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What is Liquid Collagen?

N.M. Shanley
N.M. Shanley

Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids. It is produced in the bodies of humans and animals. Collagen is the substance that holds most body parts together, including skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and organs. Several forms of commercially-produced liquid collagen are found in beauty products and nutritional supplements.

Supplements can be taken orally, put directly on skin, or injected under the skin. A common use of this liquid is reversing skin damage, like wrinkles. As people age, less collagen is produced in the body, and existing collagen breaks down. Collagen is also destroyed by sun damage.

LIquid collagen is used as a bodybuilding supplement.
LIquid collagen is used as a bodybuilding supplement.

Collagen-deprived skin can become dry and wrinkled. A collagen supplement may help firm skin, increase elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines wrinkles. Collagen injections can plump up the skin to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. This effect is temporary and the user must continue regular injections to maintain results.

Liquid collagen protein may help promote fat loss by helping the body maintain lean muscle mass. Lean muscle burns energy, so there is less fuel left over in the body that can be stored as fat. Since collagen creates a cushion between muscles, bones, and tendons, supplements may help maintain overall joint health as well. As a result, liquid collagen has been known as a bodybuilding supplement that promotes muscle growth and joint support.

Hair and nails also naturally contain large amounts of collagen. Collagen supplements can help strengthen and grow hair and nails. Topical creams formulated specifically for hands and nails are also widely available.

Collagen-deprived skin can become dry and wrinkled.
Collagen-deprived skin can become dry and wrinkled.

Most commercially available supplements are in the form of liquid hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed means that the protein has been predigested. In other words, the component proteins have been partially broken down by enzymes to help ensure absorption in the body. Higher absorption rates generally lead to better performance of liquid collagen.

Supplement side effects can include allergic reactions or stomach sensitivity to liquid collagen taken orally. Collagen creams and injections may cause temporary redness or swelling. More severe reactions can also occur.

Collagen injections can be used to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles.
Collagen injections can be used to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles.

In the United States, liquid collagen is not a controlled substance and is not subject to approval or regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a result, makers of this supplement cannot claim that it cures or prevents any disease. General health and beauty claims made by suppliers must still be based in fact. These claims are not always confirmed through extensive research or clinical trials.

Discussion Comments

anon965970

Does mega collagen -10 have any side effects?

Bakersdozen

@Penzance356 - Personally I would be looking to help heal your tendon using natural collagen. I was once tempted to try liquid collagen for weight loss, after my doctor suggested my injury would depend on it.

Luckily for me someone put me onto a website with lots of liquid collagen reviews, and the side effects scared me. Instead I came across research on food nutrients, and in particular a recipe to make soup from beef bones.

Since I started making that, and increased the protein in my meals, I've recovered and stayed injury free.

Penzance356

Would liquid collagen work better than collagen pills or capsules for someone suffering from tendinitis?

I don't really care about the other benefits, I just want to be free of this chronic pain. It seems that no sooner do I get close to being better than I have a relapse.

CaithnessCC

@anon115382 - It's great to hear about your husband being able to get rid of his joint pain. I am trying to persuade my father to believe in the benefits of liquid collagen but it's not easy!

I've found collagen C pomegranate liquid in a local health store, and I agree that some kind of flavoring is going to be essential.

Now I just have to do a bit more convincing, so he can be free of the knee pain that's plagued him for years.

anon115382

Very few liquid collagens are palatable; most taste extraordinarily bad. The makers of AminoRip have figured out how to incorporate grape flavor and their product is already predigested, too, so 15 g of protein is really 15 g of protein -- and it comes in only a 1 oz serving. My husband no longer has hip pain since he starting drinking 3 oz daily. -LM Fort Myers FL

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    • LIquid collagen is used as a bodybuilding supplement.
      By: Csák István
      LIquid collagen is used as a bodybuilding supplement.
    • Collagen-deprived skin can become dry and wrinkled.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Collagen-deprived skin can become dry and wrinkled.
    • Collagen injections can be used to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles.
      By: armina
      Collagen injections can be used to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles.
    • While a collagen deficiency may cause premature aging of the skin, too much collagen may cause the skin to harden.
      By: Laurin Rinder
      While a collagen deficiency may cause premature aging of the skin, too much collagen may cause the skin to harden.
    • Collagen supplements may be able to strengthen hair.
      By: puhhha
      Collagen supplements may be able to strengthen hair.