If you are over 50 or in my case way over 60 you might want to consider taking a collagen supplement. Collagen is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. It has many important functions, including providing your skin with structure and strengthening your joints and bones. Since I have had two hip replacements and my skin has lost elasticity, I decided it was time I added collagen to my daily routine. Are You Taking Collagen-If Not Here’s Why You Should.
I was contacted by Collagen for Her several months ago to try their product. FYI I get contacted by companies all the time. I decided a long time ago that I would not endorse any products that I would not personally use myself. I knew I wanted to start taking Collagen but I wanted to make sure I was taking the right collagen supplement. I did not want to recommend it to you until I had time to see what if any results I would have. Those of you regulars know of my research obsession. I think they were probably about ready to kill me before I agreed to this post.
Why Take Collagen for Her
Not all Collagen supplements are created equal. It is also important that it is made from non-GMO (grass-fed, hormone and cruelty-free sources), and hydrolyzed for absorption. If you visit their website, on every product page, you’ll find detailed explanations of the ingredients, how to use them, and their benefits. Additionally, I love that Collagen For Her, is a women-owned company. I love using and supporting products that are designed by women, and for women.
You might enjoy these two articles:
Everyday Health The Potential Benefits of Taking Collagen
The good news is this; if you’re taking the recommended dose, there are no documented downsides of taking collagen. To date, skin health is the most well-researched benefit of taking collagen but there are many other studies that indicate it can:
- Promote skin elasticity*
- Help support bone & joint health*
- Strengthen hair & nails*
- Support healthy weight management*
- Digestive health*
- Help boost immune function*
Most of the time I take the capsules. If I eat breakfast (I don’t always) I take the capsules with my breakfast.
If I don’t eat breakfast I usually add it to my morning coffee. Keep in mind that collagen powder dissolves best in a hot liquid. I often put a scoop in my coffee in the morning as it has absolutely no taste. I find it dissolves easily in smoothies that are blended (I use the Ninja for blending smoothies but any blender will work). Here I added a scoop to a blueberry mint smoothie. Sometimes all I want for breakfast is a big healthy smoothie.
If you don’t drink smoothies or coffee, try adding a scoop of powder to a healthy soup. This article from Daily Burn lists several creative ways to add collagen powder to your diet.
To be honest I have been irregular about taking supplements. I take no medications. I don’t have any cholesterol issues or high blood pressure (so far). After I had my surgery, I decided I needed to just bite the bullet and be religious about taking multiple vitamins, vitamin d, calcium, fish oil, and now I have added collagen to the regimen. I had a nail issue, and my manicurist said your soft brittle nails are suddenly strong as steel. I am glad I made the commitment to take it. You will not see results overnight and you have to be religious about taking it for it to work. The best news for you is if you would like to try Collagen for her:
- “You can save 10% on each and every order when you subscribe and save on Amazon Prime here or you can use the code CINDY10 to save 10% on your first order or an additional 10% on your first subscription on their website“
- Here is the Amazon URL so you have it – https://www.amazon.com/Collagen-Peptide-Powder-Women-16oz/dp/B07DWK45NH?maas=maas_adg_766042EAC68472A42E8EF7DDA46D96BD_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas
Thank you for reading, Are You Taking Collagen-If Not Here’s Why You Should. I will report back to you again in several months on any lasting results. You might also enjoy Selfcare Over 50, How to Keep your Mind and body intact here.
*EDITORS NOTE: I am getting a lot of questions about how long I have been taking Collagen for Her. I have been taking it for not quite three months. I started noticing my nails about a month ago. My hair is quite thick (for my age) so that would be hard for me to tell at this stage. The nails were just so obvious at this point. I occasionally have a bit of knee pain and have not had that at all.
*Update I am now at 6 mos and have been in the midst of a big move carrying lots of heavy boxes no knee or joint pain after long hours of loading and unloading for several weeks. COLLAGEN FOR HER IS ALSO HAVING A MEMORIAL WEEKEND SALE HERE
I had ordered this before Christmas, took it for about a week, then stopped; only because I felt that it altered the taste of my coffee & tea. Most people say it has no taste, so I don’t know if it was just me.
It concerns me that breast cancer survivors aren’t supposed to take it.
