Collagen is a type of protein commonly associated with beauty products and firm, youthful looking skin. But recently, collagen has expanded beyond the beauty and skin health category and now has rapidly entered other markets, including sports nutrition, bone and joint health, and digestive health.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. Its unique from other proteins in that it contains an abundance of three amino acids: glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids repeat in a sequence and fold into a triple-helical structure to provide an insoluble fibrous protein that provides structural support for your body’s connective tissues, including bones, skin, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
It is also abundant in blood vessels, the gut, corneas and the dentin in teeth. In fact, the name collagen comes from the Greek word “kόla,” which means glue. Without the structural support of collagen, these tissues become fragile. Collagen production declines with age and exposure to lifestyle factors such as smoking and UV light. Aside from these factors, poor nutrition can strip your body of the nutrients necessary for collagen production.
Collagen protein powders
Although collagen has long been used in topical beauty applications such as lotions, face creams and powders, edible and drinkable applications–especially protein powders–are becoming popular vehicles for collagen.
Collagen protein powders are derived from the connective tissues of cows, pigs, chickens and fish. They often go through the process of hydrolyzation, a chemical reaction that breaks collagen into smaller pieces called peptides, to allow for easy digestion and rapid absorption. When denatured in heat, collagen forms gelatin, a common food ingredient found in gelatin desserts, gummy candy, ice creams and yogurts.
Much of the research investigating the effects of collagen for skin health and other health benefits have used collagen protein supplements.
Studies have shown that consuming 2.5-10 grams per day for 8-24 weeks can increase skin elasticity, hydration and dermal collagen density. What’s more, preliminary studies suggest collagen supplements may also be helpful for wound healing.1
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More than skin health
As a component of your body’s structural tissues, collagen has the potential for several health benefits.
For instance, one study found that supplementing with 5 grams of collagen protein per day for one year compared with placebo significantly increased bone mineral density in both the lumbar spine and femoral neck of postmenopausal women with age-related decline in bone mineral density.2
Another study investigated the effects of supplementing with 15 grams of collagen protein combined with resistance training for 12 weeks on body composition in elderly men with sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass. While both groups had significant gains in muscle mass and strength as well as reduced fat mass, those supplementing with collagen protein experienced greater results. However, this difference may have been attributed to the intake of protein following the resistance exercise, which is known to increase muscle protein synthesis. 3
That said, additional randomized, clinically-controlled trials are necessary to support the potential benefits of collagen for muscle growth and strength, especially compared with other proteins like the dairy proteins, whey and casein.
Other research has shown that collagen supplementation may be useful for improving symptoms of osteoarthritis, easing joint pain and promoting heart health.4,5
Growth outlook
According to a market research report published by MarketsandMarkets, the collagen market was estimated at USD 3.5 billion in 2018 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%, to reach USD 4.6 billion by 2023.6
The marine and poultry segment are projected to be the fastest growing segments during the forecast period.
Supplements and sports nutrition are expected to lead collagen applications for years to come. Bars and powders are the most common and popular format for collagen applications in sports nutrition products.
Collagen is also uniquely positioned to meet the demand for healthy aging, which continues to drive interest in supplements for skin, joint, and bone health.
Novel products remain a niche opportunity for collagen and have ranged from alcoholic beverages to collagen water to popcorn.
As an important component in confectionary items such as marshmallows, gummy candy and fruit snacks, collagen in the from of gelatin is expected to remain a key functional food ingredient. It’s also utilized heavily by the dairy industry for making yogurt, ice cream, cheese and specialty desserts.
Growth in the number of vegan and plant-based consumers along with cultural restrictions due to the usage of animal skin, are projected to hinder the market growth of collagen.6
The bottom line
Collagen is a structural protein that allows for the cohesion, elasticity and regeneration of connective tissues, including skin, cartilage, ligaments and bones.
Studies have demonstrated several benefits with collagen supplementation for bone health, muscle mass and joint pain.
The demand for collagen is expected to grow as research continues to unravel the applications and benefits of collagen, especially for skin health and healthy aging.
References
- Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019; 18(1):9-16.
- Konig D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women – A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018; 10(1):97.
- Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Baumstark MW, Gollhofer A, Konig D. Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2015; 114(8):1237-1245.
- Garcia-Coronado JM, Martinez-Olvera L, Elizondo-Omana RE, et al. Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Int Orthop. 2019; 43(3):531-538.
- Tomosugi N, Yamamoto S, Takeuchi M, et al. Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Health Humans. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2017; 24(5):530-538.
- Collagen Market by Product Type (Gelatin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, and Native Collagen), Source, Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Row) – Global Forecast to 2023. MarketsandMarkets website. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/collagen-market-220005202.html. Published February 2019. Accessed September 8, 2019.
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