Collagen supplements have become quite popular nowadays. Most people like to use them to maintain youthful skin, strong nails, and healthy joints and hair.
Collagen can also benefit the health of bones, tendons, blood vessels, and skin cells. So, finding the best ways to leverage collagen can really support your health and fitness.
With all that being said, is there a best time to take collagen to maximize those benefits? There may be, but it might not be the same time for everyone. I'll get to that in a second.
First, let’s get a little background on collagen. Then we’ll move into the best time to take collagen supplements for you.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a powerhouse protein we all have and need. It's pivotal for maintaining the strength and elasticity of our skin, hair, nails, and more.
It’s even in your muscles!
Collagen is actually the most abundant protein in your body. It essentially acts as the glue that holds everything together.
When it comes to the types of collagen out there, there are 28, and they're all different. However, these 5 types of collagen stand out for their distinct benefits:
Type I Collagen: This type is mostly found in the skin, hair, and nails. It's known for enhancing skin elasticity and strength to keep our skin firm and youthful.
Type II Collagen: This type is mainly found in cartilage and is crucial for joint health. Regular intake can help maintain joint flexibility and comfort. This is especially beneficial as we age.
Type III Collagen: This type is in bone marrow and certain connective tissues. Type III collagen supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries. It also plays a critical role in skin healing and maintaining skin elasticity.
Type V Collagen: Found in the eyes, bones, muscles, lungs, and more. It’s a major component of the placenta, so it’s also important for developing babies.
Type X Collagen: Found primarily in new bone formation, and in articular cartilage. This type of collagen is used as a biomarker for osteoarthritis as well.
Beyond supporting skin and joint health, collagen also has quite a few other benefits. It can help support:
• Bone strength
• Joint cushioning
• Blood vessel health
• Muscle elasticity
• Hair and nail strength
• Skin moisture and structure
If you still aren’t convinced, did you know that collagen can help with weight loss too?
Studies show there’s evidence suggesting that collagen has anti-obesity effects (1). It actually affects your gut health in positive ways to achieve this.
There are plenty of reasons to take collagen supplements. That’s why I personally take collagen every day. I would like all the benefits I can get!
But now that you know a little more about collagen, let’s talk about the best time to take collagen supplements.
When Is The Best Time to Take Collagen?
When it comes to optimizing the benefits of collagen supplements, timing can play a role! This will also depend on the person and their schedule.
The best time to take collagen is really when it best fits into your daily routine. This ensures you'll stick with it consistently, which is ultimately what matters most.
If you aren’t taking a collagen supplement consistently, don’t expect to reap the benefits as if you were.
Whether that's in the morning, midday, or night ... find a time you’ll remember to take it regularly. That way it’ll be easy to make a routine out of it and you won’t forget!
Many people also find it convenient to mix collagen with their coffee, or in their protein shakes.
Adding collagen to your morning coffee can kickstart your day with a protein boost. Blending it into an evening drink can be a soothing way to end the day as well.
Whatever works best for you is when you should use it!
Should You Take Collagen Every Day?
At this point, you may be wondering: Is it best to take collagen every day?
I would say absolutely.
In fact, more recent research suggests that there's not an actual limit on how much collagen is safe to take (2). Increasing your collagen intake is actually beneficial for your health (2).
So, for most people, I would recommend taking collagen supplements daily. It doesn’t mean you have to, but doing so does have its benefits.
Consistent daily intake of collagen can lead to noticeable improvements. Some of these include skin elasticity, hydration, and the density of collagen in your skin. These benefits are especially on point for those looking to combat the signs of aging.
So it’s up to you if you choose to take collagen supplements or not. Consider your goals, and what’s important to you.
If you want some or all these benefits, then the next step is finding which collagen supplement is right for you!
Choosing the Right Collagen For You
Collagen supplements are not all made the same. That's why it’s important to find one that will help you maximize the benefits of your daily routine.
When choosing a collagen supplement, there are several factors to consider:
Source and Type
Look for supplements that specify which type or types of collagen they use. If you want the a full array of benefit, choose collagen with all the 5 types I mentioned in this article (Collagen types I, II, III, V, and X).
Additional Ingredients
Some collagen supplements come enhanced with other beneficial ingredients. For instance, vitamins such as Vitamin C are often added to help with collagen synthesis in your body. Another great one is Dermaval, which can help improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
Quality and Purity
Look for collagen supplements that come from high-quality sources. Certifications that guarantee the product's purity and safety can be a great way to tell. This ensures you’re consuming a product free from unnecessary additives or contaminants.
Bioavailability
This refers to how easily your body can absorb and use the collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen, for instance, is broken down into smaller peptides. This allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body.
I’ve tried quite a few collagen supplements in my day. I’ve never found one with better taste or quality than 1st Phorm’s Collagen with Dermaval.
It doesn't only support your body's collagen levels, but Dermaval takes it up a notch! It can also help support elastin levels in the skin. Elastin is an essential protein that helps maintain skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Especially if your skin health is why you’re interested in collagen, 1st Phorm’s Collagen can be a great option for you!
Start Reaping The Benefits of Collagen Today!
Collagen's vast benefits make it quite a valuable addition to your daily regimen. I mean, who doesn't want healthier skin and joints?! All you have to do is take it consistently and take it whenever works best for you.
At 1st Phorm, our mission is to help real people see real and long-term results. That's why our products are founded on quality, and measured on your results.
If you want to invest in the best collagen out there, you can't go wrong with Collagen with Dermaval. It’s made a difference for me, and I know it will for you too!
I personally add mine to my protein shakes, and it makes them so much better! Mixing it into your morning coffee is a great way to go about it too.
If you have any questions about our collagen supplements, or collagen in general, let us know! We have a full team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Nutrition Coaches here in St. Louis, Missouri.
You can send us at CustomerService@1stPhorm.com or give us a call at 1-800-409-9732 any day from 6 AM to 10 PM Central! We're always happy to help.
If you're ready to give collagen a try ... Shop for your favorite flavor of Collagen with Dermaval here. We also offer it in a naturally sweetened version: Collagen Natural with Dermaval.
References:
(1) Baek GH, Yoo KM, Kim SY, Lee DH, Chung H, Jung SC, Park SK, Kim JS. Collagen Peptide Exerts an Anti-Obesity Effect by Influencing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio in the Gut. Nutrients. 2023 Jun 2;15(11):2610. doi: 10.3390/nu15112610. PMID: 37299573; PMCID: PMC10255498.
(2) Paul C, Leser S, Oesser S. Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients. 2019 May 15;11(5):1079. doi: 10.3390/nu11051079. PMID: 31096622; PMCID: PMC6566836.
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