Serious point, do you know what happens when you take a collagen supplement? Time for a bit of biochemistry! (🥱 but important!) 

• All protein is made up of chains of amino acids, which are basically smaller molecules that connect together. Collagen supplements (and actual collagen in your skin) contain a combination of amino acids known as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. To make collagen our body also needs Vitamin C and some minerals.  

A key point to note is that, we cannot absorb protein (or multiple amino acids connected together) as a whole. It must be broken into its individual component parts (single amino acids) to be absorbed across the digestive system and into the bloodstream. Therefore, collagen (no matter how fancy the ingredients) will not be absorbed ‘as is’ into your body.  

What happens next?  

What happens once the individual amino acids are absorbed, assuming they are? The absorption process depends on good digestive function, but that’s a whole other story…. 

Contrary to popular belief and marketing, they do not act like a heat-seeking missile to target your dry, flaky skin, thinning hair or creaky bones (sadly). In reality, your collagen supplement has no satnav! Your collagen supplement has now been broken down into its constituent amino acids and your body may have other plans for these valuable molecules.

The body has a ‘protein pool’. This is made up of amino acids you have eaten/absorbed from protein and amino acids that have been recycled from other processes in your body. The body prioritises your protein pool for the most important functions, necessary for survival, such as creating red blood cells and supporting your cell structure, including replication of your DNA.  

As you might imagine, having beautiful hair👱‍♀️ (while wonderful to have!) comes some way down the list of priorities for your body’s use of amino acids, as it’s not necessary for survival.  

Take-home messages 

🧭 Taking collagen will add to your overall protein pool (assuming your digestion is working well), but sadly won’t magically target your skin and nails 

🧭 Getting enough protein in your diet, which includes a balance of amino acids, can help. Once your body has enough for the essential processes, anything left over can then be used for the less essential. 

🧭 A nutrient-dense, varied diet can help to ensure that you have the necessary vitamin and mineral supporting ‘co-factors’ to help your body to make more collagen 

🧭 If your digestion isn’t working properly, all of this will be compromised.  

Your skin, hair and bone health can be supported well by exploring your overall health picture and developing a personalised approach, including targeted nutrition, potent supplementation, and relevant lifestyle medicine.   

🌱If you would like help with this, why not book a Cultivate Wellness Coaching session today to start your journey?