Join us in this blog as we explore collagen supplements’ benefits, the science behind them, and how long it takes for them to start working, and most importantly, if they’re worth incorporating into your wellness routine.
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in our bodies and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. As we age, our natural collagen production decreases, leading to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. That’s where collagen supplements come in – they are specially formulated to provide an extra dose of collagen to support our bodies’ natural functions.
Available in various forms such as pills, powders, and drinks, collagen supplements are typically made from animal sources like bovine, fish, or chicken. Some even contain added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to further enhance skin health and overall wellness.
Type 1 Collagen is the most abundant form of collagen found in our bodies and is essential for healthy skin, bones, and tendons. This type of collagen is commonly found in supplements derived from marine and bovine sources, and it’s known for its anti-ageing benefits, helping to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Type 2 Collagen, on the other hand, is mainly found in cartilage and is essential for joint health. This type of collagen is often derived from chicken sources and is a popular choice for those looking to support joint function and alleviate joint pain and stiffness.
Type 3 Collagen is found in skin, muscles, and blood vessels and is typically derived from bovine or porcine sources. This type of collagen is believed to support overall skin health and may help to improve skin elasticity and hydration.
In addition to these main types, there are also collagen supplements that contain a combination of different types of collagen to provide comprehensive support for skin, joint, and overall health.
Collagen supplements provide essential amino acids that support the body’s natural collagen production. Regular intake of collagen supplements can help reduce the signs of ageing, improve joint mobility, and support overall wellness.
Collagen Health Benefits of Skin
Collagen is essential for healthy skin, helping to improve elasticity, hydration, and firmness. Taking collagen supplements may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and promote overall skin health.
Collagen Health Benefits of Joints
Collagen is a major component of cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints and allows for smooth movement. By taking collagen supplements, you may help to support joint health, alleviate joint pain and stiffness, and improve mobility.
Collagen Health Benefits of Muscles
Collagen is important for muscle function and can help to support muscle growth and recovery. Taking collagen supplements may help to improve muscle strength and reduce muscle soreness after exercise.
Collagen Health Benefits of Hair and Nails
Collagen is a key component of hair and nails, helping to improve their strength, thickness, and overall appearance. By taking collagen supplements, you may help to promote healthy and luscious hair and nail growth and reduce the risk of breakage and damage.
Collagen Health Benefits of Gut
Collagen is rich in amino acids, including glycine and proline, that are important for maintaining a healthy gut lining. By taking collagen supplements, you may help to reduce inflammation in the gut, improve digestion, and promote overall gut health.
Collagen supplements are a popular way to support healthy skin, hair, nails, muscles, joints, and bones. But how long does it take for collagen supplement to work? Results can vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Skin
Collagen supplements can improve skin hydration and elasticity, which can lead to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Some people see results within a few weeks, while others may take several months for noticeable changes.
Hair and Nails
Collagen supplements can promote hair and nail growth and strength by providing the necessary amino acids for collagen production. It may take several months to see results in hair and nail health.
Muscles
Collagen supplements can support muscle growth and recovery by promoting collagen synthesis. Results may be seen within a few months of consistent use.
Joints
Collagen supplements can help to improve joint mobility and reduce pain and inflammation. Some people may start to feel improvements within a few weeks, while others may take several months.
Bone Health
Collagen supplements can promote bone health by providing the necessary amino acids for collagen production. It may take several months of consistent use to see improvements in bone density and strength.
Remember that collagen supplements work best when taken consistently and in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.
Collagen is available in various forms, each with its own benefits.
Liquid Collagen
Liquid collagen is a pre-digested form of collagen that is easy to absorb and utilise by the body. This form of collagen is recommended for those who have trouble swallowing pills or capsules.
Powder Collagen
Collagen powder is one of the most common forms of collagen supplements. Quality collagens are hydrolysed for immediate bioavailability, making them quicker and easier for the body to absorb and digest. Powder Collagen can be easily mixed with water or other beverages and is available in various flavours.
Collagen Capsules
Collagen capsules are convenient to take and do not require any measuring or mixing. Capsules/pills however can often contain small doses of collagen, binders and additives that may delay or block absorption.
In Skincare Products
Skincare products like serums, creams, and masks often contain collagen, but the molecules are too large to penetrate the skin’s barrier effectively. However, collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen are smaller fragments that can potentially reach the dermis and boost collagen production. These fragments have a lower molecular weight, which allows them to be absorbed more efficiently.
The effectiveness of collagen peptides in skincare products depends on factors like formulation, concentration, and delivery method. It’s crucial to always research collagen skincare products to evaluate their potential benefits and efficacy.
