Health professionals call into question the many virtues that are lent to miraculous health products such as collagen or potted seaweed, which swarm on social networks.
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“There is an interest in the various supplements. They talk to me a lot about collagen, there can be potential benefits, yes, but it’s always better to bet on food, ”says Santiago Rosin, nutritionist for teamnutrition.
Always very popular collagen supplements. Several people use it to help reduce fine lines or for its body effects. Experts are not all unanimous on the subject.
Photo Marianne Langlois
Vitamins in colorful capsules, liquid collagen, potted seaweed, nutritionists more than ever feel the effects of social networks on their customers during consultations.
Carol-Ann Robert, Nutritionist Dietitian of teamnutrition, from Montreal. The one who has been practicing for seven years sees a lot of new trends appear in terms of health.
Photo provided by Carol-Ann Robert
“First of all, it is very rare, an supplement that is for everyone, so it is very important to be careful. You have to make a case-by-case basis depending on the needs and deficiencies of a person, it is not uncommon that we have to clean up everything that our customers consume, ”warns Carol-Ann Robert, Dietistian nutritionist at teamnutrition.
Very targeted advertisements
Whether on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok, health trends are felt even in consultation firms and with pharmacists.
“We feel that social networks have a big impact!” In 25 years of career, I have often seen waves of products become popular like glucosamine. But at the moment, the trends are going in all directions, ”notes Sébastien Lacroix, pharmacist owner of the Sébastien Lacroix pharmacy, in Montreal.
The American company Spoiledchild makes a lot of advertising for collagen to drink which would be good for skin, hair, nails and even mobility. In Canada, several companies offer products similar to various tastes.
A complement of liquid collagen sold by the American company Spoiledchild, which makes targeted advertisements in Quebec. Their product would have “miraculous” virtues, but our experts had some warnings to do.
Photo provided by spoiledchild
“What bothers me about the product of the Spoiledchild brand is that the second ingredient is Xylitol. It is a false sugar that can be very difficult to digest, ”says the nutritionist Carol-Ann Robert.
We must particularly be wary of advertisements that claim to have a “miracle product”, according to Catherine Lepage, a nutritionist and kinesiologist also known on Instagram under the name of the active nutritionist.
“I have been talking about collagen for several years, but I would say that it really reaches its climax. Some advertisements praise its properties for several things, but you have to be careful. It does nothing for weight loss and, as for the effect on tendons and recovery, it is quite disappointing in my opinion, “she observes.
Contacted on this subject, the company Jamieson stressed that all natural health products in the country are recorded and approved by Health Canada, which would ensure their efficiency and quality to the consumer.
From liquid collagen to strawberry flavor sold in pharmacies which is experiencing a strong craze.
Photo MARIANNE LANGLOIS
Interesting option
According to the health professional Catherine Lepage, type II collagen, more expensive and less easily accessible, would constitute a more interesting option.
On the other hand, Carol-Ann Robert reports that certain positive effects of collagen for health are known, especially for people over 35 years of age.
“Profits vary greatly. […] There are evidences that it can improve the hydration and elasticity of the skin. There may be benefits for muscle pain, ”observes the Dietary nutritionist.
Some tips before consuming any new product
- Always consult a healthcare professional
There may be interference to take a product or supplement according to your state of health. Better to find out before you start taking any new supplement.
- Opt for products made in Canada
In the country, all natural health products are regulated by Health Canada. In addition, it allows you to buy local.
Mainly for products addressed to athletes, such as powders of all kinds. We can search for NSF (National Sanitation Foundation Institute) labels or Informaud Choice.
- Adapt your diet
Experts agree that by varying your diet, you can get several interesting vitamins and supplements. For example, you can find collagen in meats with cartilage such as lamb jarrets or chicken wings, natural gelatin and bone broths.