I’m wondering if you don’t have breast cancer, but it’s in your heredity whether it would be wise to take it?
I’ll have to do some research too.
And I’m so glad someone else asked about the sweatshirt. You knew we would! Lol!
Hi Nancy
I have been experimenting and have landed on taking it in my coffee. I am overly sensitive to smell and taste and I honestly can’t taste a thing. That way it is one less pill to swallow!!
I have been taking collagen for about a year. I am 70 years old. I found that my hair is healthier and it grows so fast! My nails have been stronger too but that could be bc I take magnesium every day. My doctor says my lab results have been better now than 10 years ago. I also decided I would lose my Covid lbs so I have been eating lo carb and no sugar ( only stevia) I found sugar free chocolate at Costco and I do eat sugar free pudding which satisfies my craving for sweets. I do think collagen has helped with maintaining a healthy weight. Every woman should take collagen. PS. I add it to my coffee since I am a coffee addict. Also, I have lost 52 lbs since last September. I don’t know how much Collagen helped but I know it helped some. Thanks for the post Cindy. You have helped a lot of women.
Hi Marcia
I cannot believe you were able to take that much weight off at our age! Bravo to you! I bet you feel so much better about yourself. Hats off to you! You are a reminder that we are never too old to do anything!!
Thank you for the product review! Since this one is made up of bovine sources, what product do you recommend that contains all of the 5 types you listed? Are the capsules different than the powder? Thank you!
Hi K
The capsules have all five. The powder is bovine. There is much debate over the whole issue, to be honest. The more I read the less I know. Marine collagen is cheaper but many articles say it is not absorbed as quickly. However, I have read if you have stomach issues it might be easier to take. I don’t have any stomach issues. I take the bovine powder if I want to mix it with a smoothie or coffee. Most of the time I take the capsules out of laziness because they are more convenient. I honestly thought I had really done my homework. I think most important is that it is hydrolyzed for easier absorption and that it comes from non gmo sources. Thank you for forcing me to dig even deeper. I think collagen is so new that we all are still learning. I am sorry if I confused you K.
I cannot put your code in on amazon. HELP
Hi Teresa
The code only works on the Collagen for Her website. If you subscribe on Amazon you get a discount. I would try it first and see if you get results and then subscribe on Amazon if so. I know those subscription services on Amazon can be tricky. They either come too often or not often enough
I have used joyome multi-action collagen complex + beauty benefits, neutral flavor for several years now. It’s a plexus product. I was thrilled when my sister sent me your article about collagen. So happy you too have found a great collagen to take. Keep it up! I’d like your smoothie recipe to add collagen to. I add mine to yogurt each morning. It’s a powder and I use 2 scoops. Dissolves wonderfully. Scoop included in the jar.
Hi Teresa
I do not have any smoothie recipes I confess. Here is what I do. I use a Ninja. I put in two scoops of ice, a couple of tablespoons of non-fat greek yogurt, 1/4 tsp vanilla, stevia to taste, whatever berries I have on hand, and a few snips of mint. That is it. If I have a 1/2 banana I add that. That’s my oh so secret smoothie recipe. I love mint when I have a lot of it I add more.
Thanks for your informative talk on collagen….can you share your source for the camo leggings
Thanks!
Hi Debbie
They are Athleta from last year. They do not have them on their site anymore but there are a few on ebay here
Hi Cindy, I’ve been taking a marine collagen supplement for around 25 years which was intended to keep wrinkles at bay. Think it’s worked well on my 70 yr old skin so hopefully the other benefits were quietly working too. My other best friend supplement is zinc which is great for nails, hair, skin and resistance to colds. It’s been in short supply here in New Zealand as it was regarded as being beneficial with covid circulating. Love your pale grey outfit….my personal favourite too especially with silver hair.
Hi Angela
That is impressive. As I said I am not a big supplement person, but this one I think makes sense. You were so wise to have taken it way back when. We are very close in age. I took zinc for a while and didn’t stick with it. I know it works. How often and how much do you take? When my kids were young we used it religiously. Please share we would love to hear about it.
