Join the conversation on whether consuming collagen is beneficial for weight loss. Collagen is a prominent protein that makes up skin, hair, nails, and other parts of the body. 

There is extensive literature online that this protein has what it takes to help a person lose weight. But is there any conclusive evidence that collagen supplements are effective in managing and actually helping with weight loss? Should we actually consume collagen for weight loss? 

Find the answers here! 

A brief note on collagen

Collagen is a protein that accounts for 30% of all the body’s proteins. It is made up of some key amino acids such as proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine. These three amino acids along with Vitamin C, copper, zinc, and manganese form protein fibrils in a triple helix structure. 

Collagen is a very important component of the body that is found in the skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues, as well as organs, blood vessels, and intestinal linings. 

There are around 28 types of collagen found in the body. Type I collagen accounts for 90% of the collagen in the human body.

It gives stability and structure to skin, blood vessels, organs, muscles, cartilage, bones, teeth, and hair

~ Amy Myers, MD

The functions of collagen in the body

Collagen plays a vital role in helping blood to clot and in replacing dead skin cells. It also provides a protective lining for organs. Along with Hyaluronic Acid, it helps to “plump” up the skin and reduce the signs of ageing and wrinkles.

Understanding collagen consumption for weight loss 

Having understood what collagen is and what its major functions are, let’s get down to the root of the matter. Is there any truth in the statement that consuming collagen helps us with weight loss? 

Until now, there has been no conclusive scientific evidence that collagen helps with weight loss. However, there are some indirect ways in which collagen can benefit those seeking to lose weight and reduce body fat. 

Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which collagen can help a person with their weight loss goals.

Collagen promotes feeling full

Since collagen is a protein it can help people feel full thereby controlling the urge for frequent snacking. The best collagen supplements can help a person seeking to lose weight feel satiated for longer, which means that it reduces the feeling of hunger. It also helps to reduce the amount of calories a person consumes in a day.

Collagen helps with building muscles

Collagen is a protein and plays a significant role in building muscle mass. Most of the body’s muscles are made up of collagen. 

Everyone on their weight loss journey knows why muscles are better than fat. Muscles burn more calories when a person is at rest, hence, having a body make-up of muscles is favourable to those who want to lose weight effectively.

Collagen for fat loss

Some studies have been done which hint that collagen may be useful for reducing the development and accumulation of fat cells in the body but again there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.

Collagen helps To relieve joint pain

Another way collagen indirectly impacts the weight loss journey is by helping to relieve joint pain. Those seeking to exercise or work out but suffering from joint pain may consume the best collagen supplements to help them work out easily and consequently be able to maintain a more regular exercise regime to help with weight loss.

Are collagen supplements safe for consumption? 

There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that collagen supplements are unsafe. Statistical data points to a significant consumption of collagen by people in the age group of 25-65, and this is only increasing every year. So feel at liberty to consume them after consulting your doctor.

Collagen is primarily obtained from animal sources rather than plant-based sources. Plant-based collagen supplements typically consist of precursor compounds such as amino acids that make up collagen. When these plant-based amino acids are effectively combined with high-quality plant-based sources of vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, biotin and silica, this helps to boost the natural formation of collagen in the body.

Collagen can be bought as a powder, capsule, or liquid from animal or plant sources. 

Other benefits of consuming collagen

Collagen consumption has plenty of other benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the other reasons you may want to continue with collagen consumption. 

Collagen production in the body can begin to slow down in your mid to late 20s. It is at this point that you need to replenish the dwindling supply with supplements and a healthy diet. 

Consuming collagen supplements can help in the following ways: 

Hair

Collagen helps boost hair health. It is found in the dermis section of the skin where the roots of hair are found. It helps to promote strength in the roots and the overall health of the hair. 

Skin

Collagen helps to improve the elasticity of the skin and reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles. It also plays a role in increasing skin hydration. 

Nails

This protein also plays a pivotal role in improving brittle nails and overall nail health. 

Apart from these benefits collagen also helps support heart health and reduces bone loss. 

Key takeaways

While collagen for weight loss may require more conclusive evidence, it is still a beneficial supplement. Here are some key takeaways from this discussion. 

• Collagen is the major protein component of our body making up skin, organs, intestinal linings, and other structural parts. 
• Consuming collagen for weight loss does not have any direct benefits but several indirect benefits. 
• Collagen supplements are generally considered safe for consumption and provide numerous benefits. 

Conclusion: The Nutrabytes Take

Taking collagen for weight loss can prove to be beneficial in indirect ways. Collagen supplements can help you feel full for longer ensuring that you are not looking for a quick snack or sugary drink in between meals. It helps control your calorie intake

Collagen also helps to build muscle which uses up more calories at rest. Collagen also helps you stay pain free ensuring more pain-free days in the gym. Finally, it can help prevent the accumulation of fat. 

Check out the range of collagen products from Nutrabytes and get started on a healthy lifestyle. 

Reference Links: 

1. https://www.womansworld.com/posts/weight-loss/collagen-supplements-benefits 
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen#food-sources
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262881#Summary
6. https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/collagen-for-weight-loss/
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-collagen-help-you-lose-weight#supplements 
8. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/collagen