Age Groups and Collagen Intake

Collagen has become dramatically popular in the past few years. And why wouldn't it be? After all, there's research that says collagen helps improve the overall skin, among other benefits. But how should you take it, and more importantly, at what age should you start collagen intake?

Well, if these questions are blowing your brains out, this blog is for you. Here, we'll talk about everything you should know about collagen. Interested? Read along.

What is collagen in the first place?

Basically, collagen is a protein, in fact, the most abundant protein in your body. It helps your body make the connective tissue, an essential component of your cartilage, tendons, muscles, and skin. The main external source of collagen is from animals like cows, pigs, fishes, etc.
 

When should you start consuming collagen?

If you consider the age group, there isn't a right age to start consuming collagen. It's because there are several factors at play. Let's look at some of them:

Collagen production declines in your 20s.

As a part of aging, your body naturally reduces collagen production in your 20s. Also, as per research, collagen production decreases by 1% a year. So, according to this data, you should start as early as possible.
 

Your lifestyle might affect collagen production.

Because of your skin’s extra exposure to the sun's UV rays, free radicals are produced. These free radicals damage the healthy cells causing oxidative damage, which degrades collagen. Poor habits like smoking, and an excess intake of sugar can also lead to collagen degradation.

So, basically, it's best to consume collagen when your body lacks it. And as everyone’s body lacks it at different times, there isn't a standard answer to this. However, you can always consult your dermatologist to know when you should start taking collagen specifically.

How can you consume collagen?

There are three kinds of sources that can help you with collagen:

1.    Food that is rich in collagen – Red meat, bone broth, gelatin.
2.    Food that promotes collagen production – Poultry, fish, eggs, meat, legumes, dairy, zinc, whole grains, and soy.
3.    Supplements rich in collagen. - Skin Fuel and Marine Collagen Powder from Wellbeing Nutrition.

Which is the best source of collagen?

Experts always recommend going for natural sources of collagen. However, this may not be feasible for everyone to include meat in their diet. And this is where collagen supplements come into the picture. Collagen supplements have collagen extracts and have the potential to bring along benefits for your skin..

What is the right dosage?

Now, the right dosage depends on what type of collagen you consume. And as you'll be consuming collagen via nutritional supplements, we'll talk about the kind of collagen found in supplements.

Types of collagen in supplements

Hydrolyzed collagen

Hydrolyzed collagen comes from marine(seafood), bovine(cattle), poultry (mostly eggshells or chicken), and other animal sources.

This collagen type is the most common in supplements. It's because hydrolyzed collagen peptides are absorbed better by the body. You can find hydrolyzed collagen in capsules and in powdered form. You can mix the powdered form into warm or cold beverages. According to a study, 2.5–15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen each day may be safe and beneficial for humans.
 

Undenatured collagen

Undenatured collagen is raw collagen and comes from chicken cartilage. According to some studies, 10-40 grams of undenatured collagen per day is safe for humans. Also, it's shown to improve joint health.

Gelatin

Gelatin collagen usually comes from animal sources and is less commonly sold in supplements. It's a major ingredient of gelatinous desserts. However, there isn't any specific research stating a safe dosage. So, before consuming, you should consider the dosage given on the package.


 

Should you go for collagen-based supplements?

If you consider availability, ease of consumption, and effectiveness, it's best to opt for collagen-based supplements. But this never means you should purchase any supplement that's available out there. You need to invest some time in research and then decide which one's best for you.

Want to save some time? Well, you can opt for Skin Fuel and Pure Korean Marine Collagen Powder from Wellbeing Nutrition.
 

What is Skin Fuel?

Skin Fuel is India's 1st drinkable skincare product rich in Japanese Marine Collagen, which is readily absorbed by the body. Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid, l–glutathione, antioxidants, and other vitamins.  

Skin fuel is the only available peptide drink that can ensure glowing skin. Also, this supplement prevents age-related collagen loss and prevents skin aging. Skin fuel is easy to consume and is quite tasty, as a matter of fact.

What is Wellbeing Nutrition’s Pure Korean Marine Collagen Powder?

Sourced from Korean deep sea fish, this contains type I and type III collagen and offers 8000 mg of the same, per serving. This powder has no taste and no odour and one can mix it with smoothies, parfaits, coffee, tea, or other baked goods to make it a part of their daily consumption. Apart from that, it is gluten free, keto-friendly, paleo friendly, non-GMO, halal and kosher certified, and contains zero sugar.

So, if you need firm skin and want to improve skin elasticity, Skin Fuel and Pure Korean Marine Collagen powder are your best buddies.
 

Wrapping Up

There isn't any specific age group at which you can start consuming collagen. It's because there are several factors at play that vary from person to person. However, you can always abide by the daily safe amount of collagen to ensure effectiveness and no side effects.

References:

• Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. Published 2019 Oct 17. doi:10.3390/nu11102494. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/).

• León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G. Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications. Molecules. 2019;24(22):4031. Published 2019 Nov 7. doi:10.3390/molecules24224031. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/).

• Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):308-319. doi:10.4161/derm.22804. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/).

• Paul C, Leser S, Oesser S. Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients. 2019 May 15;11(5):1079. doi: 10.3390/nu11051079. PMID: 31096622; PMCID: PMC6566836. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31096622/).

• Lugo JP, Saiyed ZM, Lau FC, Molina JP, Pakdaman MN, Shamie AN, Udani JK. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) for joint support: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Oct 24;10(1):48. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-48. PMID: 24153020; PMCID: PMC4015808. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24153020/)