Collagen has attracted significant buzz in the health and wellness world lately, lauded as a substance vital for our skin, hair and nails. We’re sure you’ve caught wind of the hype around it—but do you know what it really is? Or how it’s produced? How do you know if you’re producing enough of it or if you’re struggling from a deficiency of it? And if you are lacking in collagen, what options are available to boost your levels?
In this blog we answer all your collagen-related questions, in partnership with the team from Designs for Health.
So, what is collagen?
Collagen is one of the most abundant forms of protein in our body’s tissue, found in our skin, hair, nails, tendons, cartilage, and bones. Human studies have shown that collagen supports skin hydration, improves elasticity, enhances firmness, reduces wrinkles, and rejuvenates the skin overall. While it’s nice to have skin that looks firm and youthful, the importance of skin health goes far beyond cosmetic concerns—skin is a vital protective barrier against external factors, helps regulate body temperature, and performs a number of other essential functions.
Collagen is a vital support for skin physiology, healthy cartilage, and musculoskeletal function, and we naturally produce it using amino acids from protein and collagen-rich foods. However, as we age, and when other factors such as sun damage, excessive carbohydrate and refined sugar-consumption, smoking, and alcohol consumption are at play, our naturally produced collagen levels decrease. Collagen loss begins from 18-29 years old, with a loss of approximately one percent per year before the age of 40. By the time we reach 80 years old, our body’s collagen production can decrease by a staggering 75 percent. Enter collagen supplementation …
Are you collagen deficient?
It’s important to understand that although your collagen production slows down as you age, you are not necessarily collagen deficient. For this reason, and as is advisable when considering any medications or supplements, we recommend that you turn to your team of healthcare professionals to understand whether or not you are someone who could benefit from collagen supplementation.
Some of the signs of collagen deficiency are part and parcel of ageing. However, if you’re lacking in collagen these symptoms might be experienced more severely, or occur earlier on in your life.
Signs to look out for include:
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Brittle hair and nails
- Joint pain
- Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
- Loss of muscle mass or muscle aches
- Poor circulation
- High blood pressure
- Gastrointestinal issues, and
- Slow recovery after injury
Supplementation
If you’re struggling with low levels of collagen, supplementation could be a viable option for you. Collagen cannot be absorbed in its whole form, and instead, needs to be broken down into collagen peptides or amino acids first. These are then absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.
Collagen peptides are small fragments of protein from animal sources, taken orally (mixed into water, smoothies or juices, or added to coffees or soups). Designs for Health has a range of collagen supplements available, offering dairy, gluten, soy, yeast, preservative, flavour, colour, and sweetener-free sources of collagen to support your skin, joints, and overall health.
If you’re aiming to boost your skin hydration and elasticity, or relieve joint pain and support joint health, collagen supplementation could be an excellent option for you!
Pop into your local WholeLife Pharmacy and Health Foods store to plan your supplementation with a member of our team. Make sure to always read product labels and follow directions for use.
REFERENCES
Cleveland Clinic (2022), Collagen, Cleveland Clinic. <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen>.
Patel P and Senna M (2023), Considering collagen drinks and supplements, Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School. <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/considering-collagen-drinks-and-supplements-202304122911>.
ProTGOLD (no date), 12 Signs You’re Suffering From a Collagen Deficiency, ProTGold. <https://protgold.com/blogs/news/collagen-deficiency>.