We take one Blakemores Bio Zinc per day which label shows as:
Zinc amino acid chelate 74.5,mg (zinc 14.9mg)
Magnesium phosphate 90mg (magnesium18.6mg)
Manganese amino acid chelate 20mg (manganese 2mg)
Vitamin A 2500iu (retinyl acetate 860 microgram)
Vitamin B6 50mg (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
Thanks Angela!!
Great idea. I’d better ask my doctor first. Thanks
Cindy, YOU LOOK JUST FABULOUS! Hair, face, outfit, along with a new house project to transform into your very own…….life is good! Enough about you, I am having a terrible time with the nails on my thumbs cracking right down the middle if I get any length to them. So frustrating. I’ve been using Sandra Sallin’s recommended Rejuvacote nail strengthener, but the problem continues. Your collagen article is timely so thank you and wish me luck.
Hi Susan in Arizona!
Thank you. I came down with onycholysis where all of my fingernails pulled away from the nail bed. I know what you are talking about. My nails were thin and brittle as well. Collagen for Her has greatly improved that situation. I would certainly give it a try. I am going to have to stay away from gel polish for awhile so I need to ask my pal Sandra about that!
I have been using Collagen for Her for 6+ months. I use the Marine Powder in my morning tea. I am interested in the capsules because they would be easier, especially when traveling. My nails are doing better (they were terrible) and my skin and hair are doing well for an almost 69 yr.old. Thanks for your endorsement and info.
Hi Linda
Well as you know I am right behind you in age (barely). My nails were pathetic too. My hair is quite thick for my age so I need to pay closer attention to see if I notice a difference there. Of course I would love it if all my wrinkles would magically disappear too!
Thanks for this discussion Cindy. Unfortunately as a vegetarian, this doesn’t work for me. I am on the lookout for a good way to get the same results but with a veggie source.
Hi Ann
Good point please come back and share if you find a good source. I know I have several readers who are vegetarian as well.
Ann do you eat fish or are you a total vegan?
I do eat some fish
Hi Ann
If you wanted to take collagen you could take the marine version from Collagen for Her. Here is the link https://amzn.to/3CTdPZh
Vegetarians do not eat fish (they are animals) but for those of you who are vegetarian or vegan,
Sunwarrior makes a vegan collagen product.
https://sunwarrior.com/collections/vegan-collagen
Hi Cara
Thanks for sharing for those who would like to try it that are vegetarian!
Wow…I really need to order Collagen for Her!!!
Thanks so much for this post!
Hi Mary Ann
I hope you are happy with it!
Thanks for sharing this, Cindy. I’ve just ordered some. I have been thinking about this for some time, and your write up gave me the boost that I needed to just order it. I know that it won’t happen immediately, but looking forward to seeing improvement in skin, nails and joints. I started hiking a few years ago, at 62, and I’m looking forward to see if the collagen improves the aches, and pains.
Hi Cindy, Did you ask a MD about taking collagen?
Yes, I did and she said to give it a shot. Don’t take any more than the recommended dose and if you have any issues stop taking it.
Thanks for posting this info. I have been wondering if collagen would be a good addition to my daily vitamin regime. I just ordered and hope it will help my nails. BTW love your gray camo leggings! You look so great in pale cool colors!
Hi Bibi
Thank you so much. It has definitely helped my nails. Mine had become so thin and brittle.
I started taking Collagen for Her about a month ago but it has a blue label. I see there is some difference in ingredients so now I’m not sure why I went with this one. The first product I tried from a shelf full of confusing options at a health food store, absolutely did add taste to my coffee and I quit using it for that reason. I can taste Collagen for Her just slightly but can overlook it. My nails and hair have always been good so I don’t know how I will judge improvement but will go on faith.
GOOD MORNING!
YES I DO TAKE COLLAGEN for a couple of years now!It was recommended by one of my blog readers when I was having so many health issues…..she suggested ANTHONY’s collagen peptide powder.Which agrees with your list of MUSTS.
I have ALWAYS had strong growing nails so have not noticed a difference there.My hair is a little better and thicker since losing over HALF OF IT 6 years ago but not what it use to be.As for broken bones NONE YET!
Hope yours works wonders for YOU!
This is great information! Thank you for doing the research for the rest of of us. And can you also tell us the sweatshirt brand (or link if it’s available)?
