Last Updated on 9 June 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Collagen is a remarkable protein which brings many health benefits, ranging from enhanced skin, to supported tissue structures, to enhanced joint and muscle health. Taking collagen as a supplement, particularly when prescribed by a skilled Naturopath, is an important way to improve your wellness overall.
All about the Collagen Supplement Australia
In case you haven’t heard Collagen is the latest nutritional supplement that is worth its weight in gold for skin and musculoskeletal health. Collagen provides support to various tissues such as tendons, ligaments, skin, teeth, and many other connective tissue structures (1) meaning it has far-reaching effects.
Collagen can be taken as a topical product, and is particularly beneficial for its cosmetic effects. Topical products are described as ‘cosmeceutical,’ meaning they contain both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. (1)
More than that, the ingestion (ie swallowing or drinking) of Collagen as a ‘nutraceutical’ is proving to have equally impressive effects. Collagen has shown real promise as more than just a vanity product for glowing skin, so much so that clinical trials are conducted frequently. This Collagen Supplement Australia definitely bears consideration as a long-term addition to your wellness cabinet.
Collagen – Skin Deep?
Collagen is currently under the microscope in the field of medical dermatology for its potential therapeutic application in wound healing and skin ageing, with preliminary results of studies showing positive signs. (2)
Collagen is increasingly recognised to have the capacity to increase skin elasticity and hydration (2) and the benefits of oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides (Verisol®) demonstrates a statistically significant reduction of skin wrinkles and eye wrinkle volume. (3)
Collagen for Weight Management Support
While Collagen is often touted as a beauty product, it has fast gained attention for other applications medicinally.
Under the spotlight in the research arena, Collagen has demonstrated benefits in weight management, supporting the body to endure a healthy exercise routine. Improvements in body composition, strength and muscle recovery (4) have been duly noted with its use. As a protein, Collagen offers itself as a practical and effective workout supplement for weight management and muscle recovery.
Medicine for Movement
Collagen has been shown to exert an anabolic effect on cartilage tissue, appearing beneficial in patients by supporting joint health and possibly reducing the risk of joint deterioration. (5)
Other findings indicate that Collagen is beneficial in improving joint functionality and reducing joint pain. (4)
Minimising injury risk to which joints are susceptible is a key issue for athletes and the ageing population alike. Providing nourishment and support for the joints for a range of people is just another reason why a Collagen Supplement used in Australia delivers the goods.
Collagen is Food as Medicine
Bonus points go to Collagen for its capacity to count as food. It doubles as a protein powder (averaging about 10 grams per serve) and since it is cold-water-soluble (unlike gelatin) it blends perfectly in smoothies. With the right powder, you can’t even taste it.
A number of our Practitioners at Brisbane Livewell Clinic make green smoothies in the morning, each with a scoop of Collagen powder. I do as well, and I can definitely tell the difference when I miss my daily dose of Collagen powder. With my own medical conditions, I need Collagen to help my joints and ligaments - I've found that, after a few days without Collagen, I'm much more likely to injure myself (Rach Hare, Owner, Brisbane Livewell Clinic)
Collagen ingestion and supplementation are generally safe with no reported adverse events. (2)
Which Collagen Supplement Australia should I choose?
There are a growing number of Collagen Supplement products on the market and some are certainly more superior in quality. For therapeutic application, chat to one of our expert Naturopaths to ensure you are getting the best product for your needs, as not all food grade products are created equal.
Our Naturopaths are highly-experienced in helping their patients increase their wellness. Read more about Seeing a Naturopath here, and here is a description of how Naturopathy can help you take charge of your health.
And make sure you review our Complete Guide about What is a Naturopath.
Winning Combinations
Collagen on its own is already a winner, with some potent combinations also on point, designed to enhance the desired effects.
Oral supplementation with Collagen bioactive peptides combined with chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine, L-carnitine, vitamins, and minerals can significantly improve both skin ageing and joint health and is potentially effective at slowing down the hallmarks of ageing. (6) Vitamin C is also an essential co-factor in the biosynthesis of collagen (7) and is a classic added ingredient to a collagen supplement.
Key Takeaway: Collagen on its own is fantastic, and when it's combined with specific other vitamins and minerals its effectiveness is increased.
Keep some Collagen in the Cupboard
Collagen really does have an impressive profile. If you would like a tailored prescription, book in a Consultation with one of our skilled Naturopaths and ask about our exclusive Practitioner-Only formulations to help you improve your wellness.
References used by Jen Strachan, our Naturopath author
- Vollmer DL, West VA, Lephart ED. (2018) Enhancing Skin Health: By Oral Administration of Natural Compounds and Minerals with Implications to the Dermal Microbiome. Int J Mol Sci. 27;19(10):3059.
- Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. (2019) Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 1;18(1):9-16.
- Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. (2014) Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 27(3):113-9.
- Khatri M, Naughton RJ, Clifford T, Harper LD, Corr L. (2021) The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids. 53(10):1493-1506.
- Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, Millard RL, Deitch JR, Sherbondy PS, Albert A. (2008) 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 224(5):1485-96.
- Czajka A, Kania EM, Genovese L, Corbo A, Merone G, Luci C, Sibilla S. (2018) Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing. Nutr Res. 57:97-108.
- Lupu MA, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Chifiriuc MC, Albulescu R, Tanase C. (2020) Beneficial effects of food supplements based on hydrolyzed collagen for skin care (Review). Exp Ther Med. 20(1):12-17.
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