Collagen is the primary protein in the human body, and many people choose to take collagen supplements to receive the wealth of benefits that they offer.
If you’re interested in taking collagen supplements, you might be wondering: How long does it take for collagen supplements to work?
In this article, I will cover some key information about taking collagen supplements, including how long it takes for collagen supplements to work.
Keep reading to find out more.
Your body naturally produces collagen. In fact, 28 types of collagen have been identified in the human body, with types I, II, and III being the most abundant.
While types I and III are primarily found in the bones and skin, type II is mainly found in the joints.
Collagen supplements are marketed and sold to help build muscle, improve skin elasticity, and promote joint health.
So, what are some of the benefits of taking collagen supplements?
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Collagen Supplements?
The benefits of taking collagen supplements are varied. They include but are not limited to:
Supports Muscle Growth
Taking collagen supplements, like all protein sources, can help support muscle growth when taken in conjunction with resistance training.
That being said, whether collagen supplements are more effective for building muscle when compared to other sources of protein is yet to be determined.
Promotes Bone Health
In addition to this, collagen supplements are known for promoting bone health. Bone is primarily composed of collagen.
Collagen supplements are therefore used to help protect against the condition, osteoporosis, in which bones become brittle and weak, making them more susceptible to fracture.
May Help Relieve Joint Pain
As type II of collagen is found in cartilage (the protective cushioning between joints) a few studies have suggested that collagen supplements might help to relieve joint pain.
May Improve Skin Elasticity
Research surrounding collagen supplements suggest that they can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and hydration, and generally boost collagen levels in your skin.
Despite the many benefits associated with taking collagen supplements, research is still relatively limited. That being said, there are very few known risks, so collagen supplements are generally considered safe to take.
How Long Does It Take For Collagen Supplements To Work?
How long it takes for collagen supplements to work can vary between individuals and is obviously affected by variables such as the dose being taken.
That being said, whatever results you’re hoping to achieve from taking collagen, it will take a minimum of 8 weeks to experience noticeable results.
The majority of studies that determine the effects of collagen on skin health are typically carried out over a period of 8 weeks, but others can last for longer periods of time.
For instance, when it comes to bone health, many studies last for as long as 12 months.
When taking collagen supplements daily for joint pain relief, it can take as long as 6 months to notice improvements, depending on the dose that you are taking.
Bearing this in mind, you should know that taking collagen supplements isn’t a quick fix. While taking it for several months can improve your skin elasticity, the change isn’t going to happen overnight.
It’s also worth noting that because you’re looking at yourself in the mirror everyday, you might not notice the gradual changes in your skin happening straight away.
Many people swear by taking collagen supplements. They’re both available online and in select stores. However, if you’re interested in supplementing with collagen, you should first speak to your doctor or healthcare provider.
While they are considered generally safe to take, a few mild side effects such as an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea have been reported.
Bearing this in mind, it’s better to be safe than sorry by chatting to your doctor before you begin taking collagen supplements.
Types Of Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements are typically sourced from animals such as pigs, cows, or fish and may contain types I, II, or III collagen.
The main forms of collagen supplements are: hydrolyzed collagen, raw, or gelatin.
- Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into amino acids.
- Gelatin is partially broken down into amino acids.
- Raw forms of collagen proteins, on the other hand, remain intact.
Potential Downsides Of Collagen Supplements
While you often hear about the benefits of taking collagen supplements, there’s two sides to every coin. That being said, you should also be aware of the potential downsides of taking collagen supplements.
Contain Allergens
One of the biggest downsides is that collagen supplements contain allergens, such as fish, which can make them unsuitable for people with certain allergies.
If you know that you’ve got allergies, you shouldn’t be taking supplements without talking to your doctor first, but you will also need to make sure that you check the label to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Often Not Suitable For Vegetarians Or Vegans
Due to the fact that collagen supplements are often sourced from animals, the majority of collagen supplements are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
While more and more people are becoming vegetarian or vegan, the fact that collagen is primarily sourced from animals can isolate a minority of consumers.
While there are exceptions to this, for the most part, both vegetarians and vegans need to be very wary before buying any collagen supplements.
Can Cause Mild Side Effects
As I have mentioned above, collagen supplements can cause mild side effects. These side effects include an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea.
As a result, it’s essential that you speak to your doctor about taking collagen supplements beforehand, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions.
This is much safer than diagnosing and treating yourself and becoming frustrated if the result isn’t what you’d hoped for.
Whether you notice a difference when taking collagen supplements will depend on a number of different factors, and the time frame in which you see results varies will depend on what you’re using the collagen supplements for.
In Summary
There are a variety of different benefits associated with taking collagen supplements.
Typically speaking, it takes around 8 weeks for you to begin to notice any differences when you are taking collagen supplements, though this can vary from individual to individual.
While there are many benefits associated with taking collagen supplements, more studies are needed as research is still relatively limited.
Before you begin taking collagen supplements, you should make sure that you discuss your interest with your doctor or healthcare provider beforehand.