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I know how these threads tend to go but I'll freely admit to becoming more and more susceptible to any old snake oil if there's a shred of evidence it might help with general low back aches and pains. It might be unrealistic to expect to be pain free in my forties but I'm giving it a damn good try!
The topic of collagen breakdown in the body and the general reduced elasticity in tendons came up during a recent physio visit regarding pain around my hip and greater trochanter which the physio agreed might be a tendinopathy. Since my wife was already supplementing with collagen peptides (a powder that you mix into drinks/food) I thought I'd give it a go.
Of course, it's not cheap, so I don't plan on taking it for the foreseeable future, but that begs the question how long might be useful? If at all? I think the dietary equivalent is the crappier cuts of meat (i.e. the ones with more connective tissue in them that need slow cooked) or fish (which I'm allergic to). Otherwise I think I'm OK as I eat a lot of the basic 'building blocks' e.g. eggs, legumes etc.
Any experiences?
Ta
As you suspect - the stuff collagen is made from is in the food you're eating already unless you have a very poor or restrictive diet. Collagen loss as part of aging isn't because of diet - in terms of anything lacking in your diet - it's just aging and the effect of other environmental factors. It's excaerbated by bad diet - particularly too much sugar, by smoking and by too much sun worshiping. So spend less on those things if they're a factor. Theres no reason for a collagen supplement to be expensive.... other than to help you to believe in it because its expensive.
Fun fact - some collagen used in supplements and cosmetic procedeures is harvested from executed Chinese convicts.
It’s excaerbated by bad diet – particularly too much sugar
That's an extremely useful perspective actually, I've gone through peaks and troughs of weaning myself off sugar, and that's another good reason to try and do so. Booze as well 🙄