All you need to know about Collagen

Collagen supplements are one of our favourites when it comes to keeping up the youthful appearance of our skin during the hot, drying summers or the cold winters. And more and more we are understanding the benefits of this great supplement or powder, and not just for skin health.

Collagen is perfect when you’re wanting to improve your skin, hair and nails from the inside out. And it packs more than just a beauty punch. There are other benefits to taking collagen.

What is collagen?

Of all the proteins stored in our body, collagen is the most plentiful. It gives strength and structure to our skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons. As we get older our body uses collagen more quickly than it can get it. By our 50’s we can have lost around 30% of our collagen.

This is why collagen supplements and powder are often taken to help improve the youthful appearance of our skin, hair and nails, or to keep our muscles and joints healthy.

What are the benefits of collagen?

1. Collagen can improve skin health

In the ‘80’s we might have injected collagen into our body to pump up our lips or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, now we have a range of supplements to choose from to do the same job.

As collagen is the main protein found in skin, a lack of collagen can cause dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles. Several studies have shown that taking a collagen supplement can improve skin hydration and elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Rejuvenating the skin and promoting a youthful appearance.

Ultra Collagen Total Body Renewal collagen powder or Marine Collagen and Keratin supplements are specially formulated for great skin.

Collagen has also been found to improve healing of skin wounds and burns, and improve skin elasticity of sun-exposed skin.

Read more about how collagen can improve your skin in your 30’s, 40’s and 50’s

2. Relief of joint pain

Collagen is found in the tendons and ligaments that keep our joints aligned. Daily collagen supplements may be useful in improving joint pain and increasing movement. Joint pain needn’t stop us enjoying our daily activities.

For those suffering with osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, collagen supplements have been found to reduce the symptoms of joint pain. So you can get out and fully participate in life.

3. Boost muscle mass and strength

Collagen isn’t just found in our skin and joints, but it’s also an important protein in our muscles.

Collagen powder may also be useful alongside other protein powders, such as carnitine, to replenish muscle mass after exercise.

As we age we often lose muscle mass, increasing the risk of falls, reducing strength and independence. Small studies have indicated that collagen supplements may be important in preserving and gaining muscle mass associated with ageing.

Other possible ways that collagen may boost our health

Collagen may play a part in

• healing the gut
• heart health
• getting a good night sleep
• hair and nail growth
• weight loss

Explore our Range Collagen Supplements!

Frequently asked questions about collagen

How can I choose the best collagen supplement?

There are two types of collagen supplements. Marine and bovine. If you’re allergic to shellfish or seafood then it’s best to avoid the marine collagen supplements.

All our collagen supplements contain high-quality Type 1 hydrolysed collagen. Hydrolysed collagen contains smaller molecular peptides allowing it to be better absorbed, increasing bioavailability and effectiveness. 

How long does it take collagen supplements to work?

The benefits of collagen supplements and powders are usually experienced within 3-12 weeks of starting a supplement as directed on the container.

Are there any side effects of collagen supplements and powders?

Collagen is a safe supplement. Some people may experience bloating or reflux, however this is unlikely with the Type 1 hydrolysed collagen protein. If you’re allergic to shellfish or seafood then it’s best to avoid the marine collagen supplements.

What is the best time of day to take collagen supplements?

You can take collagen supplements at any time of the day, with or without food. For best absorption we recommend taking collagen supplements on an empty stomach. Some of our customers report a better night’s sleep when they take the capsules before bedtime.

Can’t I just eat more collagen?

Collagen is found in animal products. Gelatin-containing foods, such as jelly and bone broths are particularly high in collagen.

The concentration of collagen in our supplements is even higher so you would have to eat a lot of animal products to get the same amount. Our Abeeco collagen supplements combine collagen with other ingredients to aid absorption and digestion and they are usually a more convenient and less calorific way of getting your daily intake of collagen.  

Explore our Range of collagen supplements!

The information in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

References:

We don’t just pull our information out of thin air. We make sure that all the information we share with you about Manuka Honey and Manuka Honey products has been carefully fact-checked. If you want to read more about the topics we covered in this blog, here are our sources.

Bruyère O et al. 2012.Effect of collagen hydrolysate in articular pain: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Complementary Therapeutic Medicine 20:124-30.

Fratzl P. 2008. Collagen: structure and mechanics, an introduction. In Collagen (pp. 1-13). Springer, Boston, MA.

Koutroubakis IE et al. 2003. Serum laminin and collagen IV in inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of clinical pathology56. 817-20.

Miyab KB.,et al 2020. The effect of a hydrolyzed collagen-based supplement on wound healing in patients with burn: A randomized double-blind pilot clinical trial. Burns, 46, 156-163.

Porfírio E & Fanaro GB. 2016. Collagen supplementation as a complementary therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia, 19. 153-64

Sangsuwan W & Asawanonda P. 2020. Four-Weeks Daily Intake of Oral Collagen Hydrolysate Results in Improved Skin Elasticity, Especially in Sun-Exposed Areas: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, (just-accepted), 1-19.

Vollmer D et al 2018. Enhancing Skin Health: By Oral Administration of Natural Compounds and Minerals with Implications to the Dermal Microbiome. International journal of molecular sciences, 19. 3059.