For years, Davina McCall was a household name as the perky, bubbly face of Big Brother. Then, in 2021, she presented Sex, Myths and the Menopause.
The documentary charted her struggles with ‘the change’, and gave voice to the frustrations of millions of women battling mood swings, brain fog and hot flushes.
Almost overnight, important - and long overdue - conversations about the menopause and its sometimes debilitating effects on women, began to take place.
The following year, Davina teamed up with Dr Naomi Potter to write the book Menopausing, which included the benefits of collagen supplements for menopausal women.
In this blog, we’re going to detail how perimenopause and menopause affects many women, and explain how our vegan liquid supplement can help ease many of even the most disruptive symptoms.
What happens to collagen during menopause?
First things first: collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, found everywhere from our skin and bones to our organs, connective tissues and eyes.
The human body combines three main amino acids: proline, glycine and hydroxyproline, with copper, zinc and vitamin C to create collagen protein.
Collagen becomes a rather lovely triple helix, and it is this robust form that enables it to provide structure to our muscle mass and bone density, and give us plumped, glowing skin.
However, from the age of around 30, collagen production starts to slow, gently at first, but accelerating significantly at around 40. But it’s not just the ageing process that is to blame.
The oestrogen hormone
Both men and women have oestrogen hormones but they are significantly lower in men.
While our collagen output starts to slow from around 30, women’s oestrogen levels can fluctuate a lot between puberty and menopause.
When oestrogen levels do fall, it has a crucial impact on collagen production.
Special cells that produce collagen called fibroblasts rely on oestrogen to find receptors that will kick-start collagen creation.
The lower levels of oestrogen prompted by the menopause not only make it harder for the body to make collagen, it can be of poorer quality.
We can see and feel the effects in this lack of collagen for ourselves: fine lines appear in our healthy skin. Our normally healthy hair becomes dull and dry, while instead of healthy nails, they are brittle or soft. That’s just on the outside.
But what can be done to restore dwindling collagen levels?
Boosting collagen production with food
We all know the advantages of a healthy lifestyle but there is a wide range of food that naturally supports collagen production in the body.
They contain the essential amino acids required for collagen synthesis, as well as vitamin C, zinc, and copper, key nutrients needed for collagen production.
Chicken
A great source of protein, choose cuts with bones and skin to get the most collagen. Alternatively, make a bone broth from the carcass to extract every last scrap of collagen.
Sardines
Fish bones and ligaments are full of protein and vitamins, but they are also made of collagen, especially the scales, head and eyeballs. Marine sources such as sardines, which are eaten whole, are a good source of collagen.
Egg whites
Eggs are packed with the amino acid proline, one of the big three that support collagen synthesis.
Leafy greens
Stock up on kale, spinach, and Swiss chard for the antioxidant properties of their chlorophyll, which is great for joint health, and also helps with collagen formation.
Citrus fruits
Lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges are packed with vitamin C, which plays a key role in collagen production.
Beans
These high-protein foods have amino acids and copper, both of which are needed for collagen synthesis.
It’s not always possible to combine all the foods above into your diet, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan and menopausal.
That’s where our vegan liquid collagen supplement comes in.
What type of collagen supplement is best for menopause?
Collagen supplements come from three sources: bovine collagen is made from cows, pigs and other similar animals. Marine collagen comes from the skin of sustainably sourced fish.
Our vegan collagen supplement is plant-based, and contains VeCollal®, a very clever biomimetic alternative that copies the amino acid chain used by our bodies to make collagen.
The result is a collagen supplement that 100% matches the type of collagen found in humans. Both bovine collagen and marine collagen supplements are similar to human collagen, but not quite.
Different types of collagen
Scientists have identified 28 different types of collagen, with the most abundant labelled Types I-V:
- Type I - strengthens skin, bones, ligaments and tendons
- Type II - helps form the flexible cartilage supporting our joints
- Type III - found in internal organs, blood vessels and muscles
- Type IV - present in some skin layers
- Type V - found in corneas, hair and some skin layers
When it comes to finding the best collagen supplements for menopause, you can’t beat a daily sachet of our vegan liquid, which is a 100% match for Type I collagen.
Where does the collagen go?
One very important thing to consider when browsing collagen supplements for menopause is what happens after you’ve taken in.
Brands claiming theirs are the best collagen supplements on the market are less forthcoming about how much of their collagen powder is digested, rather than absorbed into the bloodstream.
Our liquid collagen formula is easily absorbed by the body at 98% compared to collagen capsules which can be as little as 3%.
This is known as bioavailability, and is the measure of how easily collagen supplements are absorbed into the body so it can be used, as opposed to flushed away...
What else is in the pack?
Even the best collagen supplement doesn’t rely on a single ingredient. Many blend their collagen peptides - dried or hydrolysed collagen powder - with other elements to enhance the effect it has for menopausal women.
If you want the best collagen, our vegan liquid supplement is packed with superstar ingredients that maximise its impact, boosting skin health, hair growth, bone and muscle strength and joint health.
As well as VeCollal®, each 30ml sachet contains:
Panax Ginseng
As well as potentially boosting the production of Type 1 collagen and helping suppress collagen degradation, ginseng, which has anti-inflammatory properties, may also protect the skin against UV damage.
Retinol (Vitamin A)
These are the active forms of vitamin A. They help stimulate the production of collagen, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, stimulating cell turnover and decreasing oil production. Like ginseng, it also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Biotin
Research shows that Biotin can improve skin hydration and hair health, from shine and volume to scalp coverage. Some studies suggest Biotin can also strengthen fingernails and accelerate their growth.
