Collagen

[TheLadyWithoutTheLamp]

Morning all.

I'm thinking of starting to take collagen. Mainly for joint pain but also to (hopefully) help skin have more elasticity. Does anyone have any suggestions about which brand and what type is best, please?

Thanks

There is no evidence that collagen does anything. Doesn’t stop me taking it though😁

For my joints, I use Nutrition Geeks glow up bovine collagen which is very reasonably priced.

I do also take a marine collagen with biotin in which is supposed to be good for skin, hair and nails. Mine is from Wild Nutrition.

I’ve just stated taking Elavate collagen as it has both bovine and marine collagen with vitamin C and D (for absorption). Chocolate flavour tastes delicious frothed in milk at bedtime.

Thanks both! I'll take a look.

I've just come across WillPowders. Anyone heard of them?

I use the My Protein clear collagen. It's tasteless and I like the fact that I can mix it equally into coffee or squash.

Can I also recommend considering a hyaluronic acid supplement? I started HA before collagen and I'm sure it has made a difference to my fine lines. I'm lucky not to have experienced many joint issues yet but apparently there is some evidence that it is beneficial for joint pain.

I can't help on the collagen recommendation but there's a ton of evidence that the best medicine for joint pain is exercise. Walking 3 miles at moderate pace, weight training to strengthen supporting muscles and tendons. I hope the collagen helps too.

I take these. They do help with my arthritis, notice a difference if I don’t take them.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084QJ5QL2/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_4?smid=A2EUS4P6UET99R&psc=1

What brand of HA supplements are you using?

Marine collagen from British Supplements.

I use the willpowders one. I like it and do see benefits from using it I stopped over December and could feel the difference. I tried Ancient and Brave first but felt nothing with that’s I like the Willpowders one as it’s bovine and I believe it’s as “clean” as you can get for collagen.

My Vitamins https://www.myvitamins.com/p/sports-nutrition/hyaluronic-acid/11833454/

Thanks everyone! I jog / walk 3 miles a day so goodness knows what pain I'd be in if I didn't!

Jogging isn't recommended, too much pounding. I think the recommendation is walking at 3 -4 miles an hour.

I’ve just started taking Wild & Brave Marine Collagen. I have it in my coffee and can’t taste it at all, although I think it thickens it a little.

Thanks ❤️

I take elevate. I started purely for hair and skin etc however I can honestly say it has been life changing for me. I've lived with lower back and hip pain for a good three years now, had all kinds of interventions that have made no difference. Within four weeks of starting the elevate I have 0 hip pain and within 8 weeks the lower back pain in the night has also gone. I'm sleeping through which i haven't done for years. I appreciate correlation isn't causation etc, however the collagen was literally the only thing I've changed after living with this pain for some time, so I'm more than certain it's worked for me. I think I pay £70 ish for three months worth and it truly is worth every penny, for me at least

I have a referral code if you want it x

I've been using Nutrition Geeks Collagen for about six months. Definitely noticed a difference with my nails being stronger. I'm looking to try a different brand just to see if it smells/tastes less beefy (I don't drink coffee; it tastes gross in tea. Usually mix it with smoothies, porridge or yoghurt. It doesn't blend brilliantly with cold stuff tho).

Quick word of warning - I've had awful cystic acne on my chin and jaw for the past few months. Thought it was perimenopause or diet, so started HRT and reduced dairy intake. I found out last night - via a Mumsnet thread after searching collagen - that high levels of biotin can cause this acne! Because Nutrition Geeks gift a free pouch of high-strength biotin when you subscribe to the collagen, I've been taking it daily. I am trying to help my fine hair thinning more than it is now I'm mid 40s. But I'm 99% sure it's too much biotin now. Here's a link to one of the articles I've read:

Biotin/keratin and acne

I wad just looking at the elavate super-blend collagen and notice it has biotin, so I'm leaning towards Willpowders one. Or Ancient + Brave? Though interesting to see a PP doesn't rate it.

Bit of a minefield isn't it?! 🙁

I swear by collagen, it’s helped my joint pain and my hair and nails - been using elevate!

Thanks everyone. I'm really grateful for all your help and advice. I'm going to try the WillPowders bovine collagen and see how I get on with that as a start

In theory your body just recognizes collagen as “protein”, but I know from personal experience I seem to have more benefits from collagen powder supplements than dairy protein supplements. Maybe it’s all down to how it’s absorbed…

I'm just about to checkout on the Willpowers site, too! The pretty packaging and free shiny scoop may have swung my decision...!

Will have to check back here in a few weeks to see how we're both finding it 😊

Collagen is literally protein. It dissolves in stomach. There is no evidence that is does anymore than eating lean meat.

Collagen powder is the only protein supplement I've ever tried. I'm trying to up my protein for satiety/weight loss/better glucose control (in pre-diabetic range). Have read a high-protein diet is beneficial to women in middle-age, and those who have ADHD (I am awaiting assessment), hence why I take it. Wondering if I could be adding creatine into the mix, but that's probably another thread!

@BretonStripe - I can definitely attest to low carb for ADHD. My blood glucose has been stable at 5.5mmol for years. Creatine has definitely helped with meno brain fog so I don’t think it will hurt (unless you have renal problems, in which case discuss with doctor first.)

@Francestein thank you very much. I have regular blood tests and liver and kidney function is always normal, so should be fine to add creatine. I've also almost finished the NHS Diabetes prevention course, so reduced carbs and sugar massively (have lost 10% of my body weight and back in healthy BMI range).

Collagen supports good gut health, too. Which is great for me as I have IBS.

@BretonStripe - That’s amazing! Well done! I’m so proud of you!