When you’re young and you have youth on your side, there are ample amounts of collagen throughout your body. As you age, collagen production decreases. Levels start to go down by the age of 30. Once you have reached the age of 50, there is a dramatic lack of internal support for things like bone health, joint health and skin health.
Collagen is composed of amino acids, which are the main building blocks of protein. There are about 20 amino acids that make up protein in total, many of which are found in collagen. When your collagen production and consumption is low, you can experience bone density loss, lack of mobility, fine lines and wrinkles on your skin, gut health issues and inflammation.
There are foods in our diet that contain collagen, such as citrus fruits, egg whites, fish, berries, bone broth, garlic and beans. Unfortunately, most of us don’t consume enough of these foods to dramatically boost collagen production. Also, foods that contain collagen but are high in fiber are very hard to break down, so you aren’t able to utilize everything that’s included. That’s where supplementation comes in.
Supplementing with collagen helps support the “glue” that holds us together. It is predicted that up to 35 percent of the human body’s protein composition is made up of collagen. There are three main types of collagens that make up about 80 to 90 percent of our collagen composition, with 28 different forms of collagen existing in total. I want to take a look at some of the benefits of collagen, while also providing you with information regarding the best collagen supplements for women over the age of 50.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Collagen for Women Over the Age of 50?
I hope that I’ve been able to pique your interest regarding the use of collagen in women over the age of 50. Let’s take a look at some of the potential benefits of using collagen for this period of your life.
Healthier Hair
Collagen and hair health are very much related to one another. Since collagen is an abundant protein that is present in the body, it’s also a main component in the composition of things like hair, skin and nails. Many hair care products contain added collagen in their formulation, but it’s really most beneficial to consume collagen in order to promote healthy hair from the inside out.
While many men experience hair loss as they age, there are women who go through this unfortunate event as well. In fact, women account for 40 percent of hair loss sufferers. While there may be underlying medical conditions that lead to this hair loss, it’s often because of a lack of collagen in the body. You can increase the thickness of your hair, boost hair growth and promote a shiny and luscious head of hair with a daily collagen supplement. Keep in mind, it may take a couple of months to see these benefits. Collagen can often promote some pretty fast results for things like joint health but improving the health of your hair takes some time.
Healthier Skin
When you hit the age of 50, the inner layer of your skin will experience a dramatic loss of collagen. The result of this is more wrinkles, sagging skin, fine lines and your skin will be more prone to damage from things like the sun or pollution. You can use a collagen supplement to replace that lost collagen before you start to see signs of aging.
Collagen supplementation can also improve the hydration of your skin. Even if you had very oily skin during your youth, most women will experience dry skin when they get older. The elasticity of your skin also declines as you age, and collagen supplements can make your skin appear tighter and firmer. It can also promote wound healing and the overall density of your skin.
Preserve Bone Health
There are a number of nutrients that benefit your bones, such as calcium and vitamin D. Collagen is also something that can benefit bone health in postmenopausal women. Low bone density is something that many women experience as they approach the age of 50, but collagen supplements can increase bone density, bone formation and prevent bone loss.
Increase Muscle Mass
While collagen is a form of protein, it’s not something you can use specifically as a protein supplement. However, there is the potential to increase muscle mass and weight loss with the use of collagen supplements. Most women over the age of 50 aren’t looking to become bodybuilders but maintaining an adequate amount of muscle can help retain mobility and promote a more active lifestyle overall. Collagen makes up anywhere from one to 10 percent of your muscle mass. While this may not seem like a lot, it’s beneficial to take steps to promote a higher collagen composition in your muscle.
How Much Collagen Should a 50-Year-Old Woman Take?
Women over the age of 50 should consume anywhere from 10 to 15 grams of collagen per day. This is an adequate amount to replace the collagen that our bodies are no longer producing. The amount of collagen included in a specific supplement may vary, so it’s a good idea that you take a look at different products to see which ones will provide you with the amount of collagen that you need based on your age requirements.
Should Menopausal Women Take Collagen?
During the process of menopause, the ovaries slowly start to stop producing the hormone estrogen. When less estrogen is present in the body, less collagen will be produced as well. You can use collagen supplements during menopause to prevent this loss of collagen despite what your estrogen levels are doing. Collagen may also alleviate some of the menopausal symptoms that you’ve been experiencing like stiff and achy joints, so give it a shot!
The Five Best Collagen Supplements for Women Over 50 Years Old
Let’s look at a breakdown of the five best collagen supplements for women that are over the age of 50. These are my personal favorites, but don’t be afraid to do some research of your own. Just be sure to pay attention to ingredient quality, additional ingredients, brand reputability and transparency.
#1. Manna Liposomal Collagen Peptides
Manna Liposomal Collagen Peptides contains type I and type III collagen. Both are sourced from 100 percent grass-fed bovine. Designed to strengthen your skin, hair, bone and joints, this product comes in liquid form. You’ll find that a lot of collagen supplements are in powder form. Manna has found the absorption rate to be better with this variety. In fact, it gets into your body five times faster than its competitors.
This product can be used to decrease inflammation in the body, maintain bone density and ease the visible signs of aging that so many women experience after the age of 50. You’ll feel stronger than ever, and there is a 90-day money back guarantee offered by Manna if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase.
