When Is the Best Time To Take Collagen Supplements?
Get ready to add a new secret weapon to your daily routine — collagen supplements! This inner beauty powder has garnered swathes of attention in the wellness world for its ability to strengthen hair, skin and nails, along with joint and gut health.
With all the buzz around collagen, it can be tough to sift through the noise and find real answers to the questions at the forefront: how long does it take to see results? Should you wake up with a dose of collagen (in your coffee) or is it best to end the day with a scoop, before bedtime?
We’re here to help you crack the Collagen code so you can unlock the full potential of the supplement and glow from the inside out.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a specific kind of protein that is found throughout the body. The protein is one of the most abundant proteins found within the body and is used by many tissues as a structural component. Collagen helps with bone health, skin elasticity, and joint health and is present in other tissues to provide structural support.
Collagen production occurs within the body, but as we age, the rate of collagen protein synthesis tends to decrease. This protein is found in its highest amounts in connective tissue, and when your natural dose of collagen declines, it can contribute to sagging skin, the appearance of wrinkles, joint pain, a decline in joint health, and more.
Where Do Collagen Supplements Come From?
Collagen is a protein found in many different animal species, so animal products tend to be the main dietary source of collagen. Foods like bone broth, gelatin, meat, and fish tend to contain collagen naturally, but this form of collagen can be difficult for the body to absorb.
A broken-down form of collagen known as hydrolyzed collagen is typically used for supplementation for this very reason. Collagen powder supplements tend to isolate collagen peptides from one of two sources.
These are marine collagen and grass-fed bovine collagen. Both sources can help you increase your collagen intake but differ in the specific types of collagen they contain and how sustainable they are as a source.
Marine collagen contains a higher ratio of type 1 collagen, the most prevalent form of collagen found within your body. Being a more sustainable source, we’ve derived our proprietary 100% pure Marine Collagen powder found in our Pure Marine Collagen Formula from wild cod skin found in the pristine waters of Norway.
How Do You Supplement Collagen?
A decline in collagen production with age is quite normal. Many people take a collagen supplement to help increase the number of circulating collagen peptides in their body to help promote healthy collagen levels.
Many people also opt for ingredients that help promote an increase in the natural production of collagen. Below is a closer look at how healthy collagen levels can be supported.
Topical Products
The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it utilizes collagen throughout to add strength and elasticity to the skin barrier. Many skincare products aim to improve the appearance of skin by providing hydration.
The Pro-Collagen Vitamin Serum from JSHealth is one such topical product. This high-quality serum contains Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, and Niacinamide which help to support natural collagen production, provide deep hydration directly to the skin and brighten the appearance of your skin.
Collagen Dietary Supplement
Improving collagen levels from the inside out through a dietary collagen supplement is another way to take collagen. Collagen dietary supplements come in many different formulations, and JSHealth has four unique formulations to choose from.
Beauty Collagen Creamer is an easy and convenient way to incorporate collagen into your morning coffee while adding a nice creamy texture. You can also use this creamer in smoothies, morning oats, and yogurt.
Greens + Collagen is a powdered supplement that can be added to water or your favorite blended beverage. This supplement contains pure Marine Collagen, Glycine and a green superfood blend to provide you with a potent blend of vitamins, minerals, and nutrition.
Vitality X + Collagen Powder is designed to holistically support your skin health and natural energy levels from the inside out. In addition to pure Marine Collagen, the supplement contains 10 carefully chosen ingredients to support skin health, digestive support, and energy production and vitality.
Protein Dietary Supplement
Collagen supplements contain collagen peptides made up of amino acids but are not considered complete proteins. Taking a protein supplement can be another way to help support collagen production in the body while simultaneously ensuring you get the right amount of each amino acid consistently.
The Protein + Probiotics blend from JSHealth provides pea protein while supporting your gut health by adding Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. This specific bacteria has been shown to be resistant to breakdown in stomach acid, enabling it to survive in the stomach and small intestine and reach your gut to aid in a healthy gut microbiome.
A healthy gut microbiome can help to support a healthy digestive system and may help to soothe bloating.
How Long Does It Take To See the Benefits of Collagen?
Many people who start taking supplements wonder when they will see results. There is no one size fits all answer to this question, as everyone has a different starting point and destination.
Individuals with good collagen production would likely not have any noticeable changes, as taking collagen would continue supporting optimal collagen production. While individuals in this category may not see a discernible difference, it may help to delay the onset of the appearance of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines.
Individuals with less-than-ideal collagen production may start to notice improvement only after taking the supplement for a few months. When it comes to skin, collagen loss occurs slowly over time, and it can take a similar amount of time to get collagen levels up.
Don’t worry if it has been a few weeks without noticeable change; be persistent and be patient.
When Should I Take Collagen?
The timing of some supplements can make a large difference in how well it is absorbed. Some supplements are better taken on an empty stomach, while others are better taken with a meal.
Collagen supplements contain short chains of amino acids, and the time of the day you decide to take collagen is up to your preference and whatever is easiest for you. Let’s take a closer look at how you can incorporate collagen supplements into your routine to help you stay consistent.
Morning Beverage
Most people start off the day with a good morning drink. Whether you are a habitual coffee drinker or start your day with a nice glass of water, incorporating collagen into these drinks can help you build a habit of taking your collagen consistently.
Add it to Your Pre-Workout
Collagen powder, like Pure Marine Collagen, can easily be added to your pre-workout since it is flavorless and easily dissolved. Plus, it contains amino acids that your body can use to help build strong muscles.
Keep Your Supplement With Your Skin Care Products
Another way to help you to remember to take your collagen supplement is to keep it with your skincare products. Many people have a nighttime skincare routine, and it is easy enough to add drinking a glass of water with collagen to your routine.
A nighttime skincare routine is a great way to give yourself the self care you deserve, and adding collagen to this ritual can help you stay consistent.
Conclusion
Collagen is a crucial protein that provides structural support for various tissues in the body, including bones, skin, ligaments, and joints. As collagen production decreases with age, many people turn to collagen supplements to increase their collagen levels and support overall health.
The ‘best time’ is dependent on you – what works best for your schedule and allows for consistency. Consistency is key to maximizing the full potential and reaping the benefits of collagen supplementation, and whichever time of day allows you to stay consistent is recommended.
Sources:
Marine Origin Collagens and Its Potential Applications | NCBI