About collagen – a versatile supplement

Collagen is the primary building block of the body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues. It is also found in the organs, blood vessels and intestinal lining. It makes up approximately ¹/₃ of the body’s mass, making it the most abundant natural structural protein in the body.

Beauty product

Collagen is widely recognised as an effective anti-ageing supplement, to help combat the fine lines and wrinkles that are caused when collagen levels in the skin naturally deplete with age, as well as to help slow the ageing process itself.  The body loses 1.5% every year. By the age of 40, we have lost around 30% of our collagen levels.

Supplementing with high quality collagen can help to give skin a more radiant, youthful appearance, improve skin moisture and texture, elasticity and hydration.

*https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8824545/
*https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35223163/​
​

Muscle, sports and fitness product

As mentioned above, collagen is one of the main proteins in the body which acts as natural “scaffolding” to provide strength and structure. Fuelled by amino acids, it is the key component in our bodies responsible for maintaining the proteins in our muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments.

Collagen can also help with muscle repair and growth. As we age, our collagen production naturally slows down, impacting not only our physical appearance, but also the strength of our muscles, bones, joints and ligaments. Collagen can assist in promoting muscle recovery, as well as building and repairing muscles and relieving joint pain.

The amino acids

Protein is a key component in our diet due to its role in maintaining tissue and muscle. It also contains amino acids, which are the building blocks used for muscle growth. With collagen being the most abundant protein in the body, it is no surprise that increasing collagen intake helps with building and repairing muscle. Studies have demonstrated the link between collagen and the synthesis of muscle proteins.

*https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9086765/#:~:text=Dietary%20collagen%20contains%20large%20amounts,facilitate%20connective%20tissue%20protein%20synthesis.

Collagen Nourish + provides the following amino acids:

• ​Alanine
• Arginine
• Aspartic Acid
• Glutamic Acid
• Glycine
• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Proline
• Serine
• ​Tryptophan
• Tyrosine
• Valine

​​Arginine and glycine are two of the amino acids that are found in collagen and are used to make creatine. Creatine is stored in our skeletal muscle and is used by our bodies when we perform physical activities. Creatine’s main job is to help us maintain a continuous supply of energy. This energy then goes straight to our working muscles. Creatine also plays a key role in building muscle mass and strength, whilst repairing muscles if they’re damaged. As the two amino acids, arginine and glycine are found within collagen, collagen supplements can therefore also boost the ability to repair and build muscle.

Lysine and proline are the key amino acids necessary for increasing collagen production. Proline is the most important amino acid when it comes to skin health, whilst Lysine can help to promote the synthesis of connective tissues which help to make your skin tighter.

Why use hydrolysed collagen?

Hydrolysed collagen is a protein supplement made from collagen that has been broken down into smaller molecules (“collagen peptides“). These peptides are more water soluble, and therefore easier to digest and absorb in the small intestine, ready to be transported to the tissues that need them. In other words, hydrolysed collagen has enhanced bioavailability.

This formula contains 10g hydrolysed collagen per serving, generally recognised to be the optimal daily intake for best results. 

About glucosamine HCl

Glucosamine is an essential part of the building material for joints and the cellular ‘glue’ that holds the body together. Joint cartilage contains the highest concentration of glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride is now widely accepted as the best form, because it has a higher concentration in the molecule, has better stability and is in bioavailable food form, for maximum absorption and utilisation. This formula contains 800mg glucosamine per serving.

​The vitamins and minerals

The vitamins and minerals that we have included in this formula, have been selected for their specific benefits and capability to work in conjunction with the collagen and glucosamine.

In particular:

• Vitamin A: involved in the maintenance of skin.
• Vitamin C: an antioxidant involved in the formation of collagen and the function of the immune system.
• Vitamin D: our bodies are unable to manufacture this vitamin. It is commonly known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ as it is synthesised when sunlight meets the skin. Best known for its role in bone health and the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, vita min D also supports muscle function, cell growth, immune system function and more.
• Vitamin E: an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage, i.e. can help to: reduce muscle damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress; reverse damaged muscles or maintain muscle function; prevent muscle atrophy associated with vitamin E deficiency; ease muscle cramps; improve exercise capacity; and prevent the dip in immune function that can occur after exercise.

Many of these actions are backed by science – see the EFSA approved health claims below.