Introduction
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, serving as the foundation for joints, muscles, skin, and bones. However, collagen production begins to decline by approximately 1% every year after the age of 21, leading to weaker joints, decreased skin elasticity, and slower muscle recovery. This makes collagen supplementation essential for maintaining joint mobility, muscle repair, and overall structural integrity.
At Optimiise, we use premium Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen in Optimiise Complete Performance to provide a high-quality, bioavailable source of collagen that supports joint strength, recovery, and skin health.
Scientific studies confirm that collagen supplementation enhances muscle growth, improves skin hydration, and strengthens bones and connective tissues. This article explores why collagen is a crucial supplement for people of all ages and activity levels.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein that provides strength, elasticity, and support to skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. It consists of over 18 essential amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are vital for tissue repair, joint function, and muscle recovery. These amino acids are not present in meat, where skin and bones are removed.
There are different types of collagen, but the most important for the body include:
- Type I Collagen – Found in skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones, providing strength and structure while supporting joint health by maintaining strong tendons, ligaments, and bone density.
- Type II Collagen – Present in cartilage, directly supporting joint cushioning and flexibility.
- Type III Collagen – Supports muscles, blood vessels, and organs, promoting elasticity and function.
Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen naturally contains Type I and Type III Collagen, making it an ideal choice for supporting skin, muscles, joints, and overall mobility. While Type II Collagen is the primary component of cartilage, Type I Collagen plays a vital role in joint health by strengthening tendons, ligaments, and bones, which helps protect cartilage from damage.
Key Benefits of Collagen (Backed by Studies)
1. Supports Joint Health and Reduces Pain
Collagen is a key component of cartilage, the cushioning material between bones. As collagen levels decline, cartilage wears down, leading to joint discomfort and stiffness.
- A 24-week clinical study found that collagen supplementation significantly reduced joint pain in athletes, improving mobility and lowering the risk of joint deterioration (Study 6).
- Another study demonstrated that collagen hydrolysate may help treat osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, supporting long-term joint health (Study 5).
- Research shows that Type I Collagen plays a crucial role in strengthening tendons and ligaments, providing stability to joints and preventing wear and tear on cartilage (Study 3).
2. Enhances Muscle Recovery and Growth
Collagen is essential for muscle repair after intense exercise, helping reduce soreness, accelerate recovery, and prevent injuries.
- Research suggests that glycine, an amino acid found in collagen, plays a key role in protecting muscle tissue and reducing muscle loss as we age (Study 7).
- Another study found that collagen supplementation improved athletic performance and reduced post-exercise soreness, making it ideal for active individuals and athletes (Study 6).
3. Improves Skin Elasticity and Hydration
Collagen is a major component of the skin’s structure, helping it stay firm, smooth, and hydrated. As collagen production decreases, wrinkles and skin sagging become more noticeable.
- A study found that collagen supplementation improved skin elasticity, moisture retention, and reduced the appearance of wrinkles (Study 4).
- Another study confirmed that collagen hydrolysate significantly enhances facial skin moisture, elasticity, and overall texture (Study 1).
4. Strengthens Bones and Connective Tissue
Bones are comprised of nearly 90% collagen, meaning that collagen loss weakens bone density, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
- Research indicates that collagen supplementation improves bone density and reduces the risk of fractures, particularly in aging populations (Study 5).
- Studies also show that collagen helps strengthen tendons and ligaments, reducing the likelihood of injury (Study 3).
5. Supports Gut Health and Digestion
Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy digestive system, supporting the gut lining and reducing inflammation.
- A study found that glycine and proline (amino acids in collagen) help heal the stomach lining, improve digestion, and promote gut health (Study 8).
6. Enhances Hair and Nail Growth
Collagen provides essential amino acids that strengthen hair follicles and nails, reducing breakage and promoting growth.
- Research shows that collagen peptides improve nail growth and strength while reducing brittleness (Study 2).
How to Use Collagen for Maximum Benefits
Optimal Dosage
- 10-15g per day is the recommended dose for joint, skin, and muscle benefits.
- Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, helping the body absorb and utilise collagen effectively (Study 9).
Optimiise Complete Performance includes 10g of Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen per serving, along with Vitamin C to enhance absorption and maximise benefits.
Best Time to Take Collagen
Collagen can be taken anytime throughout the day to support joint mobility, recovery, and skin health. Whether you take it in the morning, post-workout, or before bed, it will support your body’s natural repair and rebuilding processes.
Taste & Mixability
- Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen is virtually tasteless, making it easy to mix into water, coffee, shakes, or flavoured drinks.
- Optimiise Complete Performance is naturally flavoured for great taste, delivering collagen, creatine, electrolytes, and Vitamin C in a smooth, refreshing formula.
Conclusion
Collagen is essential for maintaining a strong, resilient body, supporting joint function, muscle recovery, and skin health. As collagen production declines by 1% per year after age 21, supplementation becomes increasingly important for preventing joint deterioration, enhancing mobility, and keeping skin youthful.
While Type II Collagen supports cartilage, Type I Collagen found in Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen plays a vital role in strengthening tendons, ligaments, and bones, which all contribute to overall joint stability and health.
By choosing high-quality Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen, like the one in Optimiise Complete Performance, you can support your body’s natural collagen production and maintain stronger joints, healthier skin, and faster muscle recovery.
Whether you’re an athlete, an active individual, or simply looking to maintain mobility as you age, collagen supplementation is a powerful tool for long-term health and performance.