Lidl has introduced a new drink to its shelves that is good for your skin, hair, nails and bones. The supermarket chain now offers collagen water for a mere 79p per bottle.
This 500ml beverage is flavoured with lime and mint and enriched with vitamin B6 and niacin. Collagen, an essential amino acid, plays a vital role in forming connective tissue, which is crucial for the health of skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage.
While our bodies naturally produce collagen, it can also be obtained through diet and supplements. This vital protein is naturally present in our skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments. However, from your mid-20s onwards, your body starts losing collagen, which accelerates as we age.
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Insufficient collagen production can lead to a loss of elasticity and strength in certain areas, such as the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Thankfully, consuming collagen-rich foods and taking supplements can help enhance our body's collagen production, reports .
Early signs that increasing your collagen intake is working include smoother skin, softened fine lines around the eyes and mouth, faster-growing and stronger nails, and thicker, healthier hair. These improvements can be noticed within the first four weeks of boosting your collagen intake.
Other advantages include enhanced joint mobility and flexibility, improved recovery, increased muscle mass and strength during workouts, and reduced soreness post-training. It also contributes to better joint health and more flexible tendons.
Collagen is found in animal flesh with connective tissue, such as meat and fish. Supplements are primarily derived from various animal and plant sources, making some unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans. Foods rich in collagen include:
The most common sources of collagen supplements are bovine animals, pigs, and marine species like fish, jellyfish, and sponges. Type 2 collagen is typically derived from chicken sternum cartilage.
After consuming a collagen supplement, your digestive system breaks it into amino acids. Your body then combines these amino acids to form new proteins, which may not contain the same amino acids as the supplement. Therefore, despite what the label claims, you can't specifically target their benefits to areas like your skin, hair, or joints.
You can consume between 2.5 and 15 grams of collagen peptides daily. Research suggests that there are no adverse effects, and it could help improve the health of your skin, joints, and muscles. Always consult your doctor before making any significant diet or lifestyle changes and ensure such supplements are suitable for you.
Why is vitamin B6 good for you?
Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in producing haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. A lack of this vitamin can result in anaemia. Vitamin B6 aids in the creation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which helps regulate mood and sleep patterns.
It assists in maintaining normal levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that could cause blood clots if present in high amounts. It's also vital for ensuring a healthy and is essential for skin development and maintenance.
Supplements of this nutrient may enhance sleep quality and alleviate symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Vitamin B6 supports the body in producing antibodies necessary for combating infections and diseases.
This beneficial vitamin can be found in various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are also fortified with vitamin B6. Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include:
Why is niacin good for you?
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is one of the eight B vitamins. Its primary function is to protect skin cells from sun damage, whether consumed through food, taken as a supplement, or applied via topical lotions.
It might also help lower the risk of certain skin cancers. A study involving over 300 individuals at high risk for skin cancer showed that taking 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily resulted in reduced nonmelanoma skin cancer rates compared to those who did not take it.
Niacin can be found in various foods, notably meat, poultry, fish, nuts, and legumes. Certain products, such as breakfast cereals, are fortified with niacin and other essential vitamins. Here are some symptoms that may indicate a deficiency in niacin:
