Does Collagen Increase Your Height?

by   |   Mar 14, 2023
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Collagen is a protein that is naturally found in the body and is the primary component of connective tissues, such as bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It is widely used in supplements and skincare products because of its potential health benefits. Many claims that collagen can help increase height. Is it true?

Common sources of collagen

Collagen is naturally occurring in the body and may be found in a wide range of foods. You can get it from meat, bone broth, fish, and egg whites. Some foods though not containing this protein can still support its formation. These are citrus, berries, leafy greens, beans, etc.

Bone broth is a nutritious and flavorful broth made by simmering animal bones for several hours. It is a rich source of collagen, amino acids, and minerals.

This beneficial protein is found in the connective tissue of animal products like beef, chicken, and pork. Eating meat on the bone or consuming cuts that are high in collagen, such as beef shank or oxtail, can boost your daily requirement.

Fish, especially those that are canned with their bones, are also a good source of collagen. Fish, which are salmon, tuna, and mackerel, also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve skin health.

Egg whites are a good source of the amino acids that make up collagen, including proline and glycine.

Collagen is the most ubiquitous protein in your body, and vitamin C helps you make more of it. In addition, berries include a variety of other nutritional elements: fiber, vitamin K, and manganese. Vitamin C, which is abundant in berries and helps this protein’s formation, tissue healing, and cell development.

Collagen supplements are also available in various forms (i.e. capsules, powders, and drinks). They can be an easy way to increase your daily intake.

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Does collagen increase your height?

Height is largely determined by genetics and the growth hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. While collagen is an important component of bones and other connective tissues, it does not have a direct impact on growth.

Some collagen supplements may contain other nutrients that could support bone health and growth. For example, some supplements may include vitamin D, calcium, and other minerals that are important for bone development. However, there is no evidence to suggest that these supplements can increase height beyond what would be expected based on a person’s genetics and growth hormone levels.

Benefits from collagen

Collagen has many health benefits, including:

Improved Skin Health

In the skin, collagen is a critical component of the extracellular matrix, providing structural support and maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.

The production of collagen in the skin naturally declines as we grow older. This can lead to a loss of skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. External factors, such as UV radiation, pollution, and smoking, can also damage protein fibers and accelerate the aging process.

There is a wide variety of collagen in the skin, but type I is the most prevalent. It forms a dense network of fibers that provide support to the skin’s surface and help to retain moisture. This protein also plays a role in wound healing and scar formation as it is involved in the process of tissue repair.

To maintain healthy skin, it is essential to support the production of collagen. This can be achieved through a healthy diet that includes foods rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for its synthesis. Topical treatments containing vitamin C, retinoids, or peptides can also help to stimulate this process and improve skin texture and firmness.

Joint Health

The connective tissue called cartilage, which cushions and shields the joints, contains collagen as a crucial part of its extracellular matrix. In addition to supporting structurally, it aids in preserving cartilage’s suppleness and structural integrity.

The body’s natural collagen synthesis slows as we get older, which can lead to a loss of joint function and the development of joint disorders, for example, osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

There are several types of collagen in the body, but type II is the most prevalent in cartilage. It provides the structural support necessary to maintain healthy joints, and its deficiency can lead to joint deterioration and cartilage breakdown.

Muscle Strength

The extracellular matrix that surrounds muscle fibers contains a sizable amount of collagen, which offers structural support and helps them operate.

This element is particularly significant in skeletal muscles as they are responsible for movement and locomotion. Here, this type of protein forms a network of fibers that connect them to bones, allowing for coordinated movement and stability.

Collagen is also important in cardiac muscle, which is the type that makes up the heart. In the heart, this component provides support and structure to the heart’s walls, helping to maintain proper heart function.

Naturally, the body makes less collagen as we grow older, which can lead to a loss of muscle mass and strength. This condition, known as sarcopenia, is a common consequence of aging and can lead to a reduced quality of life and an increased risk of falls and fractures.

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Bone Health

Collagen is the primary protein in the extracellular matrix of bone tissue, which provides the structural framework and support.

Collagen is essential for maintaining bone strength and flexibility, forming a network of fibers that gives them resilience and durability. This type of protein also plays a critical role in their mineralization, which is the process by which they are strengthened with calcium and other minerals.

As we become older, collagen synthesis in the body declines, which can lead to a loss of bone density and strength. This condition, known as osteoporosis, is a significant health concern, particularly in more senior adults.

Gut Health

Collagen is a protein that is abundant in the human body and plays a vital role in maintaining digestive system health. It is a significant component of the connective tissue in the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Collagen helps to maintain the integrity and elasticity of the digestive tract, which is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This protein provides structural support to the digestive tract, preventing it from becoming too rigid or too loose, and it also plays a role in repairing damaged tissue.

As we age, the production of collagen in the body naturally declines, which can lead to digestive system disorders, like inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Heart Health

Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular system health. It is a significant component of the extracellular matrix in blood vessels, which provides structural support and stability to the vessel walls.

This protein also plays a critical role in the functioning of heart valves, which regulate blood flow through the heart. The heart valves are made up of collagen-rich tissue, which provides the flexibility and strength needed to operate properly.

As collagen production decreases over time, blood vessels and heart valves weaken which leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

Summary

There is no proof in the scientific community for the assumption that collagen may make people taller. It does not directly affect development, despite being a crucial part of connective tissues like bones. Any transient height gains are more likely the result of posture or spinal alignment adjustments than collagen treatments or other methods. To grow taller, you must be still in your growth period and follow a wholesome diet, sleep, and rest habits.

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