What is the Best Time to Take Collagen, and How Much Should You Take?
Collagen is the unsung hero of your body. It keeps your skin firm, your hair strong, your nails tough, and your joints flexible. It's the most abundant protein in your system, forming the structure for connective tissues and playing a vital role in maintaining overall health and youthfulness. But here's the catch: Your natural collagen production starts winding down as you age, taking that plump, glowing skin and supple movement with it.
Enter collagen supplements—your not-so-secret weapon for replenishing what time gradually steals. From radiant skin to enhanced joint health, collagen peptides and hydrolysed collagen are gaining popularity among a wide audience, from fitness enthusiasts to skincare devotees. But when is the best time to take collagen, and how much is ideal for your goals?
This guide covers everything you need to know about collagen, from understanding its benefits to perfecting the timing and dosage for the best results. We’ll also consider the best collagen supplements for menopause and help those starting their perimenopause journey investigate collagen to manage their symptoms.
Why Should You Supplement Collagen? The Benefits
First, let's address the good stuff—what exactly can collagen do for you?
1. Skin and Hair Health
By taking collagen supplements, you can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance. Collagen supplementation has shown promising results in improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. As we all know, healthier, glowing skin starts from within, and collagen plays a significant role in that, alongside keeping your body adequately hydrated.
2. Joint and Bone Support
Collagen plays a pivotal role in the cartilage that cushions your joints. For athletes, those who frequently work out, women navigating their perimenopause and menopause years or individuals with joint discomfort, supplementation has been found to help reduce exercise-related pain and support joint health.
3. Enhanced Recovery & Fitness Performance
Fitness enthusiasts value collagen for its contribution to faster recovery, stronger muscles, and increased overall performance. Whether it’s hydrolysed marine collagen or bovine collagen, it can give your body the boost it needs post-workout. That’s because collagen is rich in amino acids. If you’re interested in the amino acid profile of collagen, then you should read this BLOG HERE.
4. Collagen for Menopause
Menopause leads to biological changes affecting your skin, bones, and metabolism. Collagen peptides have been found to help stimulate collagen synthesis in the body, which is especially helpful for midlife women experiencing these natural shifts. We dive deeper into collagen for menopause in this BLOG HERE.
Understanding the Types of Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements come from various sources. Choosing the right one depends on your preferences and health goals.
Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen, derived from cows, is particularly rich in Type I and Type III collagen. These types support skin, bones, and tendons, promoting gut health and skin elasticity.
Marine Collagen
Marine collagen comes from the skin, scales, and bones of fish and primarily contains Type I collagen. It's highly bioavailable, making it easy for the body to absorb. Compared to bovine collagen, marine collagen is often preferred by those focused principally on skincare benefits.
When is the Best Time to Take Collagen?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to taking collagen peptides—it all depends on your unique goals and routine. However, there are favourable times to maximise benefits, and we're here to help you find what works best for you.
1. Morning
Taking collagen on an empty stomach in the morning allows it to dissolve quickly and start working. Many people find it easy to add collagen to their coffee or smoothie, making it part of their daily routine. enough.collagen is flavourless for precisely this reason, and even though we do say it ourselves, it really does blend and dissolve like a dream.
2. Before or After Workouts
If muscle recovery or joint health is a priority, consider taking collagen before or right after your workout. It pairs well with your protein intake for enhanced repair and support.
3. Before Bed
Taking your collagen at night may help support the body's natural repair process while you sleep. Add hydrolysed collagen to a warm drink before bed for a calming ritual. Because collagen contains glycine, it has beneficial properties that support a more restful night's sleep.
The Bottom Line
The best time to take collagen truly depends on your routine and preferences. The key is consistency—pick a time that’s easy for you to maintain daily and stick to it.
How Much Collagen Should You Be Taking?
The ideal dose depends on your goals and the type of collagen supplement you're taking.
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For skin health: 5–10 grams of collagen peptides per day is recommended.
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For joint support: Aim for 10 grams per day for noticeable improvements.
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For menopause support: Consuming 5–10 grams of hydrolysed collagen daily can significantly benefit skin and bone health.
We recommend that you adjust based on your body's needs and always look for supplements with clear instructions and clinical dosages on the label. As we are not qualified to provide medical advice, please always check with your general practitioner or a healthcare advisor before commencing any new supplementation protocol.
Sources of Collagen in Foods
If you'd prefer to complement your supplementation naturally, foods rich in collagen-boosting properties can also improve your results.
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Bone broth is a collagen powerhouse due to its high amino acid content.
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Citrus fruits and berries boost collagen formation with their high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is essential to help collagen synthesis.
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Leafy greens like spinach contain nutrients that again can help promote collagen production.
These options are particularly great to pair with your hydrolysed bovine collagen supplement from enough.collagen for a well-rounded, collagen-rich diet, putting you on a fast track to a healthier, happier you!
Are There Any Side Effects Of Taking Collagen?
The great news is that collagen is generally considered safe for most people. Some potential side effects include mild digestive discomfort, especially when starting a new supplement, but these should dissipate as your body adjusts. Many of our customers love collagen for its gut health benefits. We recommend starting with a smaller dose and gradually increasing it to avoid any initial digestive discomfort. If you have seafood allergies, avoid marine collagen and opt for bovine collagen instead. As previously recommended, always consult a healthcare professional before trying new supplements.
If you have seafood allergies, avoid marine collagen and opt for bovine collagen instead. As previously recommended, always consult a healthcare professional before trying new supplements.
Collagen for Specific Demographics
Collagen for Menopause
The decline in oestrogen during menopause speeds up collagen loss, leading to thinner skin and weaker bones. The best collagen for menopause is hydrolysed collagen peptides, which are absorbed faster and stimulate collagen synthesis effectively.
Collagen for Active Individuals
Athletes or fitness fanatics looking to minimise recovery time or improve joint health may want to consider taking collagen before or after exercise. Bovine collagen tends to be a popular choice.
Glow, Strengthen, and Thrive with Collagen
Collagen supplementation is a fantastic, science-backed solution for glowing from the inside out, fostering better mobility, and unlocking lasting wellness no matter your life stage. Whether you choose bovine or marine collagen, timing it to suit your lifestyle and needs ensures optimised results.
Ready to take control of your wellness? Shop for high-strength bovine collagen today. It’s been specifically designed and created by women for women to support them through all stages of life, especially if perimenopause and menopause support are a current priority for you.