Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Here's my Collagen supplement story (that I wrote for my FB friends who witnessed the pain I've been suffering, and for those of you who may be experiencing similar pain): About a year ago I injured my elbow and although I tried multiple remedies, it only became more irritated and more painful. Keyboards and repetitive movement (almost everything I did) only made it worse. It simply would not heal. The pain got to the point that I could not pour a cup of tea without it feeling like coals of fire were searing my entire arm. I had to have others carry the groceries. Pouring from a gallon of milk was impossible without extra props and help. I went to the doctor, and after multiple consultations, the verdict was that it was part of life and "welcome to the club." I was not thrilled with the idea of having to depend on the prescribed Tylenol and Ibuprofen for relief the rest of my life. So, I started researching and stumbled across some interesting reviews on Amazon regarding results people were seeing by taking collagen supplement. While I've seen a lot about lotions, hair, and cosmetic products containing collagen, I've not heard a lot of talk or recommendations on taking it as a supplement. Collagen "facts" I learned: - 30% of all protein in the body is collagen. - 70% of all collagen in the body is in connective tissue. - it's essential for hair, nails, bones, joints, etc. - it is used for help with building muscles. - it aids with energy and endurance. So, I figured I'd try it. BTW -- Let me say that we eat very healthy: organic, top-quality food, balanced diet, and I take excellent vitamin supplements -- daily. No greasy, fast-foods, refined sugars, and processed foods or additives. So I was doing all diet stuff right. In my research I saw there were variations of Collagen supplements, so I decided to start with 2 different types of powder (this one and the Dr. Bernd "grass-fed, cold processed" with amino acids) that I mixed into my morning vitamin health/shake drink (that I always took). I knew not to expect immediate results because joints and tendons are among the slowest in the body to heal. However, about 6 weeks after I started taking collagen supplements, I noticed that my nails were growing strong and no longer wimpy and breaking. At first I didn't think much of it, but then I realized that the pain in my joints was ...umm... kinda not there any more. I waited for a while to see if it was a fluke or if was just my imagination. But seriously, it's been several weeks now, that I no longer experience that burning coal-fire pain. Last night when I went to bed I realized that I could not remember the last time I had taken an ibuprofen. I love being able to pour my coffee, do my computer/keyboard stuff, and live life without the excruciating pain that had become a part of if over the last year. I take the collagen supplement daily, but others in the family have seen great results with taking it only 3x a week. I think it depends on the body's need. I'm not saying that collagen is a fix all magic (there is no such thing). However, if there's a deficit of a nutrient in the body, then it will scream for it. In my case, I believe the evidence points to the fact that I was needing collagen, and I believe there are many others out there who are in a similar situation. From what I've seen, it's worth trying. PS: I was ready to post this when my 19-year old called and ask if I'd drop something off at her work. So, I decided to run drop it off before posting. (Ok, I jogged and walked part of the way too). When I got there, a 20-year old colleague of hers asked if I was her sister. That's the first time I've ever had that happen. I think I'm gonna keep taking this STUFF! .