Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is in the bones, tendons, skin, muscles, and teeth. Collagen supplements can help boost collagen production and enhance its benefits. Today we highlight Collagen ECM and Collagen MB: two excellent collagen supplements widely considered the best in the market. 

Why Collagen Supplements?

As a person ages, their body produces less collagen. As a result, collagen supplements are popular because they help the body maintain adequate levels of this vital protein.

Collagen supplements have many health benefits, including:

Bone Health

Bones contain high amounts of collagen. A reduction in collagen production could lead to bone loss and osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures in the wrist, spine, or hips. Daily consumption of collagen reduced pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. [1]

Skin Health

Collagen plays a key role in strengthening the skin, hydration, and skin elasticity. However, as a person ages, the body produces less collagen, increasing wrinkles and dry skin. When taken orally, collagen supplements improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration. In addition, collagen supplements reduce wrinkling and roughness of the skin without side effects.

Heart Health

Atherosclerosis occurs when a buildup of plaque in the artery walls causes the arteries to narrow and harden. This hardening and narrowing can increase the risk of serious health issues such as coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, and kidney disease. The consumption of collagen contributed to the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis in healthy humans.

Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the inflammation of one or more joints. It primarily affects joints in the knees, hips, spine, and hand. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and disability, affecting more than 3 million people annually. It tends to be more common in women and could last several years or longer. Studies on collagen found it to be effective in decreasing OA symptoms. [4] It is believed the collagen accumulates in the cartilage, which prompts the body to make more collagen naturally. The result is reduced pain, improved joint support, and reduced inflammation.

Muscle Mass

Collagen is a protein and a key component in skeletal muscle. Many athletes consume collagen supplements to increase muscle mass and decrease the risk of injury in the tendons and ligaments. In addition to athletes, collagen supplements may also help others: a study on elderly individuals over age 65 who suffered a fracture or stroke found that collagen increased their skeletal muscle mass during recovery. [5]

Product Spotlight: Collagen ECM and Collagen MB

Knowing how collagen impacts a person’s health, and its many benefits is important. This also reinforces the reasons for taking collagen supplements as a natural way to maintain health. Both Collagen ECM and Collagen MB have many amazing benefits that we will discuss here:

Systemic Formulas: #613 - Collagen ECM - 543g

Collagen ECM is a collagen peptide and is considered one of the best collagen formulas on the market. There are 28 types of cartilage, but these are the most common:

• Type I: Skin, teeth, joints, tendons, bones, organs, and vascular ligatures (discussed in beauty ads) 
• Type II: Cartilage (advertised in arthritis ads)
• Type III: Plays a key role in the formation of crosslinks of the fibers needed for connective tissue strength and durability (supports soft tissues including the liver, bone marrow, and lymphatic system)
• Type IV:  Assists with skin support and extracellular matrix while improving membrane strength
• Type V: Helps improve cell structure strength, and the integrity of the placenta, and supports the health of the hair (found primarily on cell surfaces)
• Type X: Articular cartilage support

Because of its ability to treat various cartilage types, Collagen ECM is known as the world’s “most potent and complete” collagen formula. While collagen production decreases with age, this product helps to offset this decline by boosting the body’s metabolic processes.

In addition, Collagen ECM is rich in long-chain amino acids, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and glycosaminoglycans. Each of these nutrients are critical for maintaining strong connective tissues and joint health throughout the body.

Systemic Formulas: #616 - Collagen MB - 660g

Systemic Formulas: #616 - Collagen MB was created to provide support for the immune system and energy during growth. Key ingredients include cellular building blocks along with high levels of branched-chain amino acids and medium-chain fatty acids that provide immune support during growth and energy.

Other key nutrients contained in this product include the following:

• Creatine. Supports muscle rebuilding
• HMB (-Hydroxy -Methylbutyrate). Prevents muscle breakdown and supports muscle building 
• Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN). A molecule that assists in mitochondrial health, balanced tissue support and sustained energy 
  
  
  
  

Summary

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. As people age, collagen production tends to decrease, increasing the probability of saggy skin, dry skin, and reduced muscle mass. More severe health issues linked to decreased collagen production include bone fractures, joint pain, and heart disease. Therefore, the consumption of collagen supplements (along with a healthy diet) could help maintain collagen levels in the body and maintain good health.

Try a collagen supplement, and let us know in the comments below your results!

References:

[1] R W Moskowitz. Role Of Collagen Hydrolysate In Bone And Joint Disease.  Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2000 Oct;30(2):87-99. doi: 10.1053/sarh.2000.9622. [PMID: 11071580]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11071580/

[2] Hend Al-Atif. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics.  Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022 Jan 1;12(1):e2022018. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1201a18. eCollection 2022 Feb. [PMID: 35223163] PMCID: PMC8824545. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35223163/

[3] Naohisa Tomosugi,1 Shoko Yamamoto,corresponding author2 Masayoshi Takeuchi, (et al). Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Healthy Humans.  J Atheroscler Thromb  v.24(5); 2017 May 1  PMC5429168. PMCID: PMC5429168. [PMID: 27725401]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429168/

[4] Juan Mario García-Coronado 1, Lorena Martínez-Olvera 1, Rodrigo E Elizondo-Omaña, (et al).  Effect Of Collagen Supplementation On Osteoarthritis Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.   Int Orthop. 2019 Mar;43(3):531-538. doi: 10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5. Epub 2018 Oct 27. [PMID: 30368550]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30368550/

[5] Masami Baba 1, Eiko Suzaki 1, Kozue Taira, (et al). Effect Of Collagen Peptides On Skeletal Muscle Mass In The Elderly: An Interventional Study Examining Oral Nutrition Support For Patients In A Recovery-Phase Rehabilitation Ward.  Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. 2020;57(3):291-299. doi: 10.3143/geriatrics.57.291. [PMID: 32893211]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32893211/