Hi Laura
The sweatshirt was the Banana Republic Scuba Knit Sweatshirt. It is no longer available and I could not find it on Ebay. I do have the Coaster Luxe Sweatshirt from Athleta that is softer and lighter weight but the exact same fit. I own it in several colors. The Coaster Luxe is on sale
Cindy:
Thank you for the awesome info, feedback, and doing all the research, leg work on Collagen.
I wanted to start taking it but became overwhelmed online………..
I do not take anything, OTC pain relievers etc, nor have I ever. I really do high tolerance level of pain( have none).
I am ordering this, omg Thank you
Am sure there are certain foods we could get
Collagen from., probably could not get the recommended allowance.
Hi Karen
Yes we need to eat more:
Fish.
Chicken.
Egg whites.
Citrus fruits.
Berries.
Red and yellow vegetables.
Garlic.
We are birds of a feather. I never take any pain meds, even with my hip replacements I only took extra strength tylenol. I hate taking any sort of prescription medicine. I do it if I have to but it is rare. Fortunately I do not get sick often. I usually wind up taking an antibiotic once every three or four years.
Thanks Cindy, can you tell me which sweatshirt you are wearing, I love the neckline. Arlene
Hi Arlene
See my above comment to Laura. Unfortunately, that one is not available, I even searched eBay but the Athleta one (which is the exact same fit and neckline) is here
I’m so conflicted ~ the benefits sound incredible, but after a breast cancer diagnosis last year, my oncologist was adamant about no more collagen since recent studies show a link between collagen and breast cancer. I’m on the hunt for non collagen products to help my skin so I don’t end up a mass of wrinkles, saggy skin, and all the other joys associated with aging (I’m 59).
Hi Tess
I understand when you are a cancer survivor you have to be very careful what you take. Always consult your doctor before taking anything and always only take the recommended dose.
Yes, I too have been advised against taking Collagen as I have
had breast cancer. It is always a good idea to speak with your doctor before taking any over the counter “meds”
Hi Bonnie
Absolutely!
Yes Tess, your doctor is correct. There have been many studies if one takes time to read. It is not recommended for this reason. I’m also a pink ribbon sister, Our body makes collage , and we get it in plants (vegetables). It is a current fad to spend money on supplements.
Hi Karen
Thank you for sharing. Ideally, we should all get everything we need from plant sources. The problem is we often don’t.
I’m going to try this, Cindy; but I will take the capsules–just sounds more appealing to me. Is there any downside to taking the capsules instead of the powder, in terms of efficacy, etc.? Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Barbara
I find the capsules the easiest, but I like having both in case I don’t eat breakfast! I think you will notice a difference. Everyone I have spoken to that is taking it is very happy with the results. I am a believer! I hope you will too.
Just ordered …. thank you!
I am very impressed with the product Linda. I hope you will be too! As I said I am not one of those people who piles on supplements but this one has me hooked!
Thanks, have been thinking of taking this but had not, just ordered 🙂
Hi Leslie
I know I was on the fence until they approached me. I wanted to make sure I took it for a few months before I reported to you guys. I hope you will be happy with the product. It is flavorless which is great.
Cindy, I have been taking collagen faithfully for many years. My hair is thicker, my joints don’t pop and make noise, my eyesight has improved ( not sure if it’s related). I started seeing positive results with 3-4 months. Now I rarely miss a day. Thanks for sharing. I don’t use this particular product but I will check it out. Plus it’s a great source of protein!
Hi Mary
Yes, it is a great source of protein! I am so happy to hear you have had good results. Thank you for sharing.
My GP recommended a year & a half ago…daily…well, I take my dosage nightly w/warm water. Definitely improved skin, hair, nails…& fingers crossed continued less joint pain. franki
Hi Franki
Thank you so much for weighing in. Hooray for no joint pain! I have not had any either. I am so happy to hear it is working for you.
What changes did you notice besides stronger nails? How long was it before you noticed?
Hi Mary Ann
I put a note at the bottom of the post. I do not have thinning hair so I am not a good advocate for that one. I have noticed that I have had no joint pain. However, since I have had two hip replacements I have very little anyway. I will be interested to see the effect on my skin. I had to go off Retin A when I had my lower facelift, so I have been readjusting to that as well. In a couple more months I can report on that!