Could Collagen Drinks Prevent Skin Aging?

Today, many supplement products are promoted as collagen drinks. These various products claim to make the skin look younger, brighter, hydrated, and healthy. Some products circulating in Indonesia contain collagen, glutathione, vitamin A, B, C, D, minerals, and various plant extracts. But how useful are these products for our skin and body?

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in our body synthesized by fibroblast. Collagen in general consists of more than 25 types, most of which are collagen type I. This protein is composed of triple helix amino acid chains and mainly contains glycine, proline, and lysine. Collagen has a very large molecular weight; therefore it is difficult to absorb collagen directly. In the digestive tract, collagen, like other proteins, will be broken down and absorbed as amino acids. Collagen is found in many animal sources, especially in the skin, tendon, ligament, cartilage, and bones. Glutathione is an antioxidant that is also produced naturally in the human body. Antioxidants play a role in preventing collagen degradation and also preventing the formation of melanin pigment. Vitamin A is needed for cell regeneration while B vitamin is important in energy metabolism needed for growth and regeneration of body cells. Vitamin C also functions as an antioxidant while being a cofactor in the collagen synthesis process. Vitamin D also plays an important role in the differentiation, proliferation, and protection of the skin against sunlight. Meanwhile, minerals like zinc and copper are also crucial in collagen synthesis. A variety of plant extracts are claimed to have antioxidant and collagen stimulation effects.

Referring to each component of the collagen drink, one can easily conclude that these products have a positive effect on the skin and body. But to exert these effects, the following things must be put in mind. First, can the product be absorbed by the body? Secondly, is the dose and length of consumption enough to achieve clinical effects? Third, what are the side effects of long-term use of this product? Fourth, are the ingredients claimed as compositions in the product really safe?

A small number of clinical trials had been published. Consumption of collagen in the form of peptides or hydrolyzed collagen can be effectively absorbed and provide benefits to maintain moisture, elasticity and prevent skin aging. The smallest daily dose of collagen used is 2.5 grams and research durations are 4 weeks - 6 months without any side effects. The elderly subject tends to respond better. Meanwhile, research on glutathione showed varied results regarding the ability of absorption or the benefits for aging and skin brightness following oral consumption. Glutathione requires relatively large dose to increase levels in plasma and more effective when combined with N acetylcysteine ​​and alpha-lipoic acid. This is also influenced by the administration route. Consumption of oral glutathione tends to be well tolerated. Various types of vitamins have long been known for its’ doses, benefits for the body, and side effects. Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and D need a lipid carrier to be utilized properly by our body. This is confusing because this product is often consumed in liquid form. For a variety of plant extracts, there are still very few clinical trial studies that comprehensively evaluate the benefits and side effects of the substance.

Actually, the collagen content in the product cannot directly replace collagen in the skin or body. This supplement works as an amino acid source, stimulates collagen synthesis, and prevents collagen breakdown. Therefore, the benefits of this collagen product actually also depend on the ability of cells to synthesize collagen and the rate of collagen breakdown in our body. Both of these are greatly influenced by numerous factors, such as genetic, diet, stress, sun exposure, and lifestyle.

Most of the published studies are short term clinical trials and involving a rather limited sample. The validity of the study results is questioned, mainly regarding the influential factors mentioned above are often had not been fully considered. Interestingly, most studies use only collagen or glutathione without herbal mixtures, while most of the drinks in the market contain a mixture of various herbal ingredients. Therefore, collagen drink products that contain various combinations are not yet known for its’ benefits and especially the side effects. Until now, there has been no long term research on the consumption of this product, so whether the chronic consumption of this product really produces an anti-aging effect and safe is still unknown.

The purity of ingredients contained in collagen supplements also needs to be concerned, especially regarding the source and production process, so that it is free from hazardous contamination. Considering the ingredients are often extracted from fish and plants which bear the possibility of having heavy metals and pesticide contamination. Also whether a product actually contains ingredients as stated in the label, without any other active compounds. Although there has been no research, some side effects had been reported after consumption of collagen supplement products includes allergy, increased appetite and weight gain, disruption of the menstrual cycle, and fluid retention (moon face). These show the possibility of hormonal imbalance that raises questions about the actual ingredients or side effects of the products labeled as collagen drinks. Such products are included as a supplement and can be freely sold over the counter even without enough and valid evidence-based support. These kind of products are not subject to strict regulations to be available on the market. Hence, less safety control applied to this product.

Consumption of collagen drinks may be beneficial for the body as long as the content and production process can be trusted. Nevertheless, caution in consumption, especially long-term use is still needed. However, consideration between the benefit and cost of this product also needs to be pointed out. Moreover, there are natural sources of ingredients that can be provided from daily foods such as fish, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. Prevention of collagen degradation acceleration is also achievable by avoiding excessive sun exposure, managing stress, practicing a healthy diet and lifestyle.