Everything you need to know about collagen

The word 'collagen' originates from the Greek word 'kolla' which translates to 'glue'. Pretty fitting considering collgen acts as the glue within our bodies holding everything together.
As the most abundant protein in our bodies, collagen can be found in our organs, skin, hair, nails, teeth, muscles, joints, tendons, cartilage.. You name it, it's there.
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Well, at least until you hit the ripe age of 20, when your body begins to make less and less of the stuff for every decade that follows. And then age 40 rolls around and collagen production comes to a complete stop. Cue: wrinkles and sagging skin.
As the years progress and the natural production of collagen has all but ceased, potential problems far greater than crow’s feet can arise. Some in the form of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
This should cause no panic, nor should you feel as though you are already too late to the party. As out of the 20 different types of collagen found in the body, there are only three types we actually need to worry about.
And luckily for us these are readily available both naturally in our diet and also via supplements, delicious powders and drinks that taste no different to a refreshing cordial.
What can I expect from collagen?
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Improved skin health, in particular a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
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Restoration of joint cartilage, preventing deterioration and natural wear and tear
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Increased muscle mass
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Stronger bones
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Improved nail and hair growth
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Healthier gut flora
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Improved mood and reduced anxiety
What are the main factors sabotaging our collagen production?
Your first two decades of life are spent producing collagen in an abundance by your body. However a combination of age, lifestyle choices and environmental factors can play a role in destroying what has already been made.
Unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, high alcohol consumption, poor diet and excessive sun exposure will result in an accelerated ageing process.
Where can I find it naturally in my diet?
Fish - Also referred to as ‘marine collagen’ is the jelly part of a fish that sits just under its skin. Of all varieties of collagen, this is the most superior due to the way in which our bodies are able to break it down.
Bone Broth - Collagen is released from the bones when cooked down for long periods of time. Bone broth is also rich in amino acids and electrolytes, which hold their own skin benefits.
Eggs - The yolk of a chicken egg contains collagen.
Also good to know: Fruits and veggies such as berries, tomatoes, pumpkin seeds and avocados, as well as garlic, onions, shallots and leeks, contain minerals, vitamins and antioxidants which slow down and prevent the breakdown of already present collagen.
What is the most efficient way to incorporate collagen into my diet?
While there are many incredible food-based sources of collagen available, simmering a pot of bone broth for hours might not be the most practical for your lifestyle. Collagen in the form of a protein powder is a delicious and efficient way to meet your daily dose as it can be incorporated into your morning juice, smoothie or coffee.
bh recommends: Skin Physics Collagen Beauty Elixir, Dose and Co Collagen Creamer or Powder
If you’re looking for an even quicker alternative, a collagen supplement might be your preference.
Main image credit: @doseandco
Do you take a collagen supplement or powder? If not, will you try one?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
37 Member Comments
I take it religiously and use sunscreen everyday.
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I have tried collagen supplements but haven't really liked them and they are quite expensive. I think that I eat quite healthily and much prefer to get my collagen that way.
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Found this article very interesting
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Really need to eat more foods listed in this article. Might try a supplement too to see if it works.
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I'm not convinced that Collagen supplements work, and they kind of gross me out.
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I like Kynd collagen. It taste really good.No fishy taste at all.
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Interesting article, thank you.
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Have tried a couple of collagen supplements (courtesy of this very site) & tbqh, both of them upset my stomach upon the first couple of uses, so I had to stop taking them. I'd rather eat foods that are high in collagen than take a supplement.
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Fish is a once a fortnight meal in our household. We do like our crispy skin salmon but other fish is too $$$$. Eggs are a staple for the kids but I don't think hubby and I eat them often enough.
We're always cooking with onion and garlic.
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luckily my diet would contain natural collagen
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I got an email about Imbibe but again, so dear to buy
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Love a good bone broth!!! Would rather get it that way, than with supplements...
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collagen in skin care comes from pigs, not overly vegan friendly sadly
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I see the Dose & Co brand are available in Coles so might give it a try.
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I tried a Collegan Powder. I couldn't see any difference in my skin. For me I think it's a great way to add flavour to plain water.
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Very interesting article. There’s certainly no harm in trying. I’ve tried a couple of different brands, vita proteins, welleco and a coconut creamer, but I need to stick to them! I think knowing that after 40 production will stop will give me motivation to take the supplements.
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No, but I probably should.
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A bit difficult for vegans to get it. I've heard that you can get it from papaya, kale, berries and nuts, but not sure that's true.
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Wow I didn't know that Collagen production stopped at 40! I'd like to try the Collagen Gummies.
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Interesting article. I didn’t realise that we stopped producing collagen after age 40. I’ve never taken a supplement. My hair is in terrible condition due to long term illness. Perhaps a supplement will help. I’ll discuss with my dietitian.
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I think our ancestors used to eat more collagen since they ate from head to tail. These days we're picky about the cut of meat that we eat, avoid offal, so we get less collagen in our diet.
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I use a marine collagen supplement which I find is more effective than the silica I used to take. I also eat lots of berries and other fruit and veg, plus fish and eggs so I suppose I use the marine collagen as a booster.
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wow.....i had no idea that it was required by the body for so many things. The gut health thing surprises me.
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After reading that I'll be making a double batch of berry crumble for tonight's dessert. We love our massive serves of that in this house.
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