Is Collagen Good for Gut Health?
Collagen is an integral part of our body. It helps keep our skin firm and youthful, but it also plays a role in many other parts of our body. Collagen is one of the three main structural proteins in the human body making up to a third of the total protein content found in our bodies. It is made up of chains of amino acids called peptides that are linked together by chemical bonds to form protein chains.
Collagen is found throughout the entire body, but it is especially abundant in connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone, blood vessels, and organs, including the gut and digestive system. It provides both strength and elasticity to these structures. In addition, it supports the function of cells and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, nails, and membranes.
Collagen for Gut & Digestive Assistance
One of the key ways that collagen supplements support gut health is by protecting the tight junction barriers between connective tissue cells which provide a tight seal between cells, making sure that essential nutrients move through the epithelial tissue as intended, that toxins are prevented from getting into cells and that cell structures are able to be maintained.
Some of the key amino acids that protect intestinal epithelial tissues by supporting protein synthesis and reducing inflammation in the gut are glutamine, arginine, and methionine. These amino acids are present in high levels and in a highly bioavailable form in the unique amino acid profile of Nutraviva Collagen Hydrolysate, ready to be up taken into cells during metabolism.
The latest research
Research suggests that at least 40% of the global population will experience at least one digestive disorder in their lives, with women seemingly more proportionally affected by digestive issues. However, this statistic may have been influenced by a historic reluctance of men willing to come forward to discuss such symptoms with a medical professional.
Not all digestive issues may always warrant a visit to the doctor, but they certainly can impact on quality of life. People who suffer from chronic ongoing digestive issues, such a Leaky Gut, Crohn’s Disease, and IBS, will certainly testify as to how much of an impact their symptoms have upon their everyday lives.
In a peer reviewed scientific study published this year, Mariette Abrahams, Rochez O’Grady & Janne Prawitt (JMIP Formative Research) found that 20g of collagen powder supplement over a timeframe of 8 weeks indicated a large positive effect on the reduction of digestive symptoms of bloating and intestinal stomach pain. 93% of the participants reported a reduction in their digestive disorder symptoms including bloating and improved bowel health.