New Research Highlights Collagen's Vital Role in Health
Recent studies have underscored the significant potential benefits of over-the-counter collagen supplements for enhancing bone strength, muscle repair, and skin vitality. However, experts from Boots emphasize that achieving these advantages requires a long-term, consistent supplementation routine rather than expecting immediate results.
The Science Behind Collagen
According to a paper published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, collagen is a fundamental protein that supports numerous essential bodily functions. It plays a critical role in replacing dead skin cells, protecting organs, providing structure and elasticity to the skin, and aiding in blood clotting. As we age, natural collagen production declines, which researchers warn can have a detrimental impact on overall health.
Vicky Pennington, a nutritionist at Boots, explained: "Collagen is one of the human body's most abundant proteins, and it's essential for building muscle and cell repair." Despite growing social media interest in collagen products, she advises individuals to first evaluate their lifestyle habits before turning to supplements.
Natural Ways to Maintain Collagen Levels
Pennington urges people to focus on natural methods initially: "Before you think about taking collagen supplements, it's important to ensure that you're doing as much as you can naturally to maintain collagen levels. This means eating a healthy diet including a mixture of nuts and seeds, a variety of colourful fruits and veggies, fish and grass-fed protein." She notes that marine collagen from wild-caught fish like salmon is absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently than sources from cows or pigs.
Beyond skin benefits, collagen is vital for internal structural integrity. Pennington added: "Collagen is essential for so much more than skin elasticity and hydration. It plays a key role in support for holistic skin maintenance, healthy bones and joints, muscle repair and protecting organs, including the gut."
When to Start Taking Collagen
There is often confusion about the optimal age to begin supplementation and how quickly it works. Pennington clarified: "Taking collagen won't have an instant impact, but taking it consistently over a long period of time is shown to have the best effect. There is no perfect time to begin taking collagen. When you reach 40+, collagen production declines quicker, so many choose to start taking collagen supplements in their 20s and 30s."
Kirstie Thorley-Mitchell, head of wellness at Boots, revealed that younger generations are leading the trend: "Collagen supplements are more popular with younger generations. A recent survey by Boots revealed that half of Gen Z and millennials have tried collagen, compared to just 20% of people in their 60s."
Choosing the Right Supplement
For those looking to boost their collagen intake, there are various formats available to fit into daily routines. Thorley-Mitchell noted: "If you do want to supercharge your collagen intake to replace lost collagen or encourage your body to produce more of it, then collagen supplements might be for you. Collagen supplements come in multiple forms including tablets, powders, capsules, gummies and drinks, so there's a way for everyone to incorporate it in their everyday routine."
To help consumers navigate the options, Boots has introduced new wellness training for over 500 Health and Wellness Specialists across 140 stores nationwide.
Medical Perspective on Collagen
While retail experts highlight benefits, some medical professionals recommend simpler preventative measures first. Professor Faisal Ali, a consultant dermatologist at Mid Cheshire NHS Trust, said: "The best thing you can do for your skin is using decent sunblock. We know the sun has a huge impact on ageing our skin. Sun cream, healthy diet, and if you smoke, stop. These will have a far greater impact than collagen supplements."
This balanced approach underscores the importance of combining supplements with healthy lifestyle choices for optimal health outcomes.
