The curious case of collagen: Why do celebs swear by it?
Hollywood Alisters like Halle Berry and Jennifer Aniston include it in their health regime to look younger for longer
Some time ago, actor Halle Berry, who is one of the poster girls for agedefying physique, revealed her fitness secret in a recent Instagram post. She attributed her enviable health to collagen. Berry even shared her personal bone broth recipe in the same post. Even actor Jennifer Aniston had recently shared that she regularly added collagen powder to her morning smoothie.
We speak to experts to know more about the effects of collagen on our overall wellbeing. First of all, what is this collagen? Dr Geeta Fazalbhoy, dermatologist, says, “Collagen is a protein. In simple terms, it forms the building blocks of our skin, muscles and joints.”
There are various types of collagen. One that makes up the skin and muscles is Type 1 collagen. Being a protein, it helps strengthen and impart elasticity to tissues. Also, it replaces dead cells, and is basically the glue that holds the body together.
Additionally, collagen helps slow down the ageing process. “With age, we all tend to develop wrinkles, sagging skin, weaker cartilage, etc. This is because collagen levels in our body starts depleting. Collagen intake will, of course, not halt the ageing process but it does decrease the intensity of the process,” says Dr Saurabh Shah, dermatologist.
METHODS OF INTAKE
Dr Shuba Dharmana, dermatologist, lists three primary ways of intake: Oral: Sachets, powders and capsules.
Topical: Creams containing collagen can be applied on skin.
Chemical peels: A chemical exfoliation of the skin using alpha or beta hydroxy acid by dermatologists. However, it is essential to first consult and know what is best suited for one’s needs. “Hydrolysed collagen is made of much smaller molecules, hence the claim that they can make a better difference than non-hydrolysed collagen supplements. Large collagen molecules can’t be absorbed in the gut and can’t enter the blood stream. Therefore, if you are looking at collagen supplements, hydrolysed collagen is probably better,” says Indrayani Pawar, dietician, adding, “However, oral supplements of collagen are still controversial as there are no satisfactory studies yet that prove it can be completely utilised by the skin and hair.”
Rather than going for collagen supplements, Pawar advises one to eat foods that can help the body maintain collagen integrity. These would be foods high in vitamin A (carrots, papayas, mangoes), foods high in vitamin C (citrus fruits and berries), green leafy vegetables and soya bean, and for fish containing omega 3 fatty acids (tuna, salmon, etc).
WHEN TO AVOID
Collagen may have side effects when consumed without prescription. Dr Deepti Bagree, nutritionist, says that collagen derived from marine sources can increase calcium level in the body, leading to health issues. Also, people with allergies and pregnant women should avoid it, since it’s not clear if collagen is safe for them.
Inputs by Dr Zamurrud Patel, dietician, and Poonam Pawar, nutritionist