Have you ever noticed you’re feeling stiff, bloated, or just "off" without knowing why? These could be signs of inflammation - a natural response your body uses to manage stress, injury, or infection. While inflammation is essential for healing and recovery, however when this process becomes excessive or prolonged, it can lead to chronic inflammation which is linked to issues like joint pain, digestive problems, and skin conditions.
Key signs of chronic inflammation include:
- Persistent joint or muscle pain
- Digestive discomfort, bloating, or irregular bowel movements
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Skin flare-ups (like acne, rosacea, or eczema)
So where does collagen come in?
Collagen is often recognised for its “beauty benefits,” but emerging research shows that its impact goes far beyond skin, hair and nails. In fact, collagen has been shown to play a significant role in reducing inflammation in a number of ways…
Amino acids that calm inflammation
Collagen is rich in specific amino acids, particularly glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids have been shown to:
Lower inflammatory markers: Glycine reduces cytokines (proteins that drive inflammation), helping to regulate an overactive immune response.
Promote tissue repair: Proline supports the healing of connective tissue and reduces irritation in joints and muscles.
Strengthening the gut barrier
Research increasingly links chronic inflammation to issues in the gut, such as "leaky gut syndrome," where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream. Collagen contains glutamine, an amino acid that:
Repairs the gut lining and prevents further damage.
Reduces systemic inflammation by blocking inflammatory triggers from entering circulation.
Joint and cartilage protection
Chronic inflammation often targets joints, leading to stiffness and pain. Studies show that collagen supplementation helps:
Increase cartilage density, reducing friction and inflammation in joints.
Stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory molecules within the joint space.
Neutralising oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body and is a key driver of inflammation. Collagen supports the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps:
Neutralise free radicals.
Reduce oxidative damage in tissues like skin, joints, and the gut.
Balancing immune activity
Collagen’s high glycine content has a calming effect on the immune system. By helping to balance overactive immune responses, it prevents the excessive production of inflammatory chemicals, creating a more balanced environment in the body.
How to incorporate collagen for inflammation support:
If chronic inflammation has been affecting your energy, mobility, or overall health, adding at least 20g of collagen to your daily routine is a simple, science-backed solution. The key is consistency - our collagen can be taken at any time of the day, so choose what works best for your routine. If you’re looking for extra support for an already inflamed body, taking collagen in the morning or pre-workout can be particularly beneficial. Alternatively, if your focus is on recovery and balancing out stressors like intense exercise, supplementing post-workout or before bed is also a great option.
