The call for collagen
The call for collagen supplements and products is louder than ever, and the range available can be daunting. Is this just a health fad? We don’t think so. But there will doubtless be many companies cashing in on the trend with potentially sub-optimal products. So, before you spend your hard-earned pennies, what do you possibly need and why? Let’s look at the basic points we think you need to know.
What is collagen?
Within the human body there are 5 different types of collagen. Type 1 makes up a huge 90% of these, and is the most abundant protein found in our body. It’s in our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues.
How does it affect your body?
As we age, the amount of collagen in our body decreases. This leads to loss of elasticity in your skin, decreased flexibility, stiffer joints, and a decrease in muscle mass. You can see already that this is a pretty important substance for us to try to boost as much as possible. 
Not only will keeping your collagen levels up help your skin, nails and hair stay fresh and in good condition, increased collagen levels can help reduce joint pain and aid muscle growth. You’ll be helping your body deal with injury prevention and rehabilitation rates, improving your mobility in everyday functional movements.
Are all collagen supplements effective?
There are no official guidelines yet provided by health authorities telling us how much collagen the recommended amount is to take daily. It will depend on what form you’re taking and what you are hoping it will achieve. However, studies concluded in 2019 from 20 years of research that effective and safe amounts are 2.5 to 15g per day of functional collagen peptides.
Let’s put that into context for your shopping basket. Popular liquid brand Absolute Collagen provides 8000mg (8g) per day. Another leading brand, Kollo, provides 10,000mg (10g) per day. Taking liquid collagen, as opposed to taking it in powder or tablet form, allows for higher concentration per serving. 
It has also been stated to have a higher absorption rate of 90-95% compared to 40-45% with tablet form. You will pay a premium price for these benefits though. And remember, always check for allergens when you’re choosing your product.
You do, of course, take in collagen through the food you eat every day. If you eat a healthy and balanced diet, you might be getting enough of this nutrient already. If you’re not sure on whether you need to take collagen as an additional supplement, it’s always best to seek professional advice from your GP or nutritionist.
Written by Becky Barrett.
Becky Barrett is an international talent manager and personal fitness coach with over 15 years’ professional experience and a 1st class Honours degree in Business & Law.
Driven by her unique values of compassion and a holistic approach to talent management, Becky has devised an innovative solution to take on the fitness industry with a brand-new personal fitness concept that aims to inspire and boost ‘new normal’ approaches to exercise routines.
Features include: Health & Wellbeing, Natural Health, Arden University, The Telegraph, BBC, Time & Leisure, Bdaily News, The Stage.