How Long Does Collagen Take to Actually Start Working?

How Long Does Collagen Take to Actually Start Working?

Published by Maria Giovannetti Gil on

If you were told you could have a healthy body with glowing skin as you got older, would you believe it? 

Well, collagen supplements have recently grown in popularity for offering exactly that. With as simple as a daily dose of collagen supplements, you can help postpone the physical effects of aging on your body in a natural way.  

But once you become familiar with the supplements, just how long does it take for them to take effect? Keep reading to find out!

What is Collagen and Why Should I Take It?

Collagen is the most ample protein in our bodies, found in several places such as the bones, skin, muscles, and cartilage. It is made up of numerous amino acids, the most abundant being glycine, arginine, proline, and hydroxyproline, and is used to make connective tissues, helping them stay strong and maintain elasticity [1,2].

Unfortunately, visible signs of aging are caused by collagen production slowing down in our bodies. Studies have shown that when comparing the skin of younger and older people, cell surface on younger skin is attached to collagen fibers, and the cells themselves are more spread out [3]. While slowing down, our skin begins to wrinkle, our nails and hair become brittle, and our muscles and tendons lose flexibility. So how exactly can collagen supplements prevent this?

What Are the Benefits?

Collagen supplements, such as Pattern Wellness’ Collagen Peptides Powder, help ensure that your body keeps the protein it has lost due to factors such as aging, UV exposure, stress, and smoking [4]. Several benefits of collagen consumption include [5]:

- Improving skin elasticity and hydration
- Easing joint pain
- Improving bone mineral density
- Providing elasticity in bones and tissues
- Repairing hair follicle strength 

All these benefits are wonderful, but exactly how long does it take to see a visible difference in our bodies?

footpain

Factors to Consider

There are several factors to consider when expecting results, such as the type of collagen used in the supplements, consuming different nutrients, and even your lifestyle choices. 

Types of Collagen Supplements[6]: 

  • Type I: This is the most abundant type, making up about 90% of the body’s collagen. It is found in the bones, skin, liver, and tissues, among other places. 
  • Type II: This type of collagen is the base for cartilage. It supports the joints and tissues, which is important if you are consistently exercising. 
  • Type III: Mostly found alongside type I, type III is found in tissues like the skin, aorta, and bones. 

 

    Nutrient Consumption 

    If you take additional nutrients, especially vitamin C and copper, those can help boost collagen production and synthesis, leading to faster results. 

    Vitamin C

    This vitamin can stimulate collagen production, expanding the level of mRNA found in collagen types I and III [7]. 

    Copper

    Collagen is dependent on copper. Copper is needed for lysyl oxidase, an enzyme needed to form a collagen fibril [8]. 

      Note: Before introducing new supplements to your daily routine, we recommend you consult with your physician to see if it's the right route for you.

      Lifestyle Choices

      Your overall lifestyle might have an effect on how quickly you see results from taking collagen supplements. For instance, collagen peptides might work more efficiently in your body if you keep a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercise, and hydrate constantly. Poor lifestyle choices may leave the body feeling tired, causing results to take longer. 

      How Long Does it Take to See Results?

      Finally, how long does it take to see results? 

      Good news! The recommended amount of consumption for collagen peptides ranges from 2.5 to 15 grams per day [9]. Taking this amount into consideration, you can start seeing results from collagen supplements in as little as 8 weeks! [10]. 

      Results might be more noticeable faster on the skin, but it might take a couple more weeks for differences in joint pain to be detectable. Overall, you will notice that significant differences will become more noticeable after longer periods of time. 

      using collagen

      Which Supplements Should I Use?

      Collagen supplements come in different forms, such as hydrolyzed powder, capsules, and gummies. The most popular form, and the most fun to use, is the powdered form. 

      Pattern Wellness’ Collagen Peptides includes collagen types I & III, the most abundant in the body, optimizing the benefits of collagen. This powdered supplement comes with a scoop measure to help you consume the recommended daily amount of collagen. Additionally, it is certified hormone-free and 100% non-GMO, from grass-fed and pasture-raised Grade A beef!

      Wondering How to Consume Collagen Supplements?

      Pattern Wellness’ Collagen Peptides can be consumed through your favorite foods and drinks! It is easily dissolvable and flavorless, easily added to recipes such as pancakes, cookies, teas, and smoothies. Enjoy your favorite meals while benefiting from the effects of collagen! 

      Ready to try it yourself? Click here to find out more! 



      Sources

      1. EASTOE, J. E. (1955, December). The amino acid composition of mammalian collagen and gelatin. The Biochemical journal. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1215839/ 

      2. Collagen. The Nutrition Source. (2022, March 2). Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/

      3.  Varani, J., Dame, M. K., Rittie, L., Fligiel, S. E. G., Kang, S., Fisher, G. J., & Voorhees, J. J. (2006, June). Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: Roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. The American journal of pathology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1606623/  

      4. Miller, K. (2021, August 26). 6 sneaky reasons collagen declines + how to support it naturally*. mindbodygreen. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-reasons-collagen-declines-how-to-support-it-naturally/   

      5. Divya Jacob, P. D. (2021, May 6). How much collagen should you take a day? supplements. MedicineNet. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/how_much_collagen_should_you_take_a_day/article.htm 

      6. Berillis, P. (n.d.). The role of collagen in the aorta's structure. The Open Circulation and Vascular Journal. Retrieved from https://www.benthamopen.com/ABSTRACT/TOCVJ-6-1  

      7. Nusgens, B. V., Humbert , P., Rougier , A., Colige , A. C., Haftek , M., ;Lambert , C. A., Richard , A., Creidi , P., & Lapière , C. M. (n.d.). Topically applied vitamin C enhances the mrna level of collagens I and III, their processing enzymes and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 in the human dermis. The Journal of investigative dermatology. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11407971/  

      8. Wu, M., Cronin, K., & Crane, J. S. (n.d.). Biochemistry, collagen synthesis - statpearls - NCBI bookshelf. Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/  

      9. Kubala, J. (2022, February 9). Collagen: Benefits, side effects, and more. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen#food-sources

      10. Choi, F. D., Sung , C. T., Juhasz, M. L., & Mesinkovsk. (n.d.). Oral collagen supplementation: A systematic review of Dermatological Applications. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681787/  

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