From Skin to Skeleton: Collagen Supplements for Healthy Ageing

Who doesn’t dream of youthful skin and lifelong mobility? Collagen, a fibrous protein in our body, is vital in maintaining youthful skin, strong bones and flexibility. Discover the importance of collagen and how to replenish its levels through diet and supplements to support health and vitality. 

Understanding Collagen and its Importance 

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body. It is typically present in connective tissues, bones, tendons, and cartilage. It gives structural support to tissues and is essential for maintaining skin elasticity, joint and bone strength, and flexibility.  
As we age, this protein begins to degrade and its production decreases in our bodies. Collagen loss can lead to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagged skin, joint pain, and weak bones (Campos et al., 2023). 

Causes of Collagen Loss

Collagen levels start declining in the late 20s and early 30s when the protein fragments and becomes loosely distributed. Apart from ageing, smoking, UV exposure, a poor diet high in sugar or processed foods, and excessive alcohol consumption can all cause a decrease in its production and breakdown, leading to premature skin sagging, loss of elasticity, poor bone health causing loss of strength and flexibility (Potekaev et al., 2021). 

Dietary sources such as bone broth, pork skin and chicken are rich in collagen. Collagen supplements might be regarded as a viable option to help maintain healthy ageing. 

Types of Collagen and Collagen Supplements

Based on the manufacturing process, collagen supplements can be categorised as undenatured native (insoluble) or native (soluble), gelatin and hydrolysed collagen peptides. Out of all these types, hydrolysed collagen peptides are absorbed and accumulated in cartilage and promote joint health (Martínez-Puig et al., 2023). 

Benefits of Collagen Supplements

It has been suggested that these supplements may help improve skin health, joints and bones. Various studies have been conducted to understand the role of this fibrous protein in promoting healthy ageing.  

Skin Benefits

The structural protein, Collagen is a major component of connective tissues which make up 80% of human skin and provide support and tissue development. Therefore, loss of collagen can significantly impact our skin health (Pu et al., 2023). 

A meta-analysis of 1721 patients concluded that hydrolysed collagen supplements significantly improve skin hydration and elasticity and have an overall positive impact on skin health. These supplements can help reduce wrinkles and restore elasticity and hydration by promoting protein levels or their production, leading to more youthful skin.7

Joint and Bone Benefits 

Collagen is directly related to your joint and bone health, as it is a major component of bones and cartilage, but as we age, the risk of diseases such as osteoarthritis increases due to the loss of structural proteins.  

Clinical evidence has shown that collagen either native or hydrolysed has therapeutic potential to relieve pain and improve joint functioning in Osteoarthritis patients. It has been advised to take 10g of Hydrolysed or 40mg of native type II collagen per day for 3 to 6 months to witness positive results in joint health (Van, 2020).

Studies have also suggested that these supplements can positively influence bone formation, improve bone mineral density and reduce bone degradation in postmenopausal women. These supplements along with Vitamin D and Calcium are recommended to manage bone-related disorders and maintain bone strength and mobility (König et al., 2018). 

Alternatives to Animal-Based Collagen  

The fibrous protein is mainly composed of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline amino acids, such composition differs from other proteins which limits possible alternatives. Vegan Collagen has been seen as a potential alternative which is genetically modified yeast and bacteria containing similar amino acids as Collagen. However, animal-based collagen especially marine hydrolysed collagen has greater bioavailability, is rich in Collagen Type I and type III, and directly supports skin and bone health. Individuals who are allergic to animal-derived collagen or can’t have it due to personal preferences can choose plant-based collagen. Plant-based diets such as leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, beans and more can also boost collagen production naturally.  

Benefits of Marine Hydrolysed Collagen Supplement 

Hydrolysed marine collagen is rich in Type I collagen, a highly bioavailable protein that possesses anti-ageing properties, improves skin hydration and elasticity, and reduces visible signs of ageing. It also promotes cell regeneration and tissue repair. Improving bone density and strength making it effective in addressing bone-related issues.  It is a sustainable form of supplement derived from marine organisms such as fish, jellyfish and sponges.  

Hydrolysed Marine collagen when taken in combination with Nicotinamide Riboside, Vitamin C and Vitamin E can give a synergistic effect (Boo, 2022).  The benefits of these compounds are discussed below. 

• Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a Vitamin B3 derivative, a precursor of NAD+, a coenzyme important for energy production. It is involved in DNA repair, cell repair and cell defence. It possesses benefits such as skin repair, and healthy muscles and supports healthy ageing.  
• HydroPeach Ceramides is a natural ceramide extracted from Japanese peaches. It is a potent antioxidant which boosts water retention and improves skin health. By increasing ceramide levels, skin hydration and elasticity can be restored.  
• Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that supports collagen synthesis, prevents skin damage, and promotes skin health. 
• Vitamin E is another potent antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative damage and promotes collagen synthesis and muscle health. It promotes skin health and overall vitality. 
• Hyaluronic Acid plays a vital role in maintaining moisture in skin, bones and connective tissues. Its level also declines with age, and it is necessary to maintain its supplementation. 
• Biotin is a Vitamin B derivative essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates and fat, it promotes healthy skin, hair, nails and energy levels.  

These supplements collectively offer a comprehensive approach to replenishing levels of collagen and promoting healthy ageing. OptiAge™ Marine Collagen peptides is one such supplement which provides a perfect blend of these ingredients that promote healthy ageing by maintaining the level of collagen. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, collagen is a vital protein for skin health, bone strength and joint flexibility, its decline with age results in visible signs of ageing and loss of mobility. Collagen supplements can be incorporated into our daily lives along with a nutrient-rich diet to replenish its levels in our bodies. Advanced formulations such as OptiAgeTM can offer a comprehensive solution to promote skin health, bone strength and flexibility contributing to overall healthy ageing.  

FAQs

Why do I need collagen?

Collagen plays an important role in maintaining skin elasticity, bone strength and joint flexibility. As we age, the breakdown of collagen increases leading to visible signs of ageing and loss of bone strength. Therefore, it is important to replenish collagen levels, either through diet or supplements to ensure skin, bone and joint health and overall healthy ageing. 

Does collagen help with longevity?

Collagen helps with longevity as it helps maintain skin health and bone strength as well as flexibility vital for mobility ensuring overall health. Collagen supplements can help delay the signs of ageing such as loss of elasticity and mobility contributing to longevity. However, it does not directly affect the lifespan but improves the overall quality of life by promoting healthier ageing and a more active life.

Which is better- Marine or Vegan collagen?

Marine collagen is animal-derived collagen rich in Type 1 collagen beneficial for skin, and hair health. It is recommended for boosting natural collagen levels. Vegan collagen is plant-derived or genetically modified yeast or bacteria designed to stimulate collagen production. Marine collagen has higher bioavailability than vegan collagen. However, the choice depends on dietary preferences and health goals.

Are there any side effects to Collagen Supplements?

Collagen supplements are generally well tolerated and do not pose any significant health risk. They are known to have mild side effects such as bloating, nausea or diarrhoea. People with food allergies should avoid collagen supplements as they contain common food allergens such as pork and fish. However, it is recommended to take these supplements under the guidance of a health professional.

Are Collagen supplements effective?

Collagen supplements can help improve your skin, hair, nails and bone health. These supplements can be effective in boosting the level of collagen in your body by increasing natural collagen production. When taken consistently for a period of 3 to 6 months these supplements are proven to be effective.