Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. There are over 20 types, but type 1 consists of over 90% of all collagen. Collagen is made up of amino acids, they differ in the amount of amino acid present in the particular type of collagen. When collagen is hydrolysed, it’s broken down into its constituent amino acids, which are the essential building material to renew cells throughout the body including skin, hair, nails, eyes, teeth, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints, bones, internal organs, blood vessels, and the immune system.

We need a collagen supplement to replace what we lose with age. Did you know that after the age of 18 our collagen levels start to drop, and this accelerates by 1.5% per year from the age of 30?  This drop further accelerates for women with the onset of menopause.

Since ancient times humans have consumed more collagen than we do now, and it’s been an important source of nutrition. But modern food processing has removed collagen from our diets, and supplementing with vital Marine Collagen Protein is important to regenerate our bodies for a fuller, active life.

There has been an abundance of research investigating the benefits of taking collagen, and here is what we know:

Taking oral collagen:

 a) Improves skin elasticity, skin hydration and reduces the visibility of aging

In 2018, Kim and colleagues undertook a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study to investigate the effects of oral collagen peptides on skin. This study is considered the “gold standard” for this type of research, as neither the participants or researchers know which people are taking collagen and which are taking a placebo supplement. The researchers gave 40-60 year old women daily oral collagen and found significant improvements in skin hydration, wrinkling and elasticity (i.e. tightening of the skin) after only 12 weeks when compared to women who took a placebo supplement. Similar results were found in other “gold standard” studies by Proksch and colleagues in 2013 and Asserin and colleagues in 2015. These two studies included women aged 35 to 59 years of age who were given daily oral collagen or a placebo supplement. These researchers found statistically significant improvements in skin elasticity after both 4 and 8 weeks (Proksch et al.) and skin hydration after 8 weeks (Asserin et al.).

The above research suggests that taking oral collagen can improve skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkling in women aged between 35-60. So, what are you waiting for?

b) Encourages strong bones in women after menopause

 Numerous studies have investigated the role of oral collagen peptides and its effects of bone mineral density in post-menopausal women with either osteopenia or osteoporosis (aged approx. 55 to 70). König and colleagues (2018) found that taking 5g of collagen daily for 12 months improved bone mineral density in the neck and lumbar spine, whereas women taking a placebo supplement showed no significant improvements.

Researchers Argyrou and colleagues (2020) gave 5g of daily collagen to post-menopausal women with osteopenia, together with calcium (500mg elemental calcium) and vitamin D3 (400iu). They measured blood levels of two “bone formation markers” called P1NP and CTX. Bone markers measure bone turnover, which is the process of bone tissue breaking down and new bone tissue growing in its place. As we get older, our rate of bone turnover increases and often, old bone tissue breaks down faster than our body is able to replace it. This process leads to bone density loss and eventually, osteopenia and osteoporosis. Argyrou and colleagues found that women who took daily oral collagen together with calcium and vitamin D for 3 months, showed decreased P1NP and CTX levels, which means that their bone turnover had slowed down. Interestingly, women who took only calcium and vitamin D for the same 3 month period showed no changes in bone marker levels.

Both of the studies discussed here provide excellent evidence that oral collagen peptide supplementation can improve both bone density and bone markers in post-menopausal women. This suggests that collagen supplementation may be useful to help reduce the risk of bone density disorders and delay the onset of osteoporosis.

c) Encourages joint repair

 There have been more than 60 scientific studies displaying the positive effects of taking oral collagen peptides for degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.

But how do the collagen peptides do this? Clinical research has shown that the peptides stimulate regeneration of collagenic tissues by increasing the production of collagen, thus providing the body with what it needs to increase collagen levels as they naturally decline with age.

Researchers, Juher and Pérez (2015), collated all of the available 60 studies and found strong evidence that taking 10g of collagen peptides daily reduced collagen damage, reduced joint pain and reduced erosion of joints (osteoarthritis). They also recorded feedback from thousands of participants in these studies and found that collagen peptides were tolerated well (i.e. were free from negative side-effects) and had excellent digestibility and bioavailability, making collagen an attractive supplement to take for long-term use.

d) Collagen and weight loss:  Myth or reality?

 Some people have asked if they can gain weight from taking collagen supplements. Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that collagen supplementation has actually been found to support weight loss and weight management in men and women who are overweight.

Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, and in 2016 nearly 2 billion adults were overweight, with 650 million of these being obese (World Health Organisation, 2020). The more overweight a person is, the higher their risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. However, overweight and obesity are, for the most part, preventable if people are able to eat healthily and do regular exercise.

