Do you take 1000 mg of collagen daily? If you do, you might be curious to learn if you’re taking the amount your body needs. The question is, do you need to take more or less?
Collagen has no specific dosage, but certain amounts are recommended. Taking 1000 mg of collagen daily is enough to kick-start the benefits of the compound. However, research proves that it’s best to take at least 2500 mg daily for effectiveness. Since it’s an essential protein, it plays a vital role in developing connective tissues and structural components.
When you eat a balanced diet, your body produces just enough of this compound. However, you might need supplements to boost collagen levels as you age. This article explains more about this essential protein and gives recommendations on how to take it.
How Much Collagen Should You Take Daily?
People take collagen for different reasons. Taking 1000 mg of collagen should depend on your health goals. Here are various reasons you take this protein and the recommended dosage for each.
Skin Improvement
Taking exogenous collagen may help counteract the loss of collagen that occurs around the age of 30 and smooth your skin. According to one study, the skin elasticity of older women improves with 2500 to 5000 mg per day for four weeks.
Another study found that after only nine weeks, taking 10000 mg of collagen peptides in the form of a fruit-based beverage reduced the depth of existing wrinkles. This occurred in middle-aged women, and it was more effective than the placebo.
It might be surprising that the benefits of collagen for skin health and anti-aging don’t necessitate large daily doses. However, research supports the recommended dosage.
Relief of Joint Pains
Collagen may provide pain relief for those suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a related illness. Hydrolyzed collagen dosages of as little as 8000 to 12000 mg daily enhance plasma collagen levels and alleviate symptoms.
Higher dosages, up to 40000 mg daily for 90 days, improve joint flexion and extension in patients with a history of arthritis. So, if you’re taking 1000 mg of collagen for common problems, you need to increase your dosage.
Build Muscle Mass
If you want to gain muscle growth and improve your body composition, 15000 mg of collagen daily is best. According to multiple studies, taking 15000 mg of collagen helped individuals gain muscle mass, decrease fat, and boost strength.
What Type of Collagen Supplement Is Best?
Gelatin, undenatured collagen, and hydrolyzed collagen are all examples of supplemental collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen is usually the best option for many companies to use because it breaks down quickly.
Supplements also come in different forms. You’ll find these as pills, powder, and liquid, so you can choose any that suits you. Though these forms differ, they contain the same collagen, and any of them will suffice.
How Long Does Collagen Work?
Whether you take 1000 mg of collagen or more, it begins to work immediately after you take it. On the other hand, it might take a while for you to see the effect.
The amount of time it takes to work also depends on certain factors. One of these is your collagen levels before you take the supplement.
Another factor is the kind of food you eat. Eating the wrong food can adversely affect your health. For instance, if you love eating junk, you damage the effect of collagen.
Finally, your style of living also determines how fast you’ll see the results. If you’re taking collagen for skin health, you’ll likely notice results sooner than if you’re taking collagen for joint health. Generally, the effect varies from person to person. Still, a good lifestyle, including a balanced diet, might speed up the process.
What Is the Best Way to Take 1000 mg of collagen?
There are no specifications for how you can take 1000 mg of collagen or any other milligram. As a result, you can take this supplement in whatever way you prefer.
Collagen is tasteless, and the powder is highly soluble. There are also pills that you can easily swallow and take with water. However, many prefer the powder because you can easily add it to your beverage and other foods.
Even when you want to add the powder to a drink or food, ensure it is healthy. Go for highly nutritious drinks like a strawberry smoothie that contains essential vitamins.
Is It Possible to Take Too Much Collagen?
There is no set upper limit for taking collagen. Since the supplement is safe, many wouldn’t experience unpleasant side effects from taking it.
Still, there have been a few reports about unpleasant taste and other stomach complaints. Therefore, it’s best to check with a healthcare expert before moving from 1000 mg of collagen to a higher dosage.
Conclusion
There are so many ways collagen benefits the body, making it a multipurpose supplement. Your skin’s structure relies heavily on collagen. Not only does it help it maintain its strength, but it also contributes to its hardness, flexibility, and supple appearance.
Collagen improves the structure and permeability of the gut lining. It’s also necessary for cartilage to maintain its structure.
Due to its benefits, taking the proper dosage is vital. While 1000 mg of collagen is not a bad start, it’s less than the recommended dosage.