Over the past couple of years, I started hearing more about collagen protein and collagen supplements. Next thing I know, we’re adding it to our protein shake, drinking it in our coffee and it’s everywhere! But what is collagen protein and why do we need it? Why are people so obsessed (including me!)!

Collagen Protein

This article will:

  • Help you understand what collagen is and why we need it
  • Explain the benefits of collagen
  • Show you how you can supplement your collagen
  • Offer product recommendations that will work for you

Collagen protein is basically the main protein that makes up our connective tissue. This includes our muscles, joints, ligaments, and skin.

I didn’t realize just how much our body needs collagen until recently. Not only for our outer appearance but for our inner structure as well.

benefits of collagen

Disclosures: This post contains affiliate links. LEARN MORE HERE (but basically it just means that if you purchase the item through the link on this page, we get a small commission and are super appreciative!)

Anti-Aging Benefits of Collagen

We have a total of 25 amino acids in our entire body. Twelve of those are located in our skin alone. They are responsible for providing both structures and support creating that firmness we all want to maintain.

The dermis layer is where collagen plays a huge role. 

So, as you can see in the diagram above, collagen protein makes up most of our dermis. Sadly, our collagen starts slowing down in our mid-20s and we start seeing fine lines and possibly wrinkles in our 30s. 

Sun exposure without sunscreen and smoking can speed up this unfortunate process. 

Other benefits for your skin include:

  • Reduction of cellulite
  • Hydration 
  • Improves elasticity

There is no question of why collagen is huge right now. This is the fountain of youth we have all been waiting for! If we are able to slow down the aging process and get our youthful skin back… we can reverse this curse! 

I was super excited to learn about this benefit from collagen. If this was the only thing it did for me, I would be content but collagen has a few other important roles when it comes to our overall health and wellness.

Gut Health

A healthy gut is important if you are trying to achieve optimal health. It contributes to how well you sleep, digestion, mental health, heart health, and certain diseases. Since we have tissues in our gut, collagen is present. Collagen strengthens the lining in our digestive system resulting in a reduction of inflammation in our body caused by leaky gut.  

Leaky Gut is actually a big deal to a lot of us and we don’t even know it. If you are not sure if you have it, one of the biggest ways to tell is if you have food sensitivities. If undigested fat and protein are able to seep through the digestive lining, it can get into your bloodstream and cause allergic reactions.

This reaction can look a few ways

  • Bloating or fullness
  • Food sensitivities 
  • Thyroid issues
  • Joint fatigue or pain
  • Digestive concerns
  • Acne
  • Weight gain
  • And other serious health concerns if left untreated. 

Multiple studies show people who have inflammation and these other reactions to leaky gut have lower levels of collagen protein. By simply increasing your collagen level, you can build up that lining and keep that mess where it belongs. 

Joint Health 

I started taking collagen about 13 years ago. I cant help but wonder if that’s the main reason why I don’t experience pains like most folks my age and I am 70 years old.

Dr. Jonny Bowden, PH.D.

Because collagen is the main protein in our joints including ligaments, muscles, and tendons it only makes sense that we start having aches and pains as we age.

Our cartilage thins out, our bones become brittle, our muscles and skin lose elasticity. Getting older sounds fabulous doesn’t it?

Getting older is inevitable but living with the symptoms of aging doesn’t have to be apart of the process.

When it comes to joints, think of collagen as the glue that holds everything together.

Adding collagen back to these places will allow you to live your best and healthiest life possible.

Imagine being able to get out of bed or going for a jog without having aches and pains. YOU CAN!

Research shows that people who supplement collagen see significant improvement with discomfort and increased energy levels that allow them to participate in various activities.

Disclosures: This post contains affiliate links. LEARN MORE HERE (but basically it just means that if you purchase the item through the link on this page, we get a small commission and are super appreciative!)

Ways to supplement collagen

So, after everything you now know about collagen the next step is doing something about it. We need to get you some collagen!

Collagen protein is found in foods high in protein including eggs, chicken, beef, beans, fish and dairy. You can absolutely get the collagen you need by adding these foods to your diet. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you will want to find another way to supplement it.

Even if you are doing good job-consuming collagen through your diet, it never hurts to add in a little more.

There is a powder form of collagen that just so happens to be my personal favorite. It is easy to use and can be added to your coffee, protein shake, smoothie or food.

Collagen Protein

Great Lakes is pure collagen protein. It is tasteless and colorless so you could add it to anything. I add two tablespoons to my morning coffee every day. It’s made with the highest quality ingredient and it is cold liquid soluble. You can mix it in the coldest beverage and it won’t even clump up! It’s one of the best collagen supplements on the market today.

ORDER GREAT LAKES COLLAGEN HERE!

I recently did a review of the top 7 collagen supplements of 2019. Great Lakes is on that list. This review gives you a variety of other ways to supplement your collagen deficiency. You should check it out HERE!


We have looked at a few ways to add collagen back into your body. The amazing news for us is it is safe, super easy and very affordable. If there is one thing I recommend taking every day, it is this!

I feel if you look your best, you will feel your best. This is our time to Optimize our Life! Take care of yourself NOW! Live your best and healthiest life possible.

Now it’s your turn

I hope you enjoyed this post intended for optimal health. 

Now, I would love to hear from you:

Which collagen protein do you take?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment below.


If you found this post helpful please don’t hesitate to share it with your friends. Also, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on upcoming posts full of tips and tricks to make your health journey easier.

If you enjoyed this article you should definitely check out some of my other posts!


Legal Disclaimer

Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement.

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14 Comments

  1. I had no idea there were so many pros to Collagen. This was extremely informative! Thank you for the information!

    • Optimized Reply

      Thank you for reading and taking the time to give feedback. I’m so glad you liked it

  2. Love this! I recently started making bone broth to add to my diet, so it’s fun the read all the added benefits of collagen 💚

  3. This is so timely! I have been hearing about collagen and was wondering what the benefit was to supplementing with it. Another interesting thing is I have heard about “leaky gut” for years but had no idea what it was. I do have some food allergies and the older I’ve gotten the worse they have become. Now I get it. Great post.

    • Optimized Reply

      Thank you Deanna! Collagen is amazing in so many ways. Keep me informed on your food allergies. I’m interested to see of it helps.

  4. What an interesting article. I’ve struggled with acne all my life and even get adult acne. I did not know that it could be associated with collagen loss. I will try to increase collagen intake specifically to improve my acne. Thank you Raheela

    • Sandra Tanner Reply

      Thank you for your feedback! Let me know what happens with your acne after taking your collagen supplement. I look forward to hearing back!

  5. Thanks for the great info. As an avid cyclist I may think of adding this into my diet!

    • Optimized Reply

      Hi Stacy! Thank you for your feedback. I totally think you should add collagen to your daily regimen. All you need is 2 tablespoons a day and yo can add it to practically anything. Lets me know how you like it!

    • Optimized Reply

      I will totally look into that one! Thanks Madi for reading and taking the time to comment!

  6. Isn’t it amazing how our gut and skin are so connected! I have a collagen supplement that I’ve been wanting to try, but on my small income I need to save up first!

  7. Thank you for breaking it down. I have bee interested in collagen but was hesitant in purchasing, I didn’t know if it was just a fad

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