Vitamin C & Collagen Absorption

The relationship between Vitamin C and Collagen is a popular topic in the beauty and wellness world - for good reason. But do you need vitamin C to absorb Collagen? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is yes you do - but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take Vitamin C and Collagen at the same time. Confused? Stick with us!

Let’s start with the basics… what is Collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein made up of amino acids. It occurs naturally in our bodies, and can be found in our connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, skin, bones and muscles. It also plays an important role in our bodies cellular processes like immune response and tissue repair. As we get older, our bodies produce less Collagen, which results in signs of ageing. This is why many people turn to Marine Collagen supplements.

What about Vitamin C… what is it?

Vitamin C, on the other hand, is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant to protect our bodies from damage. It’s important to include this powerhouse nutrient in your diet to reap the health benefits, but it’s also a popular ingredient in skincare, as the antioxidant properties are well-known for protecting skin from environmental aggressors like the sun and pollution. Our Vitamin C collection offers everything from oral supplements with Vitamin C to topical treatments, like a targeted Vitamin C serum that fades dark spots, brightens skin and supports Collagen production.

Vitamin C and Collagen: how do they work together?

So why is Vitamin C one of the best vitamins for Collagen? It’s because it plays an essential role in Collagen synthesis; acting as the cofactor for the two enzymes required in the complex Collagen synthesis process. It maximises the absorption of Collagen into the bloodstream and stimulates Collagen production, which is fantastic for those who are looking for ways to increase Collagen naturally. This is why you’ll see many Collagen supplements with added Vitamin C to enhance the health benefits of Collagen and help you get more bang for your buck (shout out to Renew+ and our Hair Skin Nails Capsules).

What are Collagen and Vitamin C benefits?

When you consume Vitamin C and Collagen (consistently!), you may notice that your skin appearance, hydration and elasticity improves; your hair and nails grow stronger; and you may even notice improvements in your gut health.

Other Vitamin C and collagen FAQs

Still got questions? We’ve pulled together three of our most commonly asked questions about using Vitamin C and Collagen together.

How to increase collagen naturally?

Since Vitamin C can stimulate Collagen production, we recommend adding lots of Vitamin C rich foods to your diet - things like broccoli, capsicum, kiwifruit and oranges. And don’t forget your leafy greens! You can also look at adding a natural Vitamin C supplement to your daily routine or if you’re lazy (like us!) we make two products that bring these super ingredients together for maximum results: Renew+ Marine Collagen Super Powder and Hair Skin Nails Capsules.

Do I have to take Vitamin C if I use Collagen supplements?

While you need Vitamin C to get the best results from Collagen - it doesn’t mean you have to take or consume the two ingredients at the exact same time to get good results.

If you’re getting plenty of Vitamin C through your diet, you’ll also be supporting Collagen absorption that way, and you can make it even easier for your body to absorb Collagen by making sure you choose Marine Collagen supplements that use Marine Collagen Peptides - like ours! These much smaller molecules are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Can I use a Vitamin C-free Collagen?

We know that not everyone wants Vitamin C with their Collagen, so we also have an unflavoured and odourless Naked Collagen Powder for those who are getting plenty of Vitamin C from their diet and simply want a pure Marine Collagen supplement. This product gives you more flexibility if you’d like to enjoy your collagen in hot drinks (Vitamin C becomes unstable when it’s heated so it’s best to enjoy products including Vitamin C, like our Renew+ with cold water).