Pros
- Sourced from grass-fed bovine
- Promotes health hair, skin and nails
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Supports muscle health
- Increases bone density
- Formulated for optimal absorption
Cons
- Contains stevia and non-organic natural flavors
#2. Primal Collagen
This ultra-premium collagen peptides powder from Primal Harvest contains types I and III, grass-fed hydrolyzed collagen. Pasture-raised without the use of antibiotics or additional hormones, this collagen supplement can be used to support healthy bones, skin, joints and much more. Primal Harvest Primal Collagen comes in an instant mix formula that is flavorless and can be added to anything from juices to smoothies. It’s made in a GMP-certified facility in the U.S. Supporting your health from within, GelcoPEP is used in the formulation of Primal Collagen for excellent bioavailability and absorption.
Pros
- Contains types I and III collagen
- For hair, skin and joint health
- Easy-to-mix formula
- Bovine sourced
- Maintains bone density
- Contains a complete amino acid profile
Cons
- May take up to three months to see the full benefits of this product
1st Phorm offers a high-quality Collagen with Dermaval supplement that utilizes a low-temperature process to increase the bioavailability of the collagen included. It contains five different types of collagens for a full amino acid profile and optimal benefits across the board. Dermaval is a phytonutrient-rich complex that supports healthy levels of elastin in the body. Not only will this help with hair growth, but it can also support bone health, youthful looking skin, healthy joints and more. 1st Phorm Collagen with Dermaval is a powder-based product that easily mixes into the liquid of your choosing.
Pros
- Easy to mix formula
- Various collagen sources are utilized
- Comes in a tasty chocolate flavor
- Doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients or additives
- Promotes hair growth and healthy skin
Cons
- On the higher end when it comes to price point
HUM Nutrition has formulated their Collagen Love supplement with clinically proven nutrients and ingredients that are sourced with great care. All of the ingredients are meticulously tested to confirm that each product is pure, potent and effective. Collagen Love contains types I and III collagen, which are the main building blocks of ample collagen production. Vitamin C has also been included to boost the production of collagen in the body after the age of 50 (and before). Hyaluronic acid has also been added to Collagen Love to boost hydration levels in the skin.
Pros
- Contains vitamin C
- Supports skin elasticity
- Includes a potent antioxidant blend
- Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Fights back against free radical damage
- Free from most major allergens
Cons
- This product comes in capsule form. The capsules are on the larger side, which you should take note of if you have trouble swallowing pills or capsules.
This Vegan Collagen Booster Supplement from Future Kind contains 16 natural collagen boosting ingredients such as silica, biotin, grape-seed extract, vitamins A and E, zinc and the super berry amla (which is packed with antioxidants). This plant powered product supports healthy skin, hair and nails, and it’s much different than other collagen supplements that use bovine-sourced ingredients for their formulation. This is a completely animal-friendly product that uses only natural and vegan nutrients to increase your collagen production rate. Made in an FDA-registered facility, this Collagen Booster Supplement is free of artificial ingredients or additives.
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- The brand supports animal sanctuaries
- Includes BioPerine (black pepper extract) for enhanced absorption
- Can make your nails seem stronger and your hair healthier
- Boosts collagen production for women over the age of 50, or leading up to that point in their life
Cons
- Comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, which isn’t necessarily long enough to see the full benefits of a collagen supplement.
Is It Worth Taking Collagen in Your 50s?
There are a number of vitamins and / or supplements that you should be considering taking once you’ve hit the age of 50. There are a number of processes in the body that just don’t work as efficiently as you age. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find some way to boost these responses so you feel and look better than would be expected. In addition to calcium, B complex vitamins and magnesium, collagen is a supplement that you should be considering as well. It comes with very minimal side effects. In fact, the majority of people don’t experience anything negative when they start this type of product. It can be combined with the other supplements that you’re taking, as interactions aren’t a concern.
It’s no secret that the production of collagen in the body slows down after the age of 30. The age of 50 is 20 years after that point, so imagine how little collagen you’re actually producing by that time of your life. Collagen is such a prevalent protein in the body, and it enhances so many different bodily functions. I find it to be a valuable supplement that should be taken regularly for both your appearance and overall quality of health.
It’s worth taking collagen in your 50s, but I would recommend that you don’t wait that long before starting a regimen. The goal is to replace collagen before it is lost. You surely don’t want to wait too long and experience too many negative health issues before you start to worry about increasing your collagen intake. There aren’t too many collagen supplements out there that are marketed towards women over the age of 50 specifically. However, you can look for something that provides you with an adequate dose of collagen without the addition of soy, corn, starch, or yeast. These ingredients can lead to GI upset like bloating.
Conclusion
People, and women in general, have successfully used collagen supplements for a number of benefits as they age. Improving the elasticity of your skin is something that you should be focusing on in your 50s, so you age gracefully and look your best as the years go on. However, joint health and bone health are also factors to consider postmenopausal. This time of your life brings on all kinds of new health challenges and experiences. A collagen supplement is a very well-tolerated product that can boost your body’s own natural processes for optimal health.