Collagen
What is collagen.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for approximately 30% of total protein content. It provides structural support to skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue.
In the skin specifically, collagen comprises roughly 75 to 80% of the dry weight. It forms a dense network in the dermis, the structural layer beneath the epidermis, providing firmness, elasticity, and hydration. When this network weakens, the visible result is fine lines, sagging, and reduced skin resilience.
Why collagen declines.
From the mid-twenties, the body’s natural collagen production begins to decline at an estimated rate of 1 to 1.5% per year.
The decline is accelerated by UV exposure, smoking, high sugar intake, chronic stress, and poor sleep. That decline also accelerates after menopause.
This decline is not cosmetic alone. Collagen loss affects joint flexibility, bone density, gut lining integrity, and cardiovascular structure. Skin changes are the most visible marker of a systemic process.
Types of collagen.
The human body contains at least 28 identified types of collagen. Three account for the vast majority of collagen in the body:
| Type | % of body collagen | Primary location | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | ~90% | Skin, bone, tendon, ligament, teeth | Structural strength and skin firmness |
| Type II | ~10% | Cartilage, vitreous humour | Cushioning and joint flexibility |
| Type III | ~5 to 10% | Skin, blood vessels, organs | Skin elasticity and vascular structure |
For skin health, Type I and Type III are the most relevant. Type I provides tensile strength. Type III provides elasticity. Both decline with age.
Marine vs bovine collagen.
The two most common supplemental collagen sources are marine (fish) and bovine (cattle). They differ in collagen type, molecular weight, and environmental profile.
| Factor | Marine collagen | Bovine collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Primary types | Type I and Type III | Type I and Type II |
| Source | Fish skin and scales | Cattle hide and bone |
| Molecular weight | Lower (~3,000 to 5,000 Da) | Higher (~5,000 to 300,000 Da) |
| Skin relevance | Direct match. Type I and III are primary skin collagens | Partial match. Type II is primarily cartilage |
| Common use case | Skin, hair, nails | Joints, gut, general |
| Allergen | Fish | None (unless dairy cross-contamination) |
| Halal/Kosher | Generally compliant (fish source) | Requires specific certification |
Marine collagen’s advantage for skin applications is the combination of relevant collagen types (I and III) and a low molecular weight, which yields smaller peptide chains.
Hydrolysed collagen peptides.
Raw collagen is a large, insoluble protein. Hydrolysis is the process of breaking collagen into smaller peptide chains using enzymes or controlled heat. The resulting hydrolysed collagen peptides are typically 2,000 to 5,000 Daltons in molecular weight. Small enough to be absorbed through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.
Not all hydrolysed collagen is equal. The degree of hydrolysis, source material, and peptide profile all affect efficacy. Marine-derived peptides tend to have lower molecular weights and a narrower peptide distribution.
Dose and efficacy.
The dose of collagen per serving is one of the most important variables in supplementation efficacy. Published studies on skin health have used the following dose ranges:
| Dose range | Study findings | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2,500 to 5,000mg | Some improvement in skin hydration; limited elasticity data | 8 to 12 weeks |
| 5,000 to 10,000mg | Measurable improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle depth | 8 to 12 weeks |
| 10,000 to 15,000mg | Exceeds the doses used in published skin research; 15,000mg has not been separately studied in a clinical trial | n/a |
Most collagen supplements on the UK market deliver 3,000 to 5,000mg per serving. Products at the lower end of this range may support general collagen maintenance but fall below the doses associated with measurable skin improvement in published research.
Aura delivers 15,000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen per 25ml shot. More than any dose used in published skin research. This dose was chosen to maximise efficacy within a single daily serving.
The supporting nutrients.
Collagen synthesis in the body requires specific co-factors. Without adequate levels of these nutrients, ingested collagen peptides cannot be efficiently utilised. The following play direct roles:
| Nutrient | Authorised claim |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin |
| Zinc | Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails |
| Biotin | Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair |
| Vitamin A | Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin |
| Vitamin D3 | Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system |
| Selenium | Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails |
| Vitamin K2 | Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones |
| Pantothenic acid | Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance |
A collagen supplement without adequate supporting nutrients provides raw material without the tools the body needs to use it. The formulation approach matters as much as the dose.
EFSA-authorised claims.
All health claims referenced on this website are authorised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The specific language used, “contributes to”, “supports”, “maintains”, reflects the legally required phrasing for food supplement claims in the UK and EU.
Collagen itself does not currently have an approved EFSA health claim. The claims made relate to the vitamins and minerals included in the formula (Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, Biotin contributes to maintenance of normal skin, etc.).
This is a food supplement. It is not a medicine. It should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.