What’s all the buzz about Collagen these days? Sarah Brereton, Nutritional Therapist chats facts and stats on collagen.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is made up of many amino acids with some of the most abundant being proline, glycine and hydroxyproline linked together. It is a key component of many body structures such as bones, skin, muscle, tendons, cartilage, blood vessels.

There are many different types of collagens in the body. Here are some of the main ones that make up so many important structures in the body.

> Type I: is the most common type which is found in connective tissue such as skin, bones, teeth, tendons, ligaments.

> Type II: found in cartilage and joints and discs.

> Type III: Found mainly in blood vessels, skin & muscle.

> Type IV: found in kidneys, ear and lens.

Hydrolysed collagen (also called collagen peptides) is collagen that has been broken down into dissolvable amino acids, so it can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and work in harmony with your body. Interestingly collagen makes up 75% of our skin. As we age collagen production decreases, and we are unable to create this ourselves.

There are many foods sources of collagen such as bone broths, other meat products such as gelatine, chicken and fish and other foods such as egg whites. While they don’t actually contain collagen, they contain the amino acids required to make collagen such as glycine and proline.

It is essential we increase antioxidants in our diets to quench free radicals we produce daily which can damage our joints, muscles and skin. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. Increasing the rainbow of fresh in-season fruits and vegetables will provide an array of antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids to nurture our body from within.

Our digestive enzymes (if working properly) can breakdown these collagen fibres in individual amino acids and reform them into the different forms of collagen. While making bone broth is an easy and nutritious thing to do you may want to increase your levels of collagen much quicker with a high strength easily bioavailable marine collagen food supplement.

New Nordic Collagen Shot™ contains 5000mg of premium hydrolysed fresh­water marine collagen combined with acerola extract and vitamin C making it an excellent option for our collagen needs.

Acerola is a small red fruit containing abundant amounts of nutrients such as beta carotene, lutein, B vitamins, and very high levels of flavonoids and proanthocyanins (PAC’s ) which are important antioxidants and they are one of the most abundant sources of vitamin C on the planet. They also provide 30 times more Vitamin C than oranges. Acerola works by enhancing the effects of collagen and protects overall skin health by providing deep hydration, because it decreases trans epidermal water loss, allowing your skin to better retain moisture.

Collagen helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin C contributes to normal formation of collagen for the normal function of the skin.

Collagen Shot is pre-mixed and easy to take with a natural berry flavour, formulated in the perfect dose and designed to fit effortlessly into your everyday routine. Take it straight from the sachet, add it to juice, yogurt or smoothie either.

Find New Nordic Collagen Shot in pharmacies & health stores nationwide.