Collagen Benefits for Your Body, Skin and Joints

The importance of collagen is increasingly being talked about, and for a good reason — collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and one of the most important structural building blocks. It is found in skin, bones, cartilage, and many other tissues, and its main role is to keep tissues strong, durable, and elastic.

It may seem unbelievable, but collagen levels in the body naturally begin to decline around the age of 25. Joint problems and sagging skin are just a few of the signs of collagen deficiency.

In this post, we'll take a closer look at what collagen is and what it does in the body. We'll explore what happens when collagen levels drop, and how different collagen supplements can support our bodies and health.

What is Collagen?

As previously mentioned, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in skin, bones, muscles, tendons, connective tissues and cartilage. Its main role is to keep tissues strong, durable, and elastic. Thanks to the fibrous structure of collagen, our tissues are able to withstand everyday movement, strain, and stretching.

In addition to structural support, collagen is involved in several important biological processes, including tissue repair, cell-cell communication, and immune response.

The body can synthesize collagen on its own, but this ability decreases over time. This process is also accelerated by several environmental factors, such as lack of sleep and smoking. Also, for synthesis, the body needs enough protein-rich foods and nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc.

What Happens in The Body With Less Collagen?

When collagen production decreases or its quality deteriorates, tissues become more fragile and less durable.

A decrease in collagen in the skin can lead to:

• Loss of skin elasticity
• Deepening of wrinkles
• Sagging and dryness of the skin

A lack of collagen in bones and joints can lead to:

• Decreased bone mineral density
• Increased risk of bone fractures
• Faster wear of cartilage
• Joint stiffness and soreness

Impaired collagen synthesis can cause:

• Slow healing of wounds
• Increased tissue fragility

Collagen Types — is There Really a Difference Between Types I, II and III?

This is one of the biggest confusions when it comes to collagen. People often ask, “Should I take type I collagen for my skin and type II for my joints?” The short answer is that with hydrolyzed collagen, which is used in most supplements, there is virtually no difference.

Let's start at the beginning. The collagen family includes 28 different types of collagen, which differ from each other in structure, location, and function. The most important of them are:

• Type I collagen predominates in skin, bones, and tendons — giving tissues strength and durability
• Type II collagen is the main component of articular cartilage — joint protection, including protection against wear and tear
• Type III collagen supports skin and blood vessel elasticity — plus supports recovery

It is important to understand that these types of collagen fulfill their specific role primarily when the body synthesizes them itself.

But what about collagen supplements?

As mentioned above, most collagen supplements contain hydrolyzed collagen, where during the manufacturing process the collagen has been broken down into small, highly absorbable (about 90-95%) parts called peptides. Here's what's most important to understand:

Once collagen is hydrolyzed, it is no longer type I, II, or III collagen, but simply a collection of small peptides and amino acids from which the body “builds” collagen itself again.

In practice, this means that if the package says “type II collagen for joints,” in the case of hydrolyzed collagen, it is simply a marketing simplification.

Collagen – Why is It Important for Joints?

Collagen is a central protein for joint health, forming the structural basis of articular cartilage. With aging and osteoarthritis, collagen synthesis decreases and the activity of cartilage-degrading enzymes increases, leading to cartilage thinning, stiffness and pain.

Hydrolyzed collagen is well suited for general joint and connective tissue support. A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition in 2009, like several others, suggests that its consumption may be linked to joint pain relief and improved joint mobility.

Who Can Benefit from Joint Collagen?

Collagen consumption can support people with reduced collagen synthesis:

• Older people — aging is the main risk factor for joint wear and tear and osteoarthritis.
• People with or at risk of osteoarthritis — supporting collagen-related mechanisms is especially important in this group.
• People with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress — these conditions inhibit collagen synthesis and promote cartilage breakdown.
• People who are physically stressed — the metabolic load on cartilage increases and the need for connective tissue regeneration increases.

Feel the need to support the daily well-being of your joints? ICONFIT joint-friendly collagen is here for you.

