An Ultimate Guide to Collagen

Collagen is the talk of the town these days, and for good reason! But what actually is it, and do you really need it? We unpack the ins and outs of collagen, and the key signs to look out for.

So, What Is Collagen?

The term “collagen” is derived from the Greek word “kolla,” meaning “glue.” Collagen’s glue-like structure is essential for maintaining the strength, elasticity and integrity of connective tissues throughout the body.

Approximately one-third of your body’s tissue is made up of collagen, and your body requires a substantial amount to support tissue healing and regeneration, growth, repair, injury recovery, illness recovery, and overall longevity.

Types of Collagen

Our body continuously produces collagen, and to do so, it requires amino acids and protein. This is why it’s crucial to ensure you’re consuming enough high-quality protein daily, along with sufficient Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production.

Interestingly, we’re not just talking about one type of collagen in the body, there are actually 28 different types. The three main ones are Type I, Type II and Type III:

Type I collagen is the most abundant in the body and supports the structure of skin, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues.
Type II collagen is primarily found in cartilage, where it aids joint health by cushioning bones and promoting smooth movement.
Type III collagen, often found alongside Type I, supports skin health and elasticity, and plays a role in maintaining skin’s youthful appearance by contributing to collagen synthesis.

Meet Collagen Clinical

A supplement we hold in-clinic called Collagen Clinical, by Orthoplex, combines four collagen peptides specifically designed to comprehensively support the body’s collagen-rich tissues, including tendons, ligaments, skin, bone and joint cartilage.

Each serve delivers 17.5g of hydrolysed collagen plus Vitamin C, practitioner-grade, and Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Soy Protein Free. It’s a great option for anyone looking to support collagen formation and skin health as part of a broader approach to healthy ageing.

Where Collagen Really Shines

Beyond its role in connective tissue strength and flexibility, making it a strong choice for injury recovery, tendons, ligaments and joint health, collagen plays a part in several other areas too.

Collagen for Pre-, Peri- and Post-Menopausal Bone Density

During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels drop, which can trigger a loss of bone density and strength. Collagen plays a role in bone mass, and collagen peptides may help support bone mineral density during this transition. It’s a supportive option worth discussing with your practitioner if you’re moving through this stage of life.

Collagen for Skin Elasticity and Hydration

Since collagen influences the structural and tissue-building components of skin formation, it plays a role in skin elasticity as part of the ageing process. Collagen also supports the moisture content and elasticity of the skin, which may help with the appearance of fine lines and roughness over time, one of the reasons the beauty industry has taken such an interest in it.

Collagen for Gut Health

Collagen contains amino acids such as glutamine, glycine and proline, which are involved in supporting the gut lining. These amino acids play a role in the body’s natural processes for maintaining and repairing the gut barrier, which can in turn support healthy digestive function.

Getting the Most from Collagen

Consistency matters more than a single big dose, most people take collagen daily, mixed into a drink or smoothie, and give it several weeks to months before expecting to notice a difference. Pairing it with a Vitamin C-rich diet supports your body’s own collagen production alongside supplementation.