When Should I Start Taking Collagen?

We’ve been learning recently that collagen is an essential component of our body’s overall strength, stability, and mobility… but when exactly should I start taking collagen?

In our quest (and continuance) as collagen providers, we’ve uncovered that there is actually no specific age at which scientists and researchers specify we should begin taking collagen. In fact, collagen is acceptable for any age group (even children), and this is why:

Our body makes a steady production of its own collagen until our mid-twenties. However, by the time we reach our mid-twenties, typically at about age 25, what occurs is that our body begins to slow its natural collagen production by about 1.5% every year. That means, in order to sustain our necessary levels of collagen to keep our skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, gut, blood vessels, organs (including our heart and liver) strong and in tact, we need to replenish these levels with an outside source.

While diet assists in building collagen, the amount of collagen we would typically consume is not enough to replace or meet the decreasing levels of our body’s prior collagen production, hence, the necessity for collagen supplementation (link: see our Premium Marine Collagen Powder).

So then when?

While children and teens (or individuals under the age of 25) are usually not yet concerned with the effects of collagen minimization, or deterioration of collagen-associated functioning, there is research that suggests it may be beneficial to begin taking collagen early to prevent reverse aging (especially for joints). That said, we always recommend consulting a licensed physician first to see if collagen is right for you at this time.

Speaking with age in mind, we do encourage those in their mid-twenties to start taking a collagen supplement to maintain healthy collagen levels and prevent loss of current collagen, for both external and internal collagen preservation. Additionally, if you haven’t yet begun taking a collagen supplement, and are older than the age of 25, or if you are concerned with anti-aging, we encourage you to start as well. Older individuals will also largely benefit from a collagen supplement, especially those with prominent joint, tendon, bone, or ligament issues to assist with rebuilding strength and mobility.

Age aside, we strongly recommend that anyone with joint, bone, tendon, or ligament injuries take a collagen supplement to strengthen mobility and repair, as collagen is a crucial component to this process. For instance, athletes (or athletic individuals as a whole), because often prone and susceptible to injury, will benefit from collagen supplementation in the case of injury, as it likely involves a tear or disruption where collagen is present, and collagen reproduction is what allows for healing and ultimately, recovery.

Similarly, research also suggests collagen is highly beneficial to those with gut irregularities or issues, as it assists with proper gut regulation and flow. What makes collage so crucial here is that it prevents gut permeability, as it is essentially what “seals” and lines our gut’s borders. This prevents bacteria, food, pathogens, and other particles from unintentionally leaking into our bloodstream, resulting in a common condition known as “leaky gut,” or other digestive (or digestion-triggered) health disorders.

We hope you have found this article useful, and the addition of collagen to be as substantial to your lifestyle as we have. Please feel free to contact us anytime if you have additional questions, concerns, or even comments.