Collagen is the largest and most abundant protein in our bodies. Here, Maxine Laceby, the founder of Absolute Collagen, describes the function of collagen, the “glue” that holds us together.
It holds all living tissue together and ensures the integrity, elasticity and regeneration of skin, cartilage and bones. Collagen is also found in the hair, nails, joints and intestinal tissue. When collagen becomes weaker and less substantial it begins to sag often showing as crows feet or turkey neck, doctors call this Ptosis. This is due to collagen depletion. In our later years, we may begin to experience other conditions linked to collagen deficiency, such such as rheumatoid arthritis.
When might I need extra collagen?
Collagen production peaks around the age of 20, by the time we get to 40 we will have lost around a third of our collagen, which can cause our skin to wrinkle and sag. However there is no lower age limit to taking a collagen supplement as it is beneficial for many things including hair and we have many younger #absoluters who are all about prevention.
Where can I get collagen naturally in my diet?
Bone Broth: This is how I discovered the wonderful benefits of collagen. Cooking down bone broth for long periods of time helps release collagen from the bones (as well as other amino acids, proteins and electrolytes that can improve the skins appearance.
Fish; The collagen found in fish is the jelly like substance that sits just under the skin of fish. Fish collagen, also known as marine collagen, has a far superior bioavailability than any other type of collagen, meaning the way your body breaks it down is far superior.
Eggs; Chicken eggs are another one of the rare foods that actually contains collagen in the yolk
Leafy Greens; All green plant foods (such as bok choy, green algae, arugula, kale, lettuce, green beans, and broccoli) contain chlorophyll. Studies have shown that consuming chlorophyll increases the precursor to collagen (procollagen) in the skin
Citrus; Citrus fruits are amongst the richest sources of vitamin C, which helps link the amino acids together that are needed to form collagen
Berries; Berries contain a nutrient called ellagic acid, which has been shown to prevent collagen breakdown from UV damage. In addition to being protective against the signs of ageing, berries may also help produce collagen. Like citrus fruits, berries are rich in vitamin C, which as you now know, helps link specific amino acids together for collagen formation.
Tomatoes; Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to protect the skin from sun damage and prevent collagen breakdown
Pumpkin seeds; are one of the richest plant sources of zinc, which as mentioned above, acts as a cofactor for collagen synthesis. Studies have also shown taking zinc supplements may help slow down the rate of collagen breakdown
Avocados; avocados provide vitamin E to help prevent collagen breakdown.
Garlic, onions, shallots, and leeks; all contain various organosulfur compounds, sulphur is a trace mineral that helps synthesize and prevent the breakdown of collagen
What should I look for if I do choose to use supplements?
Where possible go for a liquid supplement as they contain no fillers or binders like pills and powders and liquid supplements have a much higher absorption rate, around 94% compared to around 42% in tablets and powders. When sourcing a collagen supplement marine collagen is better as it has a better bioavailibilty, meaning the way your body breaks it down. Absolute Collagen contains collagen Peptides which have a high solubility digestion and absorption rate. Your body can only break down so much collagen in one go, which is why Absolute Collagen contains 8 grams, any more than that taken in one go will simply be flushed out. You can take more than 8 grams per day but this needs to be spread out throughout the day, for example 2 x 8grams doses per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t supplement with collagen?
People with certain conditions such as Scleroderma which causes the body to produce too much collagen, should avoid collagen supplements, but as with any condition we always advise seeking medical advice from your medical practitioner
Is there anything that can clash with it?
No, Absolute Collagen has been designed to be taken anytime of day and has superior bioavailibity beacause it it type 1 marine collagen and infused with vitamin c which works synergistic for maximum absorption. We are not aware of any contra indications.
About Maxine Laceby
I am foremost a mother of two wonderful young ladies and I have always considered it my duty to prepare them to live without me, that means I need to teach them self sufficiency, self respect and self belief. Secondly I live by the mantra ‘own who you are’ by that I mean fulfil your dreams and your potential whatever they may be. Maybe you don’t know what that is, just go have fun and explore, something will present itself – all you have to do is be open to it and recognise when it’s happening. Should you be scared? Hell yeah, there were many times I was and still am petrified but I sure as hell would rather have experienced all that fear and be telling you my story now than have never been brave enough to take that first step. Everything I use in the boardroom or business world has been learnt from being a mother and a woman. Our instincts are amazing, we just need to learn to tune into them and then to trust them. And remember we are all learning on the job, I will tell you what it is like dealing with a 22yr old daughter when I’m there.
When and why did you become interested in collagen?
My journey to 50 saw me looking at what I was putting inside my body, I knew it was an inside job. I started making and drinking my own bone broth which quickly had amazing results, my skin was just glowing, my hair was shining, my nails were growing and I had an amazing sense of well-being. My friends started asking what I was doing and I soon started making it for them too. Upon further research I discovered marine collagen was far superior to any other form of collagen. The marine collagen we use has undergone a process in order to break it down to such fine molucelus that in can penetrate the bloodstream, unlike other collagen supplements that simply get flushed out. I then asked myself what I wanted from a supplement, I wanted maximum of the good stuff, with the minimum effort in the most cost-effective way. And I came up with Absolute Collagen’s unique ready mixed sachets, each contains 8gram of high grade marine collagen, no need to refrigerate, can be taken any time of day and are great for travel. In order to get the amount of collagen in one of Absolute Collagen’s handy sachets, you would need to consume 588g of fish! You can see my journey here.
What is the most important thing you would say to someone reading this?
I have no desire to look 21, 31 or even 41. I’m 52 and couldn’t be happier. Own who you are and love who you are. We all have different qualities and quirks that make us individual. Embrace them. Absolute Collagen is about being the best version of you.
This is sponsored content from Absolute Collagen.