There are many claims that certain supplements may help you to lose weight, but rarely is there any scientific research to back-up these types of claims. A few studies have investigated whether oral ingestion of collagen peptides may support weight loss, and these studies have shown promising results. For example, Zdzieblik and colleagues (2015) measured fat mass using DEXA x-rays in men aged 68 – 77 years of age who took 15g of collagen peptides after resistance exercise training (3 x a week) for 12 weeks. Compared to men who took a placebo supplement, the researchers found that fat mass decreased, and muscle strength increased, significantly more in those who took collagen after exercise. These results suggest that oral collagen may increase the fat reducing effects of exercise, alongside the benefits of joint and bone support mentioned in research above.

Another recent “gold standard” study investigated the effects of daily ingestion of oral marine collagen peptides in overweight men and women aged 30 – 50. After 12 weeks, Tak and colleagues (2019) found that percentage of body fat and body fat mass (kg) (measured using DEXA) were significantly improved in those who took daily collagen compared to those who took a placebo supplement. These results suggest that there is potential for the use of collagen peptides in the reduction of body fat in overweight adults.

Yes!

Another great reason to add collagen to your daily routine is because collagen is made up of amino acids, which are then used to make different proteins, such as keratin which makes up your hair, skin and nails.

Age and stress are a couple of factors that can cause your rate of hair growth to change. Most people will experience some hair loss as they age, as production of new hairs can slow over time.

Collagen can help to protect your follicles against damage and help your hair grow long and healthy to the best of its ability.

Correxiko is a brand you can trust - Correxiko’s Collagen Powder is manufactured in Canada and packed in GMP Certified facilities in the UK and USA. It’s gut friendly, Paleo, keto, kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free and with a Medical Doctor as its founder, Correxiko specializes in effective, results-led products and we achieve this using only clean effective ingredients.

Once you become involved with a Correxiko product, we know you’ll stay loyal simply because there isn’t a product out there that can compete on our quality and effectiveness.

Correxiko only use the best ingredients: Our marine collagen is sourced from wild-caught deep-sea fish from Canada. We only use the fish skin, which is naturally rich in collagen, and not the cheaper fish scales.

Correxiko marine collagen is pure-source: Unlike our wild-caught source, most marine collagen in the market is from farmed fish (though it's not stated on their labels!). Farmed fish are bred in cramped conditions in China or Vietnam and are exposed to hormones, antibiotics and GMO feed.

With Correxiko marine collagen you get enhanced results: Collagen peptides are available in various sizes. Our collagen peptide is an industry leading micro-particle size. This leads to enhanced absorption with more effective, extensive results.

Correxiko marine collagen improves gut health: Because of Correxiko marine collagen’s small micro-particle size, it’s also gentler on the gut.

Correxiko’s bovine collagen contains hydrolysed beef collagen peptides from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows that can be traced back to their source. A collagen product produced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows means that you don’t need to worry about antibiotic and hormone use. It is really important to find out where your bovine collagen has been sourced so that you can be sure to purchase an ethical, high-quality product for the benefit of your health and the animals and environment around you.

Superior collagen peptides: Doctor formulated, these collagen peptides, with an industry leading micro-particle size, are highly effective with fast acting results.

Exceptional dissolvability and taste: Our premium collagen powder has a neutral flavour and dissolves instantly.

Beauty benefits: With collagen types I and III, the collagen hydrolysate restores skin moisture and smoothness, reducing wrinkles and sagging.

Gut health and appetite control: Supports rebuilding the delicate lining of your digestive tract. The peptides also act as a natural appetite suppressant by helping you to feel full.

Superfood: Similar benefits to bone broth and gelatin, it's packed with amino acids, the key building blocks to nourish your body.

Science tells us that we need to take up to 10g of collagen peptides per day to gain maximum benefits.

Collagen researchers have used between 2.5g and 10g of daily collagen in their investigations and have found positive effects at these levels. Positive effects on skin elasticity were found at 2.5 and 5g daily (e.g. Proksch et al., 2013). However, research investigating reduced joint pain and reduced erosion of joints (osteoarthritis), found positive effects for those taking 10g of daily collagen (e.g.  Benito-Ruiz, 2009; Juher and Pérez, 2015). Studies showing improved bone density and bone markers in post-menopausal women used 5g of daily collagen (e.g. Argyrou et al., 2020; König et al., 2018). However, many of the women participating in this research also took calcium and vitamin D, so it is difficult to know if only 5g per day of collagen would provide the same positive effects on bone health.

Collagen powder can be taken morning or night, on an empty stomach or after a meal. Mix 2 - 4 rounded tablespoons in water, juice, coconut water, smoothies or in a warm or cooled herbal tea.