While there are plenty of suggestions floating around, really, the best time of day to take your collagen supplement is whenever works best for you. Suppose you like to take it in the morning, great. If you prefer it as a snack during the day, great, or if you want to take it before bed, that's also great.
Research has shown indicated that adults can safely consume between 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen a day. Read the label on your supplement to see how much it contains. Many people take 1-2 tablespoons of collagen powder per day.
As such, no matter your goal for using collagen, it will take at least 8 weeks to experience noticeable results ( 6 ). Most studies use a minimum of 8 weeks to assess collagen's effects on skin health and joint pain relief, but other studies use longer periods, such as 12 months, for bone health ( 9 , 14 , 22 ).
Take it in the morning
The main reason for this is that you take the supplement on an empty stomach. This suggestion potentially has some reasoning, and we suggest you take SkinGlo on an empty stomach. However, you can take your collagen supplement on an empty stomach at whatever time of day suits you.
Improvements in skin, nails, muscle and joint health may become noticeable after three to six months of regular collagen supplementation, but results varied across scientific studies. Results may take longer depending on personal factors including age, nutritional status and overall health.
"Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz. Your body naturally makes collagen, but this production decreases with age.
Collagen supplements may not be safe for: People with fish, shellfish, or egg allergies (collagen supplements may contain these allergens as ingredients)16. People with a Kosher or Halal diet. People with a vegetarian or vegan diet.
"It's worth remembering that coffee doesn't destroy collagen, it inhibits its production," says nutritional therapist at the Pulse Light Clinic, Lisa Borg.
Recent studies show the following results: Taking 2.5–15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides daily could be effective and safe. Taking 2.5 grams may support skin hydration and elasticity and support joint health. Taking 5-15 grams per day may support bone and joint health.
Collagen supplements containing collagen hydrolysate, collagen peptides and similar ingredients appear to be generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some people may experience mild side effects, ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to skin rashes.
Many people abide by this method because you need stomach acid to digest proteins, so in theory, taking collagen on an empty stomach ensures you will be able to better break down the collagen. However, you do not need to take collagen on an empty stomach to obtain the benefits.
You can begin taking collagen supplements at the age of 20 to 25 as a preventative or, as you start to notice the more visible signs of ageing. We'd always recommend starting in your early to mid twenties to get ahead of the body's natural depletion as you age.
Collagen may help reduce the appearance of gray hair by supporting the healthy structure of the hair follicle (where the pigment that gives hair its color is produced). When collagen creams or gels are applied directly to the scalp, gray hair can appear darker and less dry.
Does Collagen Tighten Saggy Skin? Studies have indicated that supplemental collagen is beneficial for skin health, including tightening sagging skin (known as elasticity), boosting hydration, and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Those who took collagen peptides experienced a greater improvement in muscle mass and strength. They also lost more fat mass than the placebo group. These results suggest that collagen supplements can support loss of body fat by enhancing the effects of weight training on muscle mass.
It does not matter if you take collagen on an empty stomach or with a meal. Collagen peptides are absorbed through the intestines and then into the bloodstream regardless of when you take them. The important thing is that you are opting for collagen in its hydrolyzed form.
If you take too much collagen, it can throw off the balance of amino acids in your body and lead to side effects such as headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue. Additionally, some people may be allergic to collagen or have an intolerance to it.
It is better to take collagen at night if you are having trouble sleeping. Glycine, an amino acid that makes up about 1/3 of collagen, helps you relax, lowers your body temperature and prepares you to sleep. Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter (similar to GABA).
Can I take collagen and vitamin D together? Yes, you can take collagen and vitamin D together. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is essential for bone health. Collagen also supports bone health by strengthening the connective tissues around your joints.
Generally, collagen protein can be safely added to hot coffee, as brewing temperatures are usually below the point at which collagen proteins break down. It can also be added to buttered or bulletproof coffee, though it may not provide additional benefits.