Collagen and Beauty – Skin, Hair and Nails

Collagen is a key protein in the structure of the skin. A decrease in collagen synthesis leads to a decrease in skin elasticity and moisture levels, and visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin appear.

Unfortunately, you can't turn back time by grabbing a collagen cream. Namely, due to the large molecule of collagen, topical collagen creams act as a cosmetic moisturizer and supporter of the skin's protective barrier, not as a restorer of the skin's deeper collagen structure.

A scientific review published in 2023 shows the positive effects of hydrolyzed collagen consumption on the skin through the following mechanisms:

• Helps reduce the depth and visibility of wrinkles
• Supports skin elasticity, moisture and strength

Collagen also provides amino acids that the body uses to produce keratin, the main protein in hair and nails. Therefore, collagen cannot be overlooked when talking about their health.

Looking the way to support the well-being of your skin, hair and nails from within? If so, then you can benefit from the high-quality ICONFIT Beauty Collagen supplement.

Hydrolyzed Collagen — What It Is and Its Benefits

We've mentioned hydrolyzed collagen before. Let's take a closer look at what it is.

Different methods are used to produce collagen. Traditionally, collagen can be extracted from raw materials using acidic or alkaline treatment, but a more modern and high-quality method is enzymatic hydrolysis. During enzymatic hydrolysis, collagen is broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids under controlled conditions, while maintaining its biological value and making it easier for the body to absorb. Due to its smaller molecular weight, it is absorbed more efficiently from the digestive tract, and some of the peptides reach target tissues, such as skin, joints and bones, through the bloodstream.

ICONFIT collagen products use hydrolyzed collagen, which is obtained from fresh animal raw materials through a chemical-free production process. This production method helps ensure that the end result is pure and free of additives or residues that can occur when using chemicals.

The collagen used in ICONFIT products has a very high protein content and its bioavailability is approximately 90–95%. This means that the body is able to effectively absorb and use a large portion of the collagen consumed.

Research suggests that in the joints, collagen peptides may support normal cartilage regeneration and help maintain joint mobility (at typical doses of 5–10 g per day). In the skin, consumption of hydrolyzed collagen has been associated with improved skin moisture and elasticity, with positive changes seen in as little as 4–12 weeks.

In summary, hydrolyzed collagen is a valuable supplement for supporting joints, skin, and bones, with its effects primarily depending on dosage, regular consumption, and product quality.

Support your joint and skin health with high-quality ICONFIT pure hydrolyzed collagen supplement.

Different Sources of Collagen in Supplements

Collagen is an animal protein that is obtained from a variety of animal sources. Collagen from beef, pork, and fish is most commonly used in dietary supplements, but there are also products on the market that are marketed as plant-based or vegan alternatives. Different sources vary in origin, price, and suitability for certain target groups.

However, it is important to understand that most collagen supplements are in a hydrolyzed form, which means that their absorption and effects in the body depend largely on the manufacturing process and quality, not the original source. Below, we will take a closer look at the main sources of collagen and their differences.

Marine Collagen Versus Animal Collagen

Animal and marine collagen are the most commonly used sources of collagen in supplements.

Animal collagen is mostly derived from the bones and skin of cattle. It is widely available and usually less expensive than marine collagen.

Marine collagen is primarily derived from fish skin, scales, and bones, often using by-products from the fishing industry. Marine collagen is not suitable for people with fish allergies and is usually more expensive than animal collagen.

Plant-Based and Vegan Collagen

There are products on the market that are called “vegetarian” or “vegan collagen”, but this can be misleading, as collagen is an animal protein and cannot be plant-based. Such products do not contain collagen, but combinations of nutrients (e.g. amino acids and vitamin C) that support the body’s own collagen synthesis. Their effect is therefore indirect and not comparable to the direct consumption of hydrolyzed collagen.

Collagen Powder, Capsules, Pills or Liquid - What to Choose?

The range of collagen supplements is very wide, ranging from powders and capsules to drinks and gummies, which can make it difficult to choose. Most of these products contain hydrolyzed collagen, meaning their mechanism of action is similar. The differences between products mainly stem from ease of use, dosage, and price.

