When to drink collagen - in the morning or evening?
Collagen is a fibrillar protein and one of key building blocks of bones, muscles, hair and nails. Its production is reduced right after crossing the age of 25. Many people decide to use collagen for its numerous benefits. When to drink collagen - in the morning or in the evening?
As in other cases of supplementation, the crucial role in collagen intake has been following producer’s recommendations. Read our short tutorial to learn when it’s best to drink collagen and things you need to remember to achieve spectacular results.
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When to drink collagen?
Collagen distribution in the human body decreases after the age of 25. Some factors may accelerate this process, such as: bad diet, excessive exposure to sunlight, cigarettes, chronic stress or some vitamins and minerals deficiency.
As a result of natural collagen synthesis, many people observe joint pains, excessive hair loss and regression of skin condition, which becomes less firm and more prone to wrinkles.
It’s not surprising that regular intake of collagen in the form of tablets, capsules or liquid drops has become more popular among people of any age. Consumers most likely buy preparations with hydrolyzed fish or beef collagen. They include collagen peptides of high bioavailability and they absorb easily in the digestive system.
One of the most frequently asked questions about collagen supplementation is time of the intake. When to take collagen - in the morning or evening? Is using collagen right after waking up a good solution? Is it better to take the supplement in the evening to support skin and tissue regeneration during sleep?
There are no clear recommendations as to the specific time of day when collagen should be taken. If you want to slow down the aging process and maintain adequate levels of this important protein in your body, you can take a collagen supplement both in the morning and in the evening.
If it’s more comfortable for you, take a collagen shot right after waking up or just after having a nutritious breakfast. Protein included in the product will ensure long-term satisfaction and will help in limiting harmful habits of snacking. What’s more, morning supply of optimal collagen dose can be treated as your daily routine for health, beauty and wellbeing.
There is also nothing to prevent you from supplementing collagen in the evening. By deciding to drink collagen before going to bed, you can support tissue regeneration and take care of the health of your bones and joints during the night.
The time of day when collagen is taken is not really important. Regular supplementation is the crucial factor in achieving beneficial effects. According to specialists' recommendations, collagen should be taken daily for at least 8-12 weeks. To support the synthesis of this protein in the body, you may also consider including complex preparations in your diet, which, in addition to fish or bovine collagen, contain additional active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, biotin, or organic sulfur MSM.
Recommended collagen drink
Collagen on an empty stomach or after eating?
Another important question is whether to take it on an empty stomach or after eating. This is a fairly common dilemma, especially for people who are just starting their adventure with collagen supplementation.
If you are wondering when to take collagen, you should know that supplementation on an empty stomach is not recommended. People who suffer from digestive problems such as diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal pain should especially avoid taking collagen on an empty stomach.
Collagen affects the youthful appearance of the skin and supports the functioning of the skeletal and joint system regardless of when you decide to supply it to the body.
Whether you drink collagen before or after a meal is not that important, because protein is digested in the body in the same way as other nutrients: carbohydrates and fats. What’s more, hydrolyzed fish collagen is easy to digest. Therefore, you do not need to worry about whether your digestive system has too little or enough stomach acid when you take it.
Collagen before or after training?
Another important question is whether it’s better to take this protein before training or whether it’s more beneficial to supply it to the body after physical exertion. When is the best time to take collagen tablets: before or after training?
No matter if you go for bovine or fish collagen, when you take it isn’t really that important. Collagen is a key protein that helps strengthen bones and keeps your joints in good shape. However, what truly matters for the health of your joint cartilage is the overall balance of proteins in your body, not whether you take collagen in the morning or evening.
You can add a supplement rich in collagen peptides to a light pre-workout meal with a clear conscience, or take it after exercise when your body is tired and needs to regenerate.
What should collagen be taken with?
Studies show that combining collagen with certain ingredients can be really helpful for people dealing with weak hair, sagging skin, or chronic joint pain. One of the key ingredients is vitamin C, which is crucial for the body to produce collagen. Plus, vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that may help slow down the aging process.
Another important ingredient often found in fish collagen supplements is hyaluronic acid. This natural substance, found in the body, helps keep skin hydrated and is a key part of joint fluid. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our body decreases, so it's important to get it from external sources like supplements.
Other active ingredients that can be combined with various types of collagen:
- glucosamine – an organic chemical compound, an amino derivative of glucose, which, in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, supports the natural production of collagen
- chondroitin – a substance from the glycosaminoglycan group that can contribute to improving the elasticity, strength, and flexibility of joints, as well as supporting the regeneration of joint cartilage
- organic sulfur MSM – methylsulfonylmethane is an essential building block of skin, hair, and nails; it also accelerates wound healing and promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues
- coenzyme Q10 – this powerful antioxidant protects collagen fibers and plays a key role in maintaining supple and youthful-looking skin
- biotin – vitamin B7 is involved in numerous metabolic processes and, together with collagen, helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails
What should not be combined with collagen?
Both fish collagen and bovine collagen should not be taken together with substances such as caffeine and tannins, as these can hinder the absorption of this key protein in the body.
Also, it’s not a good idea to take collagen drinks or tablets with alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can break down collagen and interfere with the body’s natural production of it. So, it’s best to take collagen in a smart way — while also limiting things like strong coffee, tea, and alcohol during the process.
How long does it take for collagen to work?
More and more people who prioritize a healthy lifestyle are focusing on collagen supplementation. This is mainly because, with age and the natural aging process, the body’s collagen production decreases. Regular use of dietary supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen can help support the health of the skin, hair, nails, and the proper functioning of the skeletal and joint systems.
When starting collagen supplementation, it’s important to remember that the recommended daily dose ranges from 2 to 15 g, depending on the type of supplement and the individual needs of your body.
The first effects of fish or bovine collagen are typically noticeable after 1–2 months of consistent supplementation. Some studies suggest that after just 8 weeks, there’s an improvement in skin appearance, a reduction in wrinkles, and better hair condition. People who add collagen to their routine report not only increased skin elasticity but also faster nail growth and significant improvements in reducing brittleness.
Can collagen be harmful?
People with conditions like vasculitis, digestive disorders, and advanced liver or kidney diseases should be particularly cautious when consuming collagen in the form of tablets, capsules, or drinks. Collagen is also not recommended for those diagnosed with collagenosis, a chronic systemic connective tissue disease.
While there is no established maximum daily intake for collagen, adverse side effects are most commonly seen in individuals who consume more than 4,000 mg of collagen per day.
Studies show that collagen is generally safe to use and is well tolerated by the body. It doesn’t usually cause side effects, and you can decide when to take collagen based on what fits your needs and lifestyle.
Although the risks associated with regular collagen supplementation are minimal, it’s important to choose products from trusted brands and use them according to your body’s needs and the guidance of professionals.
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