ua en ru

This anti-aging supplement doesn't work - But Ukrainian women keep falling for it

This anti-aging supplement doesn't work - But Ukrainian women keep falling for it Why collagen supplements don’t work (photo: freepik)

Pursuing a slim figure and silky skin, we're willing to spend outrageous amounts on "miracle products" and exotic supplements. Collagen is one of these "hits," promising eternal youth and perfect skin. Ukrainian trainer Yurii Popko explains why this supplement doesn't work for beauty and weight loss.

Why collagen supplements don't work

A reputable Ukrainian trainer debunks the myths and firmly states that even the most expensive and "top-tier" collagen is absolutely useless if your diet chronically lacks protein. This isn't just a cosmetic issue—it's a vital concern that affects every cell in your body, digestion, satiety, and, of course, the effectiveness of weight loss.

Protein is the primary building material of the body

Protein isn't just "athlete food." It's a fundamental nutrient that literally "builds" our bodies. It is the foundation of:

DNA and cells

Every cell in your body, from bones to skin to teeth, is formed from protein.

Organs and systems

It affects the function of the gastrointestinal tract and internal organs.

Enzymes and hormones

Proteins are the "workhorses" that launch all vital processes.

Protein consists of smaller "puzzle pieces" called amino acids. Of the approximately 20 amino acids the human body uses, 8–10 are essential, meaning our body cannot produce them independently, and we must get them exclusively from food. That's why it's so important to consume a variety of protein sources.

There are both animal and plant-based proteins. While animal proteins are better absorbed (about 95% compared to 85% for plant-based), plant sources should not be neglected. Your protein intake must be as diverse as possible to obtain the full range of essential amino acids. By the way, eggs are considered the gold standard protein source due to their amino acid composition.

"No matter how premium or expensive your collagen is—liquid, powdered, in tablets, marine-based, or priced like gold—if you're deficient in protein, your fancy collagen will have zero effect," Yurii said.

Why? Because collagen is, quite simply, protein. When you consume it, your body breaks it down into amino acids. And here's the interesting part: the body will use those amino acids wherever it "wants" to and wherever they're needed most. This means that instead of integrating them into your "silky skin," your body will direct them to restore internal organs, form enzymes, and support immunity, wherever there's a critical shortage.

"Stop wasting time on nonsense; focus on how much protein you're consuming," the expert urges.

According to him, after reviewing thousands of his clients' diets, he found that almost all of them were protein-deficient.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.