Do Collagen Supplements Really Work? My Honest Thoughts on Collagen, Menopause and Healthy Ageing
The collagen market is booming.
I open my social media to see influencers and celebrities pouring out their stories and anecdotes, endorsing one collagen supplement after another.
Then there are the public debates between science-based gurus, medically trained doctors, GPs and influencers, all trying to prove whether collagen works or doesn't work.
Who do we believe and where do we start?
Why Are Collagen Supplements Everywhere?
We are living in a time unlike any other.
Everyone can have a platform on social media to share their views and challenge differing opinions.
At the same time, we are living longer. Awareness around menopause is growing, which is a positive thing. Women are finally receiving more support and having more open conversations about what can be a vulnerable and challenging stage of life.
Not many people like change, but women don't have much choice as they enter their second season.
We experience symptoms we never imagined.
Brain fog.
Fatigue.
Aching joints.
Changes to our skin.
A changing body.
We watch our youth slip through our fingers. We look in the mirror and witness signs of ageing appearing seemingly overnight, often without warning.
No amount of wellbeing, skincare or nutrition can stop the ageing process completely. However, many of us are looking for ways to support ourselves so that we can age with greater vitality, confidence and wellbeing.
So when we open an app on our phone and are met with promises of collagen supplements backed by science, we naturally wonder:
Could this be the answer?
Could this help me feel better?
Could this help me feel more like myself again?
Why I Finally Decided to Buy a Collagen Supplement
I'm there right now.
Recently, menopause-related brain fog has made me feel like my brain has turned into a goldfish flipping around in its bowl. The aching joints have begun too.
So maybe a sachet or bottle of collagen might help?
I've spent months agonising over whether to buy into the collagen trend.
I listened to friends who genuinely felt better after taking collagen and creatine.
Eventually, I did it.
I bit the bullet and bought some.
I went to the BioCare website, clicked the button and made the purchase.
Why BioCare?
I tend to choose BioCare, Cytoplan and Pure supplements because they are practitioner-led brands that I have used and trusted for many years.
I'll be honest, I've never spent hours analysing their clinical trials or reading every available study. My trust comes from years of professional exposure and personal experience.
I chose not to buy brands such as Ancient + Brave, Absolute Collagen or Elevate, which are often promoted by high-profile influencers and celebrities.
That isn't because I think they're bad products.
It's simply because I naturally gravitate towards practitioner-led brands when it comes to supplements.
What the BBC Sliced Bread Podcast Says About Collagen
Ironically, as soon as my collagen products arrived, I discovered a BBC Radio 4 podcast Sliced Bread’s episode on collagen.
The programme investigates heavily marketed products and consumer trends to separate genuine innovation from marketing hype.
Naturally, I was intrigued.
Do collagen supplements really work?
What does the evidence say?
Are the studies worthwhile?
It was fascinating listening.
In fact, it left me wondering whether I should have spent my time making a big batch of bone broth instead of spending money on supplements.
Are Collagen Studies Reliable?
One of the key points discussed was that many collagen studies are funded by the companies producing the products.
That inevitably introduces some bias.
However, there is another side to the argument.
Nutritional supplements and beauty products are highly unlikely to receive government grants or large-scale public funding for research.
Quite rightly, significant research funding tends to be directed towards life-changing illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, motor neurone disease and many other serious health conditions.
As a result, supplement companies often have little choice but to fund their own research.
As a reflexologist, I understand this challenge.
Small studies have been conducted into reflexology for stress, hormone balance and menopause support. Some have shown positive outcomes, yet they are often dismissed because they involve relatively small participant groups and are self-funded.
One expert featured on the podcast made a point that really stayed with me:
The studies are not necessarily saying collagen doesn't work.
They are simply saying that the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw firm conclusions.
Can Collagen Supplements Improve Skin?
This was another interesting discussion.
If collagen supplements reduce wrinkles by a small amount, does that automatically make someone happier?
Is that enough?
Is that truly the result they were hoping for?
According to the podcast, bone broth was discussed as one dietary source of collagen.
The programme also highlighted that consuming collagen doesn't necessarily mean it will travel directly to your skin.
One skin expert interviewed during the episode suggested that the most effective ways to support healthy skin include:
• Daily sun protection
• Moisturising and supporting the skin barrier
• Topical retinols
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Botox for those who choose it
Collagen, Menopause and Healthy Ageing
One thing I genuinely believe is that most collagen products are created with good intentions.
From BioCare and Cytoplan to Ancient + Brave and other collagen brands, I don't believe companies are setting out to deceive women.
I believe they are responding to a very real need.
Women want to feel well.
Women want energy.
Women want healthy skin.
Women want vitality.
Women want to feel like themselves again.
And if there is something that may help, many of us are willing to invest in it.
So Where Does That Leave Me?
Honestly?
In much the same place I started.
I'm going to continue taking my collagen and creatine and see how I feel.
Perhaps I'll notice improvements in my joints, recovery, energy levels or brain fog.
Perhaps I won't.
What I do know is that lifestyle matters.
While navigating menopause, I am focusing on the things I know make a difference:
Eating nutrient-rich food.
Moving my body regularly.
Prioritising sleep.
Managing stress.
Doing things I enjoy.
Creating moments of calm.
Because what this journey has reminded me of is that there is rarely one magic solution.
There is rarely one supplement.
One cream.
One treatment.
One answer.
Real health and wellbeing are built through the small things we do consistently over time.
The Five Pillars of Health and Return to Radiance
The quality of our sleep.
How we nourish our bodies.
Movement and strength.
Managing stress.
Supporting our skin.
Creating moments to slow down and reconnect with ourselves.
These are the foundations that help us navigate menopause and midlife with more energy, confidence and vitality.
That's exactly why I created Return to Radiance.
Return to Radiance is my bespoke wellbeing programme designed for women who feel exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected or like they're running on empty.
Using my Five Pillars of Health, we look at the whole picture rather than searching for a single quick fix.
Together, we create simple, sustainable changes that support your energy, skin health, wellbeing and sense of self.
Because true radiance isn't found in a tub of collagen powder.
It begins with the way we care for ourselves every day.
I only open four spaces each month to ensure every woman receives personalised support.
If you'd like to find out more about Return to Radiance, I'd love to hear from you.
Let's have a conversation about where you are now, where you'd like to be, and how we can help you return to your natural radiance.
And as for me?
For now, I'll continue taking my collagen, drinking my tea, navigating menopause and focusing on the lifestyle habits that support my health, wellbeing and vitality every day.
