Collagen and Chlorophyll are Hot These Days

Summer 2021 is finally here! So are the easing of many restrictions on gathering, attending our favorite restaurants and generally returning to a “new normal.” The season we’ve all been eagerly awaiting is finally here, and one of the big questions our clients at the Anti-Aging and Longevity Center of Philadelphia have been asking is: What can I do to make sure I re-enter social life and shore life safely and responsibly?

The good news is that as we approach 70% or more of the population being vaccinated, it seems more likely that sharp reductions in transmission and acquisition of COVID-19 will occur. It is also clear that more than ever, people are aware of the importance of personal hygiene, healthy eating, getting a healthy dose of sunshine (natural Vitamin D), and staying home if you are not feeling well.

As many of you who regularly read my articles know, I am passionate about optimizing the immune system, fortifying our defenses, feeling great, and looking our best. At the Anti-Aging and Longevity Center, we help guide our clients to optimal health, within the boundaries of their lifestyle, families, career and goals. We teach our clients how to play offense, not defense, with their health. We focus on simple things that can make a big difference – like making sure that diet reduces inflammation, that vital nutrients are optimized, hormones are in proper balance – and we are expert at correcting the gastrointestinal microbiome and gut issues that can range from bloating to serious, chronic health issues.

Importantly, we also work with our clients to help them look their best. A key part of wellness is taking care of our body’s largest organ – our skin. We strategize with clients to help them improve the look, feel and health of their skin. We focus on helping clients feel great and radiate health.

THE COLLAGEN CRAZE

There’s one trend that has garnered a lot of press and attention lately and with good reason – everyone is talking about collagen supplements. I have been getting nearly every day this month, “Does drinking collagen make your skin younger?” Are they a fountain of youth? Should you be taking them?

The simple answer is “probably.” Read on …

What is collagen? It’s an important protein that is a critical component of bones, skin, muscles and tendons. Collagen helps skin cells adhere to one another; it also gives the skin strength and elasticity. Collagen production decreases with age, contributing to skin wrinkling and sagging. If you’re wondering where skin gets that bounce, it’s from collagen.

So now we know that it’s important for our skin, but does consuming collagen as a supplement translate to more collagen in your skin? Will drinking it actually do anything?

Recently published studies do show improved skin elasticity and appearance of the skin after taking collagen hydrolysate supplements for at least six weeks. Additional studies are underway comparing the skin elasticity of collagen-consuming individuals vs. those receiving a placebo. We expect to see results from these trials in the next few years. In the meantime, we can ask those who have been taking collagen supplements to share their experience and reflect on the results they’ve seen.

Erin, a mother of four who lives in a suburb of Philadelphia, started taking liquid hydrolyzed collagen two weeks ago. Her primary goal was to even out crow’s feet around the eyes and have generally less pronounced facial wrinkles. She takes the collagen twice daily and reports that while she has not yet noticed any difference in her appearance, she plans to continue taking supplements for a full six weeks to see what differences she observes.

Judith, a Philadelphia resident who spends her summers at the shore, is a client of Anti-Aging and Longevity who has been taking collagen supplements for the past four months. She has noticed her skin is smoother to the touch and reports her cheeks are rosy more often. In addition, she has observed her nails are thicker, her hair seems “fuller” and she has felt an improvement in her arthritis symptoms.

Lizanne, a longtime resident of Avalon, is a big fan of collagen liquid supplements. In particular, she prefers marine grade, type 1, collagen elixir. She has been experiencing excellent results, finding it nourishes her skin from the inside out, promotes enhanced elasticity, firmness and hydration. Lizanne enjoys helping others to get started on their own regimen and reports many she has helped describe their complexion as ‘radiant’.

So, what do we say about liquid collagen supplements?

Collagen is not new; it is a natural substance that has literally been consumed for centuries. It is safe and in fact during the 1980s, collagen was a widely used injectable filler. Collagen is rich in the amino acids proline and glycine, which aid in joint repair, and collagen makes up more than 70% of our skin, providing the bulk of its volume. When we are young, we are able to readily replace collagen. But by the time we reach our 40s and 50s, we can lose a third or more of our natural collagen. This is particularly true for women experiencing menopause. So, supplementing with collagen is a personal choice and one that might have benefits that extend beyond a pretty face.

If you decide to give collagen supplements a try, here is our best advice:

1) Look for a supplement with simple ingredients and limited additives – no added sugar.

2) Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin C after you start collagen supplements. It helps the body absorb and process collagen.

3) Choose a product that clearly states it is a collagen peptide or hydrolyzed collagen (both are interchangeable terms) over a simple collagen supplement. The peptide form, which is made through hydrolysis is made of shorter chain amino acid and thus more bioavailable when consumed.

ALSO TRENDING: CHLOROPHYLL

Speaking of skin, there has also been a recent spike in the interest and use of chlorophyll water, beverages and supplements. It seems to be trending on social-media platforms and many beauty experts are touting the effects on acne, sun-damaged skin and even as an adjunct for weight loss. So, let’s “clear up” what chlorophyll is and what the research tells us. Read on to get the “skinny” on this natural ingredient found in plants.

Chlorophyll is a pigment that acts as a photoreceptor in plants. Its primary role in nature is to synthesize sunlight into energy for plants; it is a growth engine. When consumed, chlorophyll has vitamins and antioxidants that are healthy for us. So consuming vegetables and other plant foods gives us chlorophyll in our diet. Examples of veggies rich in chlorophyll that many of us eat are spinach, arugula and parsley.

Why take supplements if you eat a diet containing leafy greens? Because in this case, the acids in our stomach can limit the amount of chlorophyll available for absorption in the small intestine. Supplements are designed to enable chlorophyll to survive the stomach and absorb in the small intestine.

There are many benefits touted by manufacturers of chlorophyll supplements ranging from curing acne to detoxifying the blood, and even preventing cancer. When we look at the peer-reviewed research on this healthy, plant-based ingredient we can draw a few conclusions:

1) Chlorophyll is generally safe and has vitamins and antioxidants that are healthy to consume.

2) When applied topically (as an ointment), studies have shown a benefit in acne and sun-damaged skin.

3) When consumed as a supplement, there are several small studies that show chlorophyll has powerful antioxidant effects, meaning it can reduce the damaging effects of free radicals on our cells and immune system.

4) A small study found that there was a weight-loss benefit in participants that took a chlorophyll containing supplement vs. those who did not. However, these findings were in a small sample size, and larger trials are needed to demonstrate the effect is directly related to chlorophyll.

What is our verdict? Chlorophyll, like all antioxidants, is a great adjunct but not a replacement for a healthy diet rich in protein, whole grains, fiber, healthy fats and carbs from fruits and other natural sources. Chlorophyll supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA; therefore, there is a wide variety in potency and dosing. Before starting a new supplement, we always recommend you discuss it with your doctor first. If you are on any prescription medicines, it’s always a good idea to check with your pharmacist as well, just to make certain there are no drug interactions.

Lastly, we should note that for those of you who are wheatgrass fans, this is a great source of chlorophyll. You can get a healthy dose of chlorophyll from wheatgrass powder or in the form of wheatgrass shots, which can be found in health-food stores and some grocery stores.