Ultimately, the best form of collagen to take depends on personal preferences and lifestyle. It’s essential to choose a high-quality product from a reputable brand and to follow the instructions for use to get the best results.
A number of factors can affect how fast collagen works in the body, from the amount and type of collagen you take, to your diet. Therefore, it is essential to understand these factors and make informed decisions when incorporating collagen supplements into your wellness routine.
Amount of Collagen or Dosage
The amount of collagen or dosage you take can significantly impact how fast it works. Generally, experts recommend taking at least 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen daily, depending on the type of collagen supplement and the health benefits you are looking for. However, taking too little or too much collagen can affect the effectiveness of the supplement.
Types of Collagen
Different types of collagen have different structures and functions in the body. For instance, type I collagen is the most abundant collagen in the skin, while type II collagen is predominant in the cartilage. Therefore, the type of collagen supplement you take can affect how fast it works and the benefits you can expect.
Diet
The food you eat can also impact the effectiveness of collagen supplements. Eating a balanced diet that includes protein-rich foods, vitamins, and minerals can help support the production and absorption of collagen in the body. Additionally, consuming foods that are high in sugar, processed foods, and alcohol can negatively impact collagen production and hinder the effectiveness of collagen supplements.
Collagen supplements are generally considered safe, but like any supplement, they may cause side effects in some people.
Digestive discomfort
Collagen supplements can cause digestive discomfort in some people, including bloating, gas, and diarrhoea, however rare.
Allergic reactions
Collagen supplements are usually made from animal sources, and some people may be allergic to certain types of collagen, for example marine collagen derived from fish.
Interference with other medications
Collagen supplements may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. It’s always important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement to ensure there is no interference with other medications.
Collagen supplements have been shown to have positive effects on skin, joint, and bone health, among other benefits. Studies have indicated that taking collagen supplements can increase skin hydration and elasticity, reduce joint pain and inflammation, and improve bone density.
While results may vary depending on individual factors and the type of collagen supplement used, scientific evidence suggests that collagen supplements can be effective when used as part of a healthy lifestyle.
As collagen supplements work from the inside out, it may take time to see visible results. However, signs of improvement can include increased skin hydration, reduced joint pain, and improved hair and nail strength. Additionally, studies have shown that collagen supplementation can increase skin elasticity, hydration, and density.
It is important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as dosage and type of collagen. Regular monitoring and tracking changes in your body can help you determine if taking collagen is working for you.
When you start taking collagen, your body can experience various positive changes such as improved skin elasticity, reduced joint pain, and stronger hair and nails. This is because collagen supplements can stimulate collagen production in your body, leading to enhanced connective tissue health. Additionally, collagen supplements may also help reduce inflammation and support gut health.
Studies have shown that supplementing with collagen can lead to improvements in skin hydration, skin firmness, and joint pain.
It’s important to note that individual results may vary and consistency really is key when it comes to seeing the benefits of collagen supplements.
The best time to take collagen supplements is largely dependent on individual preference and lifestyle. Some people find it easier to take collagen supplements in the morning with their breakfast, while others prefer to take it at night before bed. However, research suggests that taking collagen on an empty stomach may enhance its absorption and efficacy.
Additionally, it is important to follow the dosage instructions provided to ensure optimal results. Ultimately, the best time to take collagen supplements is when it is most convenient and consistent for you to incorporate it into your daily routine.
There is some evidence that collagen supplements may help reduce belly fat. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that women who took a collagen supplement experienced a significant reduction in body fat compared to those who didn’t take the supplement.
Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that women who took collagen supplements for 12 weeks had a significant decrease in body weight and BMI compared to those who didn’t take the supplement.
For women over 50 years old, the daily recommended dosage is around 10g to 15g per day. It is important to note that collagen supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle, but rather a supplement to support overall wellness.
Some studies have shown that taking collagen supplements can help reduce the signs of ageing and improve skin elasticity in mature skin.
When you stop taking collagen supplements, your body will gradually revert to its previous state before taking them. Over time, you may notice a decrease in the positive effects collagen was providing, such as improved skin hydration, joint mobility, or muscle mass.
However, stopping collagen supplements won’t cause any negative effects or harm to your body.
It’s never too early or too late to start taking collagen supplements, as collagen production in the body begins to decline as early as our mid-20s. However, there is no set age to start taking collagen supplements as it varies from person to person based on their individual needs and lifestyle factors.
Incorporating collagen supplements into your routine earlier on can provide preventative benefits for the skin, joints, and bones. On the other hand, older individuals may benefit from collagen supplementation to support joint health and improve skin elasticity.
