Glutamine to strengthen digestive impermeability and boost digestion…”, advises Fleur Phelipeau, who insists on the importance of choosing your collagen according to what you are aiming for.
- Ensure the quality of assets. The different origins of collagen – bovine, porcine or marine – are not equal on several levels and, for Lucas Pinos, “it is difficult to compare the results of collagens whose provenance, origin or dosage are not comparable.” The most selective brands will use “the skin of wild fish from responsible French fisheries and collect the collagen via an enzymatic hydrolysis process the same day. Others will simply exploit the bones of any fish with relative traceability and we find the same principle for collagen from the skins and bones of cattle and pigs”, suggest Fleur Phelipeau and Lucas Pinos.
Nos experts :
Fleur Phelipeau, founder and director of D-LAB
Lucas Pino, co-founder and director of Novoma
Dr. Clause Dalle, anti-aging physician and scientific director of the Aesthetic and anti-aging medicine world Congress (AMWC)
Source: www.topsante.com