Hyaluronic Acid
This ingredient is naturally present in our bodies and swells when it comes into contact with water. Our collagen supplement contains a vegan-friendly hyaluronic acid, derived from the fermentation of bacteria. Taken orally, it can boost collagen output, hydrate skin, enhance joint health, repair acne and increase skin elasticity.
Vitamin C
An essential component of collagen production, vitamin C is loaded with antioxidants that are known to make skin radiant and youthful.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin contributes to the normal function of the nervous system, as well as to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes. Like many of the B Vitamins, it is also involved in the metabolic processes that release energy from food, and it contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
What do collagen supplements do for menopausal women?
That is the $64,000 question. The answer is: a great deal. Let’s take a look at some of the major issues associated with menopause and how collagen supplements can help.
Tiredness
One of the biggest impacts menopause has on women is sleep problems, from night sweats to insomnia, leaving many of them exhausted for much of the time.
Taking daily collagen supplements can help enhance your sleep, reducing tiredness and the associated stress.
One potential knock-on advantage of this is collagen peptides may also improve your gut health and blood pressure by making arteries more flexible, all of which can contribute to better quality sleep.
Mood swings
One of the most unpredictable aspects of menopause are mood swings, but our vegan collagen can help even them out. It contains glycine, one of the three main amino acids used to generate collagen.
Glycine can also help boost serotonin and dopamine levels, easing and even lifting your mood.
Brain fog
So many women leave the world of work because of perimenopause and menopause, and brain fog, one of the biggest symptoms, has to be one of the hardest symptoms to cope with.
However, studies show that collagen - specifically the amino acid glycine - could help. Scientists suggest that vegan collagen, bovine collagen or marine collagen peptides could have a positive impact on brain function. It’s definitely one to watch.
Dry, itchy skin
Collagen peptides are well known for their hydrating abilities, boosting skin elasticity and helping generate new skin cells.
All that hydration doesn’t just mean firmer, more youthful looking skin, it will also help address the dry, itchy skin that often plagues peri- and menopausal women. Better skin health is achievable.
Aching joints and muscles
Many perimenopausal and menopausal women are dogged by aching joints and muscles, even those who are normally quite active.
Collagen is present in our tendons, ligaments and cartilage. As we age, the levels decline, leading to stiffness, swelling and pain, potentially limiting what women can physically do.
As one of the best collagen products on the market, our vegan drink can help boost collagen levels in muscles and joints, making it easier to get on with life.
It can also potentially aid recovery whether you’ve just done a tough workout or a spot of heavy weeding.
Weight gain
Many perimenopausal and menopausal women find they gain weight, even if they have a healthy lifestyle and diet.
According to some sources, collagen peptides can help women shed the extra pounds, but this has yet to be backed by scientific analysis. When it is, we’ll let you know.
Other benefits of collagen supplements
It’s not just perimenopausal or menopausal women who can get a physical and mental boost from taking hydrolysed collagen supplements. They have a range of other benefits too.
Healthier skin
Collagen is vital for skin elasticity and hydration. The drop in every type of collagen production, along with either fluctuating or flatlining oestrogen during menopause, can leave skin saggy or prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
Taking one sachet daily of our delicious vegan collagen drink can help boost elasticity and hydration. It combines to reduce wrinkles and give you a glowing complexion.
Enhanced bone strength
The drop in oestrogen levels associated with perimenopause and menopause can leave women at higher risk of developing osteoporosis or brittle bones.
Collagen, as we know, is one of the building blocks of our bones, and studies have revealed that collagen peptides can have a positive impact on bone mineral density and potentially reduce the risk of osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women.
An energy boost
Glycine, part of the key amino acid profile in our vegan liquid sachets, works its magic again, this time providing an energy boost.
Studies have suggested that collagen can influence our metabolism, which can decline during menopause, helping maintain our energy levels.
Hair and nails
Many perimenopausal and menopausal women report increased hair thinning and loss as they get older.
This is connected to the impact on skin from the decline in both collagen and oestrogen generated by the body. That drop in hydration causes hair follicles to fall out.
Likewise, our nails suffer with the decline in collagen production. Nail growth can slow down, and they can become soft or brittle nails.
A daily dose of our vegan collagen drink can help increase hydration throughout the body, giving you both healthier hair and healthier nails.
Can you take collagen supplements with no side-effects?
Absolutely. Studies have found there are little to no side-effects from a daily dose of collagen, and it could have a positive effect throughout the body, from head to toe.
Our vegan collagen sachet isn’t just the best collagen supplement for your skin and bones, it is also:
- cruelty free
- clinically proven
- non GMO
- high protein
- fat and sugar free
- plant based
- Halal suitable
- Kosher suitable
While some other collagen powders are completely flavourless, ours has been infused with Japanese plum, giving it a rich, sweet taste.
And, unlike vegan collagen powders, it’s not messy to prepare: each sachet contains a perfect, 30ml serving of collagen.
So many perimenopausal and menopausal women have told us that it’s made a difference to their lives, from easing sleep problems to getting a glowing complexion.
Order your vegan liquid collagen supplement today
There’s no time like the present to get the benefits of our vegan liquid collagen supplement and reduce the impact of being perimenopausal and menopausal.
We have a choice of offers, including our 28 day subscription. Sign up for this and you will receive sachets of our liquid vegan collagen supplement every four weeks, plus a free bonus bundle.
Find all the details here.
Questions or queries? Get in touch
If you want to ask us anything about our vegan liquid collagen supplement, or any of the other products in the Arella Beauty range that aren’t covered by our FAQs, drop us a line.
You can email us at info@arella-beauty.co.uk, telephone 03303 209 190, or fill in this contact form and we’ll get back to you straight away.
