How to Take Collagen: When, How Long + Recommended Dosage
How to use collagen correctly and for how long to see results? + recommended
dosage
Collagen - a protein we often forget about. Yet, it is responsible for the proper function of joints, good bone condition, tissue elasticity and skin elasticity. It is produced naturally in the body, but only in sufficient quantities up to a certain age, and its production can also be disrupted by external factors. When it was gradually discovered that taking collagen derived from fish or livestock could help people, the nutritional supplement market boomed.
You'll usually find them in powder form. The key is to know how to choose a product that actually works from among so many products. But it's just as important to know how to take collagen powder to get the desired effects. Join us in the following article to find out the correct collagen dosage and how long to take collagen.
Even the healthiest lifestyle won't guarantee you'll have enough collagen throughout your life. Collagen loss is associated with ageing, and none of us will be young forever. However, supplementing with collagen can significantly enhance the gradual aging process. Less joint pain during movement, more beautiful skin, improved hair and nail condition - these are just some of the positive effects of taking collagen in the form of a dietary supplement. The effects of collagen have also been confirmed by studies, which have shown:
- that taking collagen has a positive effect on hydration, elasticity and a healthy structure of the skin, thus acting as a prevention against wrinkle formation and can also soften existing wrinkles,
- that collagen helps reduce joint pain associated with increased activity, thus helping athletes to improve their mobility,
- that it helps with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
- it also helps with regeneration of the body after injuries to the musculoskeletal system.
Its effect on the musculoskeletal system is therefore undeniable, not only for athletes but also for ordinary people: “It is also beneficial for individuals who are overweight or those who have a genetic predisposition to developing degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, or people in high-risk occupations if they work manually and strain their joints, as well as people with a previous history of joint injuries, such as fractures, ligament injuries, and the like,” explains emeritus head of orthopaedics MUDr. Milan Čarvaš.
However, its effects on external beauty are just as significant, and it's not just about the bogeyman of wrinkles, but also other effects that collagen has on the skin, hair and nails: “From an aesthetic dermatology point of view, collagen is important for maintaining firm and supple skin, healthy nails and hair,” says dermatologist Jana Molčanová from the Medoderm clinic. However, that's not all, collagen as an important part of the skin and tissues in our body also has an impact on how quickly and efficiently our wounds heal. “Wound healing can be divided into four phases, and collagen is part of the wound healing process from the first phase. Collagen is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the resulting scar,” adds dermatologist Jana Molčanová. This is the reason why mothers also take collagen during the postpartum period and breastfeeding, as it helps with the overall regeneration of the pelvic floor, wound healing and recovery after childbirth.
What collagen to take
The right choice of collagen is definitely important. The nutritional supplement should be primarily bioactive. What does that mean?
Since collagen is obtained from by-products of cattle or fish, it must be broken down. This is because the human body does not have the enzyme collagenase, which breaks down ingested collagen molecules. “Natural collagen without modification is very poorly absorbed, so it needs to be specially modified or broken down for internal use so that it is well absorbed into the body,” adds Dr. Milan Čarvaš. Small collagen peptides are formed during breakdown. The quality of the collagen supplement depends on how the manufacturer breaks it down. It is important that no heat is applied during this process and that it is as gentle as possible. This is how bioactive collagen is created - the resulting peptides are absorbable for the human body, which can use them to build new collagen molecules.
The Czech brand Inca Collagen, for example, produces its collagen using a very gentle splitting method, enzymatic hydrolysis at cold temperatures. This creates bioactive peptides with a preserved triple helix structure. In addition, Inca Collagen is 100% pure fish collagen, without additives and aromas that could hinder the absorption of peptides in the body. Fish collagen is also a guarantee of maximum effectiveness, as it does not need to be heat-treated, unlike collagen from cattle. And the powder form guarantees durability. So, if you want effective collagen, Inca Collagen meets strict quality criteria - it is bioactive, enzymatically hydrolysed fish collagen in powder form, 100% pure and with an ideal daily dose.
