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Collagen powder, often marketed as an "anti-aging" solution, lacks the miraculous effects often claimed.

Dietary supplements containing collagen, touted for their benefits on skin and joints, have recently surged in popularity. Yet, certain doubts persist...

Collagen Powder: The Unremarkable "Anti-Aging" Aid
Collagen Powder: The Unremarkable "Anti-Aging" Aid

Collagen powder, often marketed as an "anti-aging" solution, lacks the miraculous effects often claimed.

In recent years, collagen-enriched drinks have become a popular choice among individuals seeking to maintain a youthful appearance. These drinks, available over the counter in pharmacies and online, are being served at cafes across the city.

One such cafe is the 48 Collagen, founded by Amandine Fornot. Fornot clarifies that collagen is not a magical powder, but an extra to have in one's drink. A 51-year-old individual named Sonia is among the cafe's regular customers, taking powdered collagen daily. She attributes her perceived renewed vitality to the use of collagen.

Sonia's introduction to collagen came from her neighbour, who introduced her to marine collagen, also known as crustacean collagen. The cost for a glass of this collagen-enriched drink ranges from 7 to 13 euros. The flavored collagen used in the cafe is not specified, but manufacturers often add flavors based on sugar to mask the taste of marine collagen.

While some individuals praise the effects of collagen on their skin, stating it has made their skin more hydrated, others question its benefits. Dr. Alexandra Dalu, an anti-aging nutritionist, states that the benefits of collagen for the skin are not yet consensus in the medical world. She warns that the addition of sweeteners to collagen products can trigger sugar metabolism and potentially increase hunger.

The popularity of collagen is partly due to influencers promoting its benefits on social media. In 2024, the collagen market was valued at 14 million euros, indicating a meteoric expansion. However, Fornot clarifies that collagen is not proven to remove wrinkles or make one younger.

A videographer and another individual have also claimed to have noticed a difference after using marine collagen. The three-month course of collagen, which costs over 100 euros, is made from extracts of fish or beef. It's worth noting that some collagen products sold over the counter may not be naturally based.

Despite the controversy surrounding collagen, Sonia continues to take the powdered collagen daily, emphasizing its importance for joint health. As the trend continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether the hype surrounding collagen-enriched drinks will be justified by scientific evidence.

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