Collagen Myths Busted
Collagen supplementation has taken the wellness industry by storm, but with popularity comes misunderstanding. Staying informed is an important first step to making the right steps for your best lifestyle. Let’s look at five common myths that need a bit of busting.
Myth: “All collagen supplements are the same.”
The truth is that they are far from identical. The form (hydrolysed vs gelatin), source (bovine, marine, chicken), strength (Dalton), and type (I, II, III), all affect the final supplements you see on shelves, not to mention manufacturing quality and any added fillers. Different types of collagen, derived more potently from different sources, can also target different areas, be it skin, joints, or energy. When choosing a supplement, matching your goals to a well-suited product matters.
Myth: “You only need collagen supplements once you’re older.”
While natural collagen production does decline with age, starting as early as our mid-20’s, collagen is valuable to the body at any time. This isn’t just about fine lines, or volume loss; it’s because collagen strengthens our skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues. The truth is, taking a supplement before you notice sagging, straining, or other physical symptoms of a drop, is still providing support under the surface to maintain levels and assist your body’s production and absorption. It’s like only putting on moisturiser once you notice your skin is dry, versus hydrating it daily to keep it plump from the jump!
Myth: “If I just eat enough protein or gelatin via food, I don’t need a collagen supplement.”
It’s true that your body needs amino acids to make collagen, and foods rich in protein and gelatin help. What’s different here is that supplements offer a more concentrated, targeted form, aimed at enhancing absorption. A nutritious diet and lifestyle support are still foundational, but an extra boost from your supplement can go a long way.
Myth: “If it doesn’t work right away, it’s not going to work at all.”
The truth is that each body reacts differently, and on different timelines, and supplementation definitely isn’t an overnight solution. While we can refer to the science as a rough guide to set our goals and get excited about the results to come, it’s important to be patient and consistent with a new supplement lifestyle. You never know what goodness is just around the corner.
Myth: The higher the dose of collagen, the faster the results.”
When choosing an active collagen supplement that’s going to do the best for your body, the milligram dose isn’t actually what we’re focusing on. A high dose of a less potent product takes more energy to break down, and can leave the body before the benefits are absorbed. In order to see the most from your supplement, it’s important to prioritise the Dalton count. This is the data that tells us how bioavailable, or absorbable into the body, the protein is. Essentially, the lower the Dalton, the more easily your body can process and use the collagen. For more information about Daltons in particular, take a look at our recent blog here.
By busting a few of these myths, we hope you find yourself better equipped to make an informed decision about how collagen supplementation can fit into your wellness plan. It’s time to step into a better lifestyle, and prioritise your wellbeing. After all, they say knowledge is power, and collagen is powerful.