Collagen is generally recommended to be taken with Vitamin C. This is because it further supports collagen synthesis in your body. Many brands mix Vitamin C directly into collagen, but this is a mistake. Like other additives, Vitamin C as an acid could disrupt the delicate structure of peptides with prolonged exposure. That's why the Inca Collagen brand has remained committed to maximum purity for seven years; its hydrolysed collagen is pure, and you receive a pack of Vitamin C with every Inca Collagen order as a separate gift.
Collagen dosage and how to take collagen correctly
However, when making a purchase, it's important to consider the brand's marketing. It's not worth betting on collagen with an excessively high daily dose at all costs. According to scientific findings, in order for collagen to work, you should take about 2000 - 3000 milligrams daily. We therefore recommend avoiding brands that base the effects of their product purely on a high collagen content, for example with a daily dose of 10,000 mg. They may be using this to justify the high price of the product, and the reduced quality of the collagen cannot be ruled out. Therefore, verify what you are buying.
If you are starting with collagen, it is recommended to have an intensive collagen treatment. For three months, you should take the 2000 to 3000 mg daily recommended by experts. The advantage of Inca Collagen is that the collagen powder is packaged in separate sachets of 3000 mg. So, it's the ideal daily dose. When you notice the effects of collagen after three months, you can switch to the maintenance phase and reduce the dosage to 3x one sachet per week. Do not interrupt collagen use to ensure your body gets enough of this important structural protein on an ongoing basis.
You may also be asking, when should I take collagen during the day? This doesn't matter. Feel free to include it in your morning or evening routine. It's important to know how to take collagen correctly: you should pour it into a glass, add liquid, and mix. Ideally, use about 200ml of pure cold water, but you can also use orange juice. Grapefruit juice is not recommended as it impairs collagen absorption. But if you like porridge or smoothies, you can mix Inca Collagen into them too.
Sometimes there are demanding periods when you can take more than the recommended 3000mg of collagen per day. Situations where it is more beneficial to take collagen more intensively include recovery after childbirth, as mentioned, but also after sunburn, surgery or sports injuries, or massive hair loss for various reasons. In these phases, when the body requires it, you can take two to three sachets of Inca Collagen daily. Collagen is a natural substance; more than the generally recommended amount will not harm you.
How long should you take collagen for?
We mentioned a three-month collagen treatment. Why exactly three months? Because, according to the conclusions of current studies, at least a few weeks of use are needed before the effects of collagen appear. For example, in one study, women observed collagen effects effects of collagen on skin hydration and elasticity, i.e. reducing the signs of skin ageing, compared to a placebo, in just 4 to 8 weeks from the start of use. In other studies, participants took collagen for 12 weeks to strengthen the musculoskeletal system. For example, reviews of Inca Collagen also show customer experiences, where the first effects were noticed after just one month:
“I just wanted to let you know that I received my second pack of Inca Collagen today, I am extremely satisfied, I don't know if it is still possible after a month of use, but my skin has really improved and my hair is finally starting to wake up, so I will continue with the treatment.” Kvetka Pagáčová
“I recently took it for two months in a row, and my joint problems in my hand were relieved.”Denisa Vincencová
The speed at which the effects of collagen appear can therefore be very individual, but it is generally recommended to take it for at least three months and then continue to use it long-term and regularly.
Thanks to its effects over seven years, Inca Collagen has gained more than 200,000 loyal customers who like to return to it: “I've been buying it for several years, mainly due to joint problems, and I must praise it... and the condition of my hair, nails, and skin has also improved.” Karin Murínová
Have you decided to give collagen a chance too? Good choice. And if you have chosen Czech Inca Collagen, even better. Because its purity and bioactivity guarantee maximum effectiveness, embodying the essence of natural collagen.
If you've read this far, as a thank you, we've prepared a 10% discount on your entire purchase with the code BLOG10.