There are so many options when a person goes into a supplement store, from vitamins to minerals and protein powders and more.
The latest one to grow in popularity? Collagen.
At Supplement Giant, owner Adam Watts says collagen powder is a popular product.
“Collagen is actually the most abundant amount of protein in our body,” Watts said.
Collagen represents 30 percent of a human body’s protein content.
“It’s found in animal bones ligaments and tendons again not traditionally part of our diet anymore,” he said.
Most brands sell collagen as a great supplement to take to improve a person’s hair, skin, fingernails, and bone and joint health.
“If you have a deficiency of collagen in your skin it can decrease you skin health which can cause stretch marks, dark spots, infections,” Watts said.
He suggests people age 30 and older take a collagen supplement.
“After the age of 30, collagen decreases by 1 percent, so by the time you're 50, you've lost 20 percent of your collagen,” he said. "If you have injuries, collagen is going to help and repair tissue."
Registered Dietician Jessica Crandall Snyder said she recommends food as medicine, not supplements.
"Being active on a daily basis you are actually helping to re-synthesize your collagen," she said, "So supplemental sources from protein powders may not be the way for you to get adequate nutrition."
While Adam Watts sells collagen powder at whole sale, other stores start the product at $25 per container.
But eggs, wild salmon, tomatoes, pumpkin and chia seeds are affordable foods that aid in collagen production.
The experts say collagen powder works, but make sure it’s not your main source of protein.
