We choose what we eat for a variety of reasons: taste, convenience, cost, and health concerns. Food manufacturers capitalize on consumers’ desire for healthy foods by adding ingredients that are marketed to help protect our immune system, improve mood, and increase energy levels.

According to a market analysis report, these added ingredients, known as functional ingredients, are expected to grow by 6.4% annually over the next seven years. While whole foods like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains are essential for good health, today’s consumers are shifting toward fortified convenience foods and beverages that contain functional ingredients. 

Three popular functional ingredients you’ll find in various foods and beverages are turmeric, collagen, and green coffee extract. Let’s talk about collagen…

Bone broth is well-known to contain collagen, the most abundant structural protein in our body. Collagen plays a key role in maintaining healthy connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails. It’s one of the most popular functional ingredients and is often added to protein bars, yogurt, and beverages.

Research shows that collagen supplements may reduce joint pain, but there isn’t much evidence that collagen supplementation will increase skin elasticity and hydration or reduce wrinkles. It is unknown if collagen — when added as a functional ingredient — has any significant health benefits at all.

If you purchase foods with added collagen, be sure to read the ingredient list and nutrition facts label carefully. Look for added sugars, amount of sodium, and calories that might negate any possible health benefits.

Often foods and beverages with added functional ingredients are more expensive. You’ll do more for your health by putting your money into fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.

References:

1. Institute of Food Technologists. 411 on Functional Foods. https://www.ift.org/career-development/learn-about-food-science/food-facts/food-facts-food-health-and-nutrition/the-411-on-functional-foods published 2.13.21; accessed 3.28.23

2. Nutritional Outlook. Which are tumeric’s biggest product opportunities? https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/which-are-turmeric-s-biggest-product-opportunities  Mike Strauss, 10.21.20. Accessed 3.28.23

3. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Tumeric. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric#:~:text=Curcumin%20is%20a%20major%20component,contain%20a%20mixture%20of%20curcuminoids. Last updated May 2020. Accessed 3.28.23

4. Paulo E.S. Munekata, Mirian Pateiro, Wangang Zhang, Ruben Dominguez, Lujuan Xing, Elena Movilla Fierro, Jose M. Lorenzo, Health benefits, extraction and development of functional foods with curcuminoids, Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 79, 2021.

5. Food Navigator USA. Collagen gains popularity in functional foods, especially bars, sports nutrition, and beverage powder. https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2020/06/30/Collagen-gains-popularity-in-functional-foods-especially-bars-sports-nutrition-beverage-powders  Elizabeth Crawford, last updated 6.30.20; accessed 3.28.23

6. Khatri M, Naughton RJ, Clifford T, Harper LD, Corr L. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids. 2021;53(10):1493-1506. doi:10.1007/s00726-021-03072-x 

7. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Nutrition Source. Coffee. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coffee  last reviewed July 2020. Accessed 3.28.23

8. Nutraingredients Europe. Researchers explore the functional benefits of green coffee beans. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2015/03/30/Researchers-explore-the-functional-potential-of-green-coffee-beans Nathan Gray, last updated 4.20.15; accessed 3.28.23

9. National Library of Medicine. MedLine Plus. Green Coffee. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1264.html last reviewed 8.29.22; accessed 3.28.23

10. Asbaghi O, Sadeghian M, Nasiri M, et al. The effects of green coffee extract supplementation on glycemic indices and lipid profile in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials. Nutr J. 2020;19(1):71. Published 2020 Jul 14. doi:10.1186/s12937-020-00587-z https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7983441/ 

11. Nutraceuticals World. CGA-7 Green Coffee Extract by Vidya Herbs Achieves Self-Affirmed GRAS Status

12. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2021-04-09/cga-7-green-coffee-extract-by-vidya-herbs-achieves-self-affirmed-gras-status/ Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 04.09.21; accessed 3.29.23

13. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/generally-recognized-safe-gras current as of 12.20.22; accessed 3.29.23