Beer And Collagen: Is It Safe To Mix?

Collagen is a protein that is responsible for making people look young. It is the body's most abundant protein, made up of amino acids, or peptides, and it plays a key role in the connective tissue throughout our bodies, contributing to the function of skin, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and the digestive system. As we age, our bodies begin to produce less collagen, which leads to wrinkles and a loss of skin plumpness. While collagen is commonly used in the beauty industry and is known for its skin care benefits, it is also being added to other products such as beer. But is it safe to drink beer while taking collagen? And can it provide any benefits?

Collagen is a protein that keeps skin elastic and wrinkle-free

Collagen is a fibrous protein that is essential for giving structure, strength, and elasticity to the skin. It is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of the body's total protein.

Collagen is often referred to as the "elixir of youth" due to its ability to keep skin radiant, elastic, and wrinkle-free. It does so by forming a scaffold that provides strength and structure, holding the body's cells together. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate. This leads to a loss of elasticity and moisture in the skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging.

While collagen supplements and collagen-infused drinks, such as the Japanese beer Precious, have been marketed as anti-aging solutions, the effectiveness of ingesting collagen is debated. Some experts argue that the collagen is broken down by stomach acids and not absorbed into the bloodstream, while others claim that collagen peptides can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and provide benefits such as improved skin hydration and elasticity.

To enhance collagen levels and maintain skin health, it is recommended to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which provide the body with the raw ingredients to produce collagen naturally. Additionally, protecting the skin from sun exposure, avoiding smoking, and using topical treatments like retinol, tretinoin, and antioxidant creams can help prevent collagen breakdown and promote collagen formation.

Beer with added collagen may not have enough collagen to be effective

For example, Precious beer, made by Suntory, contains about two grams of collagen per can. Dr. Ariel Ostad, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center, told Forbes that "there isn’t enough collagen to make a remarkable difference for your skin’s complexion." He also noted that drinking alcohol can lead to inflammation and irritate the skin.

Other doctors have even called drinking collagen "absurd", and it is worth noting that the act of drinking alcohol itself can have negative effects on the skin, such as dehydration, puffiness, and redness. While collagen-infused beer may be marketed as a way to improve skin health and appearance, the amount of collagen present may not be enough to counteract the potential negative effects of alcohol consumption.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of consuming collagen orally has been questioned. Dr. Ostad suggests that the most effective method of using collagen to enhance the skin is through topical application rather than consumption. He also notes that collagen is broken down by the digestive system like any other food or drink, and is not considered an anti-aging ingredient.

While the idea of a beer that can make you look youthful and attractive is appealing, the reality is that the amount of collagen present in these beers may not be sufficient to deliver on those promises. As always, it is important to remember that maintaining healthy skin involves a combination of factors, including proper skin care, sun protection, and a balanced diet.

Drinking alcohol can cause inflammation and skin irritation

Alcohol can also cause skin dryness and reduced elasticity, leading to a dull and dry appearance. This is because alcohol is a diuretic, which increases urine production and causes dehydration. Dehydration can also result in puffy eyes and dark circles, as alcohol disrupts normal sleep patterns.

In addition, alcohol can trigger or aggravate various skin conditions, including rosacea, discoid eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and cellulitis. These conditions can cause symptoms such as redness, irritation, pimples, and scaly patches on the skin.

Alcohol can also increase the risk of skin infections and skin cancer. This is due to its negative impact on the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases.

To mitigate the negative effects of alcohol on the skin, it is recommended to drink water alongside alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of dehydration.

Collagen supplements may be more effective than drinking collagen

Drinking alcohol can negatively impact the health of your skin. Alcohol is the second biggest cause of skin ageing, surpassed only by sun damage. Alcohol dehydrates the body, throwing skin off balance and promoting dryness. It also produces free radicals, which are chemicals that injure collagen, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and laxity.

Collagen is a major structural protein found in skin, hair, nails, tendons, cartilage and bones. It is responsible for making you look young by maintaining skin's plumpness, elasticity, volume, moisture and its ability to "bounce back".

Collagen supplements have become popular, and they often contain collagen from different sources such as fish, cattle, pigs or chicken. They are typically formulated in powder form, but are also available as pills, gummies or liquids.

While drinking collagen-infused beer may not be harmful, it is unlikely to be an effective way to improve your skin's health. According to Dr. Ariel Ostad, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center, "there isn't enough collagen to make a remarkable difference for your skin's complexion".

Additionally, when ingested, collagen is broken down by the body, and it is unclear if the skin benefits from collagen supplements are due to the collagen itself or the other ingredients in the supplements.

Therefore, if your goal is to improve skin texture and elasticity and minimise wrinkles, you may be better off focusing on sun protection, using topical retinoids, and adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and limited alcohol consumption.

Collagen is also found in foods such as leafy greens and egg whites

Collagen is an important protein that gives skin its structure, suppleness, and stretch. Our bodies start losing collagen in our mid-20s, and after the age of 40, our bodies lose about 1% of collagen each year. This is why many people turn to collagen supplements or collagen-rich foods.

Collagen is found in animal foods and seafood, and some foods are better sources of collagen than others. For example, bone broth is commonly known as a good source of collagen, but the evidence for this is mixed. While one study in mice found that consuming bone broth raised collagen levels and improved skin firmness, other research suggests that the amount of collagen that ends up in our bodies from consuming bone broth may not be enough to make a difference.

If you are looking for collagen from foods, there are a few options that are rich in this protein. Chicken skin is a source of collagen, and chicken bone broth is a good source of collagen type I, which plays a big role in skin, hair, and nail health. Pork skin is another source of collagen, and pork bone broth may also be a good option. Fish and other seafood are also rich in collagen, especially the bones, skin, and scales. If you are eating fish for its collagen content, it is best to eat the skin and choose a fish where you will eat most or all of the fish, such as sardines.

However, it is important to note that certain collagen-rich foods, like animal and fish skin, are high in fat, and a diet high in fat and red meat is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and cancer. So, while these foods may provide collagen, they should be consumed in moderation.

For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, there are still ways to boost collagen through food. Plant-based foods do not contain collagen, but some foods contain amino acids that may boost collagen production in the body. Legumes, whole grains, and fermented soy are examples of vegetarian-friendly foods that may help boost collagen production. Additionally, vitamin C is important for building collagen, and berries, broccoli, and citrus fruits are all excellent sources of this nutrient.

So, while collagen supplements are popular, it is possible to boost your collagen intake through food. However, it is worth noting that there is limited research on the effects of consuming collagen-rich foods, and it is unclear whether these foods actually help our bodies make more collagen.

Frequently asked questions