So, you've recently incorporated collagen, but are unsure about the optimal time to take it. Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll explore the best times to take collagen, allowing you to seamlessly integrate it into your routine and reap the full rewards.
When Is the Best Time to Take Collagen?
Collagen is a versatile supplement that can be incorporated into your routine at any time of the day. Although some people may recommend taking collagen at specific times, including before a meal as it may help absorption, there are no studies to support these theories. The main priority is ensuring you’re providing your body with a high enough dosage - up to 15g - for up to 56 days for you to gain the benefits.
However, if you’re looking for a convenient way to slot it into your routine, we’ve covered a range of different times to help guide you:
Taking Collagen in the Morning
Whether you’re enjoying a collagen breakfast bowl or overnight oats, taking collagen in the morning is a great way to get you into the habit of introducing it to your routine.
That way, you can start your day and not worry about how to slot it into your busy routine. There is some research that suggests this may work to maximise its absorption.
Snacking on Collagen-Rich Foods
Chomping on collagen-rich foods like citrus fruits, fish or chicken, or incorporating it into your bakes, like our collagen muffins, can be a tasty way to incorporate it into your routine.
Collagen is a protein, and recent studies have identified that it could help suppress ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Therefore, if you‘re trying to lose weight or simply have a longer commute home before your evening meal, collagen snacks may help to curb your appetite and keep you fuller for longer.
Taking Collagen Post-Workout
If you’re a gym-goer, or participate in fitness activities like cardio, yoga or swimming, introducing collagen after a workout may help target post-exercise recovery. This is because the amino acid profile found in collagen (glycine, proline and hydroxyproline) works to support collagen synthesis, which may aid the strength and structure of your joints, tissue and bones.
There's also evidence to suggest that collagen may mitigate any pain you’ve encountered post-workout.
The Benefits of Taking Collagen at Night
Our collagen formulas can easily be mixed into both hot and cold beverages, allowing you to craft the ideal bedtime drink. But it’s also highlighted that collagen can act as quite the sleep promoter.
If you have insomnia or experience waking regularly during the night, studies have demonstrated that glycine, one of the amino acids that make up collagen, may play a role in enhancing the quality of your sleep. This is attributed to glycine's potential to reduce core body temperature and potentially suppress muscle activity during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase.
Should You Take Collagen Every Day?
Whether or not you should take collagen supplements every day depends on your individual health goals and needs.
If you want to reap the benefits like supporting your skin elasticity, consistently introducing collagen supplement into your routine may help to improve your skin health including elasticity, hydration and dermal collagen density.
On the other hand, if you're seeking to boost your protein intake, incorporating collagen supplements into your daily diet could contribute to your overall protein consumption.
However, if you’ve already incorporated it through a well-balanced diet from foods rich in collagen-building nutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc, and copper, it might not be necessary to include. But research shows that if you do wish to incorporate collagen into your routine daily, it is safe to do so.
Now you know the when are the best times to take collagen, why not check out our wide range of recipes on our blog to discover a variety of ways to consume our supplements?
