Discover the benefits of collagen peptides, from skin hydration and elasticity to protein and amino acids. Learn what collagen is, how it works and how to add it to your daily routine.
Collagen has become one of the biggest names in the world of beauty and wellness – appearing everywhere from skincare routines to morning coffees and post-workout shakes.
But what actually is collagen? What does the research say about collagen supplements? And is adding collagen peptides to your daily routine worthwhile?
Here's what you need to know.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is an important structural component of our skin, bones, muscles, tendons and other connective tissues.
Think of it as one of the body's building materials, helping provide structure and strength throughout the body.
Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but production and the organisation of collagen within our tissues change as we get older. This is one reason collagen peptides have become such a popular daily supplement.
What are collagen peptides?
Collagen is a large protein. To produce collagen peptides, collagen undergoes a process called hydrolysis, which breaks it down into much smaller chains of amino acids called peptides.
This creates a powder that is easy to incorporate into drinks and foods.
General Healthcare 100% Pure Collagen Peptides are produced from 100% bovine collagen and contain Type I and Type III collagen.
There are no complicated blends or unnecessary extras – just pure collagen peptides.
What are the potential benefits of collagen peptides?
Research into collagen supplementation is continuing, but a growing number of clinical studies have investigated its potential benefits, particularly in relation to skin and musculoskeletal health.
1. Skin hydration
Perhaps the most widely researched reason for taking collagen is skin health.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that oral collagen supplementation was associated with improvements in skin hydration.
Another large review of collagen research also reported favourable results for skin hydration.
This doesn't mean collagen is a miracle solution for your skin – skincare, nutrition, sun protection and lifestyle all matter – but it helps explain why collagen peptides have become such a popular addition to beauty routines.
2. Skin elasticity
Collagen is naturally an important structural protein within the skin.
Research has also investigated whether consuming collagen peptides can influence the appearance and physical properties of our skin.
Meta-analyses of clinical studies have reported improvements in measured skin elasticity among participants taking collagen supplements compared with controls.
However, research quality varies and not every scientific review has reached the same conclusion. Collagen is therefore best viewed as one part of a wider approach to nutrition and skincare rather than a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
3. A source of protein and amino acids
Collagen itself is a protein and is naturally made from amino acids.
General Healthcare Collagen Peptides contain 18 naturally occurring amino acids and provide over 90% protein.
Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and to the maintenance of normal bones, making protein intake important well beyond the beauty world.
Collagen isn't intended to replace a varied diet or other complete dietary protein sources, but it provides an easy way to add additional protein to your daily routine.
4. Bones, joints and connective tissue are an active area of research
Collagen isn't only found in our skin.
It's an important structural component of connective tissues throughout the body, which has led researchers to investigate collagen supplementation in areas including bones, muscles, tendons and joints.
A recent umbrella review bringing together 16 systematic reviews, covering 113 randomised controlled trials and almost 8,000 participants, found favourable outcomes across several areas of skin and musculoskeletal health.
Research is still developing, however, and the strength of evidence differs considerably depending on the outcome being studied.
Why choose hydrolysed collagen?
The word hydrolysed sounds more complicated than it really is.
Hydrolysis simply breaks the larger collagen protein into smaller collagen peptides.
General Healthcare Collagen Peptides use this process to create a fine, versatile powder that can be easily added to your everyday routine.
And because our powder is odourless and tasteless, you don't have to completely change what you already eat or drink.
How much collagen should you take?
There isn't one universally agreed amount of collagen that everyone needs.
Clinical studies have investigated a variety of daily quantities, and the appropriate amount depends on the individual product and purpose.
For General Healthcare 100% Pure Collagen Peptides Powder, simply mix 1–2 scoops (10-20g) with approximately 240ml of hot or cold liquid once a day, following the directions on the pack.
Consistency is generally more practical than trying to fit a complicated supplement regime into your day.
What's the best time to take collagen?
Morning? Evening? Before the gym?
There's no need to overthink it.
The easiest time to take collagen is usually whenever you're most likely to remember it consistently.
Because General Healthcare Collagen Peptides dissolve in both hot and cold liquids, you could add them to:
- Morning coffee
- Tea
- Smoothies
- Protein shakes
- Water or juice
- Yoghurt or porridge
That makes it particularly easy to attach collagen to something you already do every day.
Do I need to take collagen with vitamin C?
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones and cartilage.
Your body can't make vitamin C itself, so it needs to come from your diet.
A balanced diet containing vitamin-C-rich foods such as peppers, citrus fruits, berries, broccoli and other fruit and vegetables can therefore complement your overall nutrition while taking collagen.
You don't necessarily need another complicated supplement stack.
How long does collagen take to work?
Collagen isn't something we'd expect to transform your skin overnight.
Clinical trials examining collagen supplementation typically measure outcomes after weeks or months of regular supplementation, rather than a few days.
If you're adding collagen to your routine, think of it as a long-term nutritional habit rather than a quick fix.
Individual results will naturally vary.
What should you look for in a collagen powder?
Not all collagen supplements are the same.
It's worth checking the ingredient list rather than focusing solely on the claims on the front of the pack.
With General Healthcare 100% Pure Collagen Peptides Powder, we've kept things simple:
100% bovine collagen peptides.
Our collagen provides Type I & III collagen, 18 naturally occurring amino acids and over 90% protein. It's non-GMO, gluten free, Halal, odourless and tasteless, and contains no e-numbers.
The collagen is produced in Italy and packed in the UK, with batch quality controls and full traceability.
The bottom line: are collagen peptides worth taking?
There's no supplement that can replace good nutrition, exercise, sleep and looking after your skin.
But collagen is far more than just another beauty trend.
It's one of the body's most abundant structural proteins, and collagen peptides have now been studied in numerous randomised clinical trials.
Research into supplementation continues, with particularly interesting evidence around skin hydration and elasticity, alongside ongoing research into musculoskeletal health.
If you want to incorporate collagen into your routine, choosing a straightforward product makes sense.
General Healthcare 100% Pure Collagen Peptides Powder keeps things simple: hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides, no unnecessary extras, easy to mix and easy to take every day.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Individual results may vary. Always follow the directions on the product. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before using this product.