Collagen supplements have become a common sight on the shelves of health food stores, and there are many reported benefits of increasing your collagen intake. Collagen is an essential protein required for elasticity and is found in your bones, connective tissue, skin, cartilage and tendons. Some collagen loss is natural as you age, and replacing this lost collagen or boosting your body's collagen levels can ease symptoms associated with a number of health conditions, improve the appearance of your skin, and promote healthy hair growth.

When you incorporate collagen from animal sources into your diet or supplement regimen, your digestive tract may find it difficult to break down and utilize its beneficial amino acids. Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into easily digestible peptides, which can allow your body to absorb and utilize it more easily. Hydrolyzed collagen can also be easier to ingest than non-hydrolyzed forms, as it's tasteless, odorless, and easily dissolves in water. Here are three benefits of taking hydrolyzed collagen.

It Can Ease Joint Pain

The cartilage in your joints contain collagen, and when collagen levels in your joints decrease it can lead to friction and wear on the surrounding bone and tissue, which causes pain. Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to strengthen joints and reduce pain, so it could be beneficial for those with osteoarthritis or other conditions affecting joint function.

It Can Increase Bone Density

Bone density can decrease with age or as a result of certain health conditions and medications, such as long-term use of corticosteroids. A reduction in bone density can lead to the development of osteoporosis, which can be painful and limit activity levels. Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis due to the drop in estrogen levels that occur during menopause. This creates a situation where bone resorption increases at a greater rate than bone formation. However, a recent study found that taking hydrolyzed collagen can increase bone formation and bone mineral density, so supplementing your diet with hydrolyzed collagen could decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis and ease symptoms associated with the condition.  

It Can Reduce Wrinkling

The collagen proteins in your skin give it elasticity, so good levels of collagen give your skin a smooth, plump appearance, while low levels of collagen can leave your skin looking wrinkled or sagging. Research has been carried out to determine the role of hydrolyzed collagen in relation to skin elasticity, and a recent study found that hydrolyzed collagen can markedly reduce wrinkling, which is good news for those who value a youthful appearance.

Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to have several health benefits and can be a useful addition to your beauty regimen. Those with an existing health condition should discuss the suitability of hydrolyzed collagen with their health professional before taking a supplement.