Considering Collagen? Get the Facts First
Have you been hearing a lot about the health benefits of collagen, but you’re unsure where to start? Rest assured, you are not alone! Not only is there plenty of collagen “noise” on social media, but there is also a confusing array of collagen options, making it difficult for consumers to know what to choose. Maybe you are curious about collagen for skin, wrinkles, or hair health or have heard about collagen for joints, but you still have questions.
This article will answer your most frequently asked questions and provide you with four guiding principles to consider when purchasing a collagen supplement.
What is collagen made of?
Collagen is a protein rich in a variety of essential amino acids such as glycine, lysine, and proline, to name a few. It is the most abundant protein, making up 25–35% of the total protein in the body.
Collagen is the main structural component of connective tissue, and is found throughout the body, not only in our skin, but also as the major building block of tendons, ligaments, bones, blood vessels, and muscles. Because of collagen’s unique structure, it acts like the scaffolding or the glue that holds together other important components like elastin, keratin, hyaluronic acid, and various other minerals.
What are the benefits of collagen?
Research shows that collagen supplements can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and cellulite, improve hair and nails, and provide relief from joint pain. [1–10] While we often think of collagen as just a beauty supplement for women, in recent years, men have gravitated toward collagen to support exercise performance, aid joint health, improve hair thickness, and support degenerative bone disorders. Consequently, collagen has proven to be a buzz-worthy, clinically supported supplement that can benefit both men and women. [5, 7–13]
Are there any collagen side effects?
Research shows collagen is generally safe and well tolerated without adverse effects when consumed within the recommended daily dosage. [14] However, as some people have experienced mild gastrointestinal disturbances, nutritionists recommend starting slowly and working up to the recommended dose to minimize any potential stomach upset.
How much collagen should I take per day?
Research shows that taking just 2.5 g/day of bovine bioactive collagen peptides or 2 g/day of marine bioactive collagen peptides can provide clinically significant benefits. See below “What are the expected results for Collagen30 products?”
Can pregnant/breastfeeding individuals take Collagen30® products?
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, it is best to consult with a physician prior to use.
What is collagen vs. collagen peptides?
Collagen itself is a very large molecule, and because of that, it cannot be absorbed whole. This means that something must be done on the manufacturing side for the body to absorb collagen. This involves collagen being broken down (using hydrolysis) into shorter chains of amino acids, otherwise known as collagen peptides.
While most manufacturers end the process here by providing generic hydrolyzed collagen peptides, some keen manufacturers go a step further to optimize absorption by ensuring those peptides contain a specific amino acid composition, including high amounts of glycine, lysine, and proline. This special amino acid composition stimulates your fibroblast cells (your body’s collagen-producing cells) to produce more collagen.
Collagen peptides such as these, specially designed to optimize absorption, are called bioactive collagen peptides and are available in the Collagen30 and Marine Collagen30 product lines.
When is the best time to take Collagen30 products?
Currently, no research supports taking collagen at a certain time of day. Some experts recommend taking protein and collagen in the morning to support overall energy and cognitive performance throughout the day. In contrast, others recommend taking collagen at night so your body can fully digest and absorb it while you sleep. As there is no concrete evidence, it comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
Can you take collagen with other supplements?
Yes, collagen can be taken with other nutritional supplements, including your daily multivitamin.
Can Collagen30 products help with arthritic pain?
Recent studies have examined the use of collagen supplements for osteoarthritis, finding that supplementation improved joint pain and mobility, specifically knee pain related to osteoarthritis. It is recommended to use collagen supplements for at least five months to see beneficial joint effects. [7–10]
Is collagen good for your hair?
Yes! Research shows that the bioactive collagen peptides found in Collagen30 products can help improve hair thickness within just 16 weeks. [5]
Is Verisol® collagen in Collagen30 products sourced from free-range, grass-fed cows?
Yes, Verisol collagen (bovine bioactive collagen peptides) is clinically supported and sourced from non-GMO, pasture-raised, free-range, grass-fed cattle.
Do any of the Collagen30 products contain gluten?
All Collagen30 products are gluten-free.
Are Collagen30 products halal?
The bovine and marine collagen used in almost all Collagen30 products is certified halal by our supplier. The only Collagen30 product that is not halal is Collagen30 Bioactive Collagen Peptides™ Elderberry Gummies. However, as we do not certify our finished products as halal, we are not able to provide certification documentation.
