During menopause, natural changes occur in the body due to the decline in production of the hormone's oestrogen and progesterone. The reduction of these hormones can cause women to experience changes in their skin and joints.In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It gives structure and support to connective tissues including the skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, and the cartilage that protects your joints.
Collagen and menopause
The slowdown in your body's collagen production can start in your 30s and by the time you reach your 50s, a significant 50% of collagen is lost. It's also around menopause when the decrease in collagen speeds up. The drop in oestrogen levels during this life stage can decrease the production of collagen, changing the skin's quality, making it dry and dehydrated with less moisture and causing the onset of wrinkles and ultimately visible ageing.
Joint and bone health can also suffer post-menopause. The reduction of oestrogen post menopause significantly speeds up bone loss. This may cause weakened bones, osteoporosis, joint stiffness, and arthritis-type symptoms.
Studies have shown that collagen builder supplements may help to improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce overall joint pain.
Increasing your collagen
Collagen can only be obtained in the diet from animal sources such as from tough cuts of meat, chicken, steak, bone broth, fish, and eggs. These foods contain protein which our bodies break down into amino acids, which we put back together to create our own human collagen and gets deposited wherever our bodies need it most.
One way to ensure your body is obtaining enough collagen on a consistent basis during the menopause is via supplements. Many collagen supplements contain bovine or marine sources. However, there are vegan sources available.
When opting for a vegan collagen supplement, choose animo acids found in type 1 human collage, which includes Hydroxyproline and L-Leucine. Another tip is to ensure the supplement contains vitamin C which is essential co-factor in collagen production and a friendly bacteria strain, as there is a strong link between gut health and skin health and appearance. One specific strain of bacteria to keep an eye is S. Thermophilus.
To ensure you are getting the most out of your supplement, make sure it contains 100% active ingredients with no junk such as additives, binders and fillers, as they only benefit the manufacturing process and not your overall health.
At Viridian we avoid unnecessary ingredients and ensure our formulations are ethically sourced, palm-oil free and non-animal tested.
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Author: Eleanor Faulkner, BSc, is a Nutrition Advisor at ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition. She provides nutrition advice on improving health and wellness. She holds a BSc in Food Technology with Nutrition and is interested the power of natural health to create the best versions of ourselves.
◆ To find out more, visit viridian-nutrition.com
