Collegian

What benefits are you looking to get from supplementing collagen?
(There's a lot of unsubstantiated hype about it....)

I started taking collagen + C tablets over 2 years ago. I'm 66 with AO and pain moving in the morning. I took it as an experiment because my nails were breaking off. After 2 years of 1 tablet a day my nails are much better and my hair is thicker--so much so that my hairdresser commented on it. As for my joints, hard to say. They seem to be holding steady and not getting worse, but I take other supplements for them, so it's a combination.

I don't expect miracles at my age, but if I can manage and keep exercising and swimming, I'm good to go. Sometimes keeping the status quo is important.

I use it for the added protein, I like Vital Proteins collagen peptides. It’s has no flavor so it’s easy to add to things and get extra protein. I use it in fruit smoothies and add it to oatmeal regularly. You can also mix it in yogurt easily.

ReenieHJ wrote: »

Bumping this to ask more questions. I was searching for collagen and biotin supplements and am now so confused. I read how it should include pollock instead of bovine collagen? So I go on amazon and they've got too many brands, too many choices. How do I know what's credible vs. what'll be a waste of my money? And how long can one expect to take supplements before they have any noticeable affect?
I'm sure my diet is lacking because it's not varied enough; I do eats a lot of veggies and plain yogurt, some fruits and small amounts of proteins throughout my day(beans, chicken, peanut butter).
I also take Vitamin B12 and D3 tablets every day.
I know I also need to schedule an appointment with my primary care because it's been awhile but that won't happen until maybe )October.

So if any of you wouldn't mind elaborating again about the pros and what to look for in collagen/biotin supplements, I'd appreciate it.

I can't say for certain, but keep in mind that certain recommendations might be made for reasons other than nutrition (or TBH profit for whoever's trying to market you the stuff.) My thought about pollock vs. bovine, just a guess, is that it's an ethical recommendation rather than a nutritional one. Whether it's based on environmental or animal welfare concerns, or some combination, I don't know.

I honestly think it's probably not necessary for you to worry about it at all. It's only two months until October. You don't know for certain if you have a deficiency at all or to what extent. Why not try to eat a more varied diet to obtain some of these naturally? I make a lot of dishes that use stock - it's not just soups and stews or heavy dishes. You can cook rice or other grains in it - basically any recipe that uses water, where a savory or meaty flavor would go well, can use stock instead.

Any meat you eat you can cook with the bones in and only remove the bones after cooking (usually it's easier to remove bones after anyway rather than before, even with good knives or kitchen scissors).

If you're eating the foods I listed above on a somewhat regular basis (green beans, leeks, strawberries, cucumber, garbanzo beans/chickpeas, mango, celery, rhubarb, and asparagus), then you're likely doing just fine.

penguinmama87 wrote: »

ReenieHJ wrote: »

Bumping this to ask more questions. I was searching for collagen and biotin supplements and am now so confused. I read how it should include pollock instead of bovine collagen? So I go on amazon and they've got too many brands, too many choices. How do I know what's credible vs. what'll be a waste of my money? And how long can one expect to take supplements before they have any noticeable affect?
I'm sure my diet is lacking because it's not varied enough; I do eats a lot of veggies and plain yogurt, some fruits and small amounts of proteins throughout my day(beans, chicken, peanut butter).
I also take Vitamin B12 and D3 tablets every day.
I know I also need to schedule an appointment with my primary care because it's been awhile but that won't happen until maybe )October.

So if any of you wouldn't mind elaborating again about the pros and what to look for in collagen/biotin supplements, I'd appreciate it.

I can't say for certain, but keep in mind that certain recommendations might be made for reasons other than nutrition (or TBH profit for whoever's trying to market you the stuff.) My thought about pollock vs. bovine, just a guess, is that it's an ethical recommendation rather than a nutritional one. Whether it's based on environmental or animal welfare concerns, or some combination, I don't know.

I honestly think it's probably not necessary for you to worry about it at all. It's only two months until October. You don't know for certain if you have a deficiency at all or to what extent. Why not try to eat a more varied diet to obtain some of these naturally? I make a lot of dishes that use stock - it's not just soups and stews or heavy dishes. You can cook rice or other grains in it - basically any recipe that uses water, where a savory or meaty flavor would go well, can use stock instead.

Any meat you eat you can cook with the bones in and only remove the bones after cooking (usually it's easier to remove bones after anyway rather than before, even with good knives or kitchen scissors).

If you're eating the foods I listed above on a somewhat regular basis (green beans, leeks, strawberries, cucumber, garbanzo beans/chickpeas, mango, celery, rhubarb, and asparagus), then you're likely doing just fine.

Thanks for the information. My hair and nails are horrible and figure adding a collagen supplement couldn't hurt. But you're right, waiting to talk with my primary care would be best. Not sure how complete blood tests would be handled by insurance companies(or paid for) so I'll definitely ask her. It's been about 2 years since I've been to see a dr. for anything.