Collagen. We hear this word more and more on a daily basis. In conversations with friends, in health and beauty magazines. Is this the “new” buzz in the supplement industry? Should everybody be taking it? And is this the solution to halting ageing in its tracks? Dr Burt Jooste provides some insight…

Collagen is the single most abundant protein produced in our bodies. There are at least 16 types of collagen, but 80-90% of the collagen in our bodies consist