What is collagen and do collagen supplements work?

In a world saturated with advice, both helpful and misleading, it’s crucial to make informed choices about our wellness. Ageing is a privilege, and the beauty of it should be embraced. So, there’s no harm in taking care of our skin and bodies to look and feel our best.

Collagen, our body’s main protein, gives strength and elasticity to tissues including our skin, hair, nails, and joins as well as various connective tissues. After 25 years old, our resources of collage decrease by 1 to 2% annually, leading to visible signs of ageing like wrinkles and weakened hair and nails. By 40, we may lose up to a third of our natural collagen, with a steeper decline during peri-menopause.

Many people - including our own Mumsnet users - are turning to collagen supplements. But before you start shopping yourself, you might be wondering exactly what is collagen? So, let’s address the fundamental questions about collagen, its benefits, and whether taking supplements is the right choice for you.

Understanding the protein: what is collagen?

As mentioned above, collagen is a fibrous protein that serves as an important building block in the human body, comprising skin, tendons, ligaments, and more. Collagen provides structure, strength, and elasticity to our tissues, making it essential for maintaining youthful and healthy skin, hair and joints. Beyond its beauty benefits, it’s also involved in essential roles like helping your blood to clot.

However, collagen comes in different shapes and sizes. There are several types of collagen, with Type I, II, and III being the most common (there’s five in total) - and each one has its own unique functions within the human body.

The different types of collagen include:

Type I: the most abundant, and makes up about 90% of the body’s total collagen. This type provides structure to the body including skin, connective tissues, teeth, bones, and tendons.
Type 2: found in cartilage around the joints.
Type 3: has a structural role, supporting the muscles, organs, and arteries.
Type 4: found in the layers and membrane of your skin.
Type 5: found in hair and also the placenta during pregnancy.

Collagen in your diet

Collagen isn’t just about beauty; it’s essential for your body. Your diet is key to supporting collagen production as your body requires the amino acids glycine and proline to build collagen. Your diet should include protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, legumes, and you, as well as gelatin-rich foods.

Additionally, include vitamin C, copper, zinc, omega-3, and antioxidants to protect and stimulate collagen production. After all, supporting collagen is essential for maintaining your body's structure and health, beyond just skincare.

What about collagen supplements?

Collagen supplements have gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to their potential to promote various health and beauty benefits. These supplements come in different forms, including powders, capsules, and drinks.

There are a few different types of collagen supplements available on the market: animal (which is normally bovine sourced) and marine (from fish). There are also some vegan brands that are rising in popularity that use vegan proteins like chickpeas.

The different types of collagen supplements you can buy include liquid collagen, collagen capsules and collagen powder.

Collagen capsules

Collagen capsules offer a straightforward, pill-based method of supplementing with the protein. Capsules like Ingenious Beauty’s are a popular choice because they’re easier to incorporate into your daily routine. The brand’s triple action formula combines the power of marine collagen peptides to stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production, alongside hyaluronic acid complex for optimal hydration levels and natural astaxanthin to help prevent visible signs of premature ageing.

I take Ingenious, which is recommended by Liz Earle wellbeing… I've taken it for a couple of years and really can see the difference it's made to my skin etc.

feralcat19

Unlike powder or liquid collagen, there’s no need to prepare or mix this collagen supplement and they’re easier to transport, too. Plus, the capsule design protects ingredients from harsh stomach acids. So, they can be absorbed in your gut where 99% of nutrient absorption occurs.

Liquid collagen

Collagen drinks have emerged as a popular alternative to incorporate this essential protein into your daily routine. These drinks offer a high dosage compared to collagen capsules, and are often free from binders and fillers.

Collagen powder

This is one of the most common forms, and can be easily mixed with drink or food.

The benefits of taking collagen

While individual results may vary, here are some of the common benefits associated with collagen supplementation:

Improved skin health: since collagen is a key component of the skin, supplements can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase skin hydration, and promote a youthful, radiant complexion.

Hair and nail enhancement: many Mumsnet users report stronger, shinier hair and improved nail health after taking collagen. This can lead to enhanced hair thickness, reduced brittleness, and better overall nail condition.

I also rate award-winning Ingenious Collagen... Interesting science behind it.

