Collagen

Collated these information on collagen from documentaries (Talking Point on Channel 5 and a few other sources):

1.   There are three types of collagen in our body.  Types 1 and 3 are those under our skin.  Type 2 are those found in our knee joints, shoulder joints etc.

2.   Collagen broth and collagen supplements don't work, because collagen molecules are too big to be absorbed by our body.  Even if they are broken down and absorbed by the body, our body will send them to higher priority areas like the muscles, not to the skin.  Hence when taken, there will not likely be any beauty effect on the skin.

3.   Frequent smoking, alcohol consumption and exposure to UV light deplete the natural collagen in our body.  Many people who smoke and drink a lot, have rough and wrinkled faces, as well as those who work under the sun all the time.

4.   A more effective method for improving our skin texture is by applying creams with Vitamin C and Retinoids, directly onto the part of the skin we want to improve, like our face.  This can be enhanced by applying sunscreen too, to reduce the amount of UV light exposure from the sun.  These creams usually do not contain collagen.

5.   Many research reports on collagen are sponsored/supported by collagen/beauty product companies, which may be biased.  Independent scientific studies have generally not shown that collagen products work.  Hence, when searching for health benefits of collagen on the internet, take note of the sponsors for each respective article.  I would generally ignore those sponsored by health product companies but study into those posted by health professionals.

6.   It is also found that too much collagen in the body increases the level of triglycerides (main constituents of body fats).

7.   My learning point:  There is no need to pay more for collagen broth at hotpot outlets.  Go for more healthy versions like herbal/mushroom.  Most of us are going to cook a lot of meat in the broth anyway.