The most important thing for collagen to be effective is regular consumption. Based on scientific research, ICONFIT recommends consuming 10 g of collagen per day for optimal results.

Natural Sources of Collagen – Collagen from Food

Collagen is found naturally only in animal foods that contain connective tissue — meat, fish, skin, bones.

Main animal sources of collagen:

• Chicken – thighs, skin, cartilage
• Fish – bones and connective tissues, chicken fillet is rather low in collagen
• Bone broth – contains gelatin, but the amount of collagen varies greatly
• Egg whites – do not contain collagen, but are rich in proline, which supports collagen production.

Vitamins and minerals are also needed for collagen synthesis. Plant-based foods that support collagen production:

Lifestyle habits that help maintain natural collagen synthesis:

How Much Collagen Should You Consume?

The human body synthesizes collagen itself and this process is supported by dietary collagen. As collagen synthesis decreases, collagen supplements become more important.

How much collagen supplement to take per day depends on several factors, including diet, age, overall health, and goals.

There is no official daily recommendation for collagen intake. However, studies suggest that 2.5–15 grams of collagen per day is considered safe and potentially effective when consumed as a dietary supplement.

For example, hydrolyzed collagen has been used in studies to support skin and health in doses up to 10 g/day. The results have been shown to increase skin elasticity and hydration, and reduce wrinkles. In the context of joints and cartilage, doses up to 10 g/day have been commonly used, often resulting in reduced pain and stiffness, and improved mobility, although not all studies have shown statistically significant effects.

ICONFIT collagen – a High Quality Choice for Everyday Use

ICONFIT collagen products are of very high quality. Our collagen products use hydrolyzed collagen, which is obtained from fresh animal raw materials in a chemical-free production process. This ensures that the product is pure and does not contain additives. The collagen used in ICONFIT products has a very high protein content and is approximately 90-95% bioavailable.

Do you want to support your joints, skin or overall well-being from the inside out? If so, we invite you to explore ICONFIT collagen products that will help you achieve your individual goals.

Myths Around Collagen

There are many myths circulating around collagen. We hope that many of them have been debunked by now. But let's take a closer look at some of them.

MYTH 1: Collagen should not be mixed into coffee because heat destroys its effectiveness.

Truth: Hydrolyzed collagen is heat-resistant, as its production process also uses high temperatures. Therefore, adding a cup of coffee (below 100°C) does not affect the quality or properties of the collagen. Collagen can be safely mixed into both hot and cold foods and drinks.

MYTH 2: Collagen should be consumed in 1-2 month courses.

Truth: The body produces and needs collagen continuously, so its consumption is not intended for short-term use. It is often recommended to consume about 10 g of collagen per day, starting at the age of 25-30 and no later than the age of 40. The first positive changes can appear within 3-6 weeks, but the results depend on the person. Regular and long-term use can support the well-being of the skin and joints.

MYTH 3: Grass-fed bovine collagen is the best and purest animal collagen.

Truth: In reality, grass-fed collagen has no benefits over other animal collagens in terms of efficacy. The effects of collagen depend not so much on the animal's diet, but rather on how the collagen is produced and processed.

It is important to check whether the collagen from grass-fed cattle is made without the use of chemicals. There are many products on the market that advertise themselves as grass-fed and made from ultra-pure raw materials, but the production process still uses chemicals. This information may not be available on the packaging.

Chemically processed collagen may contain 10–20% other substances (the protein content is usually between 80–90%), although the product is often marketed as pure collagen.

Collagen is one of the most important structural proteins in the body, with roles ranging from supporting skin elasticity and strength to joint, cartilage and bone health. As we age and are exposed to adverse lifestyle and environmental factors, collagen synthesis decreases, which can lead to joint problems and signs of skin aging. Research shows that regular consumption of hydrolyzed collagen in particular can support joint mobility, reduce stiffness and pain, and help improve skin elasticity and moisture levels. To achieve the best results, it is important to choose a high-quality collagen product and also support the body with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.