Are any of the Collagen30 products okay for vegetarian/vegan diets?
As collagen is sourced from the connective tissue of animals, collagen supplements would not be suitable for vegetarian/vegan diets. On the other hand, if you follow a pescatarian lifestyle, we offer our Marine Collagen30 products sourced from fish instead of cattle.
Can I take a higher dose than what’s indicated on the label?
We produce licensed natural health products with label dosages and efficacy claims approved by Health Canada. [15] Any increase in dosage beyond our label recommendation should be discussed with a physician.
How safe are the sources of Collagen30?
All Collagen30 products use extremely high-quality ingredients that have not only been tested for identification and potency, but have also been screened for various microorganisms, heavy metals, GMO markers, residual solvents, adulterants, and pesticides. Further testing ensures our products are free of allergens (gluten, soy, and milk), and contain no artificial colours or sweeteners.
Our bovine collagen is sourced from pasture-raised, free-range, grass-fed cattle and is free of steroid hormones and antibiotics. Our marine collagen is sustainably harvested, traceable, and extracted (solvent-free) from 100% wild-caught whitefish sourced from MSC-certified fisheries.
Can Collagen30 products still be effective with a reduced dosage?
You may still see some benefits when using a dosage below the recommended amount; however, if you’re looking for clinically supported benefits, such as reduced eye wrinkles in just 30 days, we recommend taking the label dosage. [1–3]
What are ceramides?
Ceramides are found naturally in the uppermost layer of the skin and are known to lock in moisture between skin cells to help maintain hydration. These plant-sourced oils have been clinically proven to improve skin hydration and help prevent moisture loss. [16] Ceramides can be found in Collagen30 with Ceramides and Collagen30 with Ceramides plus Biotin.
What is the source of Marine Collagen30?
Marine Collagen30 uses a clinically supported source of marine collagen and elastin peptides called Collactive®. Our marine collagen is sustainably harvested, traceable, and extracted (solvent-free) from 100% wild-caught whitefish sourced from MSC-certified fisheries.
Are there any interactions with medication?
If you are concerned about interactions with your medication, it is best to speak with a physician prior to use.
What are the expected results for Collagen30 products?
Research shows that our bioactive collagen products can improve eye wrinkles, deep wrinkles, hydration, and skin elasticity within just 30 days. [1–3] It can also strengthen nail health within 12 weeks, improve hair thickness within 16 weeks, and help with the appearance of cellulite within 3–6 months. [4–6]
References :
- Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, et al. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014; 27(3):113-9.
- Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert, et al. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014; 27(1):47-55.
- PLT Health Solutions. (2020). Collactive™ collagen complex nourishing beauty. Retrieved from https://www.plthealth.com/resources/collactive-hm-product-sheet/
- Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, et al. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017; (16):1-7.
- Oesser S. The oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. Nutrafoods. 2020; 1:134-8.
- Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S, et al. Dietary supplementation with specific collagen peptides has a body mass index-dependent beneficial effect on cellulite morphology. J Med Food. 2015; 18:1340-8.
- Garcia-Coronado J, Martinez-Olvera L, Elizondo-Omana R, et al. Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Int Orthop. 2019; 43(3):531-8.
- Bruyère O, Zegels B, Leonori L, et al. Effect of collagen hydrolysate in articular pain: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Complement Ther Med. 2012; 20(3):124-30.
- Czajka A, Kania E, Genovese L, et al. Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general well-being. Nutr Res. 2018; 57:97-108.
- Kumar S, Sugihara F, Suzuki K, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, clinical study on the effectiveness of collagen peptide on osteoarthritis. J Sci Food Agric. 2015; 95(4):702-7.
- Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, et al. 24-week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008; 24(5):1485-96
- Bruyère O, Zegels B, Leonori L, et al. Effect of collagen hydrolysate in articular pain: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Complement Ther Med. 2012; 20(3):124-30.
- Khatri M, Naughton R, Clifford T, et al. 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), 1493-506.
- Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, et al. Oral collagen supplementation: A systematic review of dermatological applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019; 18(1):9-16.
- Health Canada. Hydrolyzed Collagen [Internet]. 2022. [cited 23 January 2022]. Available from https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=hydrolized.collagen&lang=eng
- Bizot V, Cestone E, Michelotti A, et al. Improving skin hydration and age-related symptoms by oral administration of wheat glucosylceramides and digalactosyl diglycerides: A human clinical study. Cosmetics. 2017; 4(4):37.