Noodle421

Joint pain relief: collagen is found in cartilage, and can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness. It may also contribute to enhanced joint mobility and reduce the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis.

Gut health support: collagen supplements can help strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting digestive health.

The above are some of the more common benefits of taking collagen supplements, however it is believed that taking them can also help with:

Your bone health
Muscle mass preservation
Wound healing
Heart health
Weight management
Better sleep
Stronger immune system

Of course, like with any supplement, to maximise the benefits and ensure safety, it’s advisable to choose a high-quality collagen product like Ingenious Beauty, and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.

Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and following a healthy lifestyle can further complement the advantages of collagen supplements.

Choosing the right collagen for you: things to consider

Selecting the right collagen product can be a bit of a puzzle, considering the multitude of options available. Here are essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect collagen supplement for your needs:

1. Collagen type

Collagen comes in various types, and each type has distinct functions in the body. Type 1 makes up around 90% of your body’s collagen, and is made of very densely packed fibres. It provides structure to so many different elements of the body - including your skin, bones, tendons, cartilage, connective tissue and teeth. Type 2 tends to be found in elastic cartilage, like your joints, and Type 3 supports the structure of the muscles, organs and arteries within the body.

With that said, Type 1 helps all types, which is why it’s the most common form of collagen supplements. After all the source is more important than the type - for instance, how bioavailable it is in the body.

I’m 50 and I got ID’d a few months ago at Sainsburys. It was after I had started taking Ingenious Beauty collagen supplements every night. They really plump up my skin. I liked the powder from Beauty Pie too but find it much more convenient to take the capsules at night.

Lizardlegs

2. Collagen source

Collagen can come from bovine, marine, chicken, or vegan sources. So, choose one that aligns with your dietary preferences and needs. Ingenious Beauty collagen supplements are of the marine variety, which has better bioavailability and your body absorbs it more easily.

3. Form

Since collagen is available in various forms - like powders, capsules, and drinks - you can pick one that fits your lifestyle and preferences. If you prefer to prep your supplements at home, a powder would be a good option.

For easy, on-the-go supplementation, capsules like Ingenious Beauty would be suitable. In fact, the brand's patented plant cellulose enteric capsule are rather clever. Due to their design, the capsule protects ingredients from harsh stomach acids so they can be absorbed in the gut easily where 99% of nutrient absorption occurs. Meaning, your body can then distribute collagen where you body needs it most.

4. Purity and quality

Ensure that the product you’re taking is of the highest-quality, free from additives, and has undergone testing for safety and effectiveness. Ingenious was the first UK collagen brand to conduct independent clinical studies, with 98% of women experiencing a significant improvement to the quality of their skin in at least one clinical measurement.

In fact, their collagen supplements were put through the most rigorous scientific testing - the same as any new drug or vaccine, which was gold-standard, double-blind and placebo-controlled testing. The result? A collagen capsule that contains only pure active ingredients - no fillers, flow agents, preservatives, or flavourings.

Before and after 12 weeks of taking Ingenious Beauty collagen supplements

5. Dosage

Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage for your needs.

Choosing the right collagen product is a personalised decision based on your specific goals, dietary preferences, and lifestyle. With careful consideration of these factors and expert advice if needed, you can select the ideal collagen supplement to support your journey to healthier skin, hair, nails, joints, and overall well-being.

Are there any side effects of collagen supplements?

Like with any dietary supplements, taking collagen supplements may come with some side effects - although, they tend to be rare and mild. It’s important to be aware of them, though, and they include digestive issues (like bloating, diarrhoea, mild gastrointestinal discomfort), allergic reactions, bad aftertaste, increased calcium levels, weight gain, and interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Get 20% off Ingenious Beauty

Fancy giving collagen supplements a go yourself? Enjoy 20% off Ingenious Beauty with our exclusive Mumsnet code, MUMSNET20*.

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*The discount is only valid on one-off purchases or initial subscriptions. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. One use per customer. The first subscription charge will be discounted, however ongoing subscriptions will be charged at full price. Valid until 31st May 2024.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. When it comes to self-care, she knows all too well how difficult it can be to give your body the nourishment it needs when you’re busy juggling life as a parent. So, she’s fully invested in helping you find the best products that have the best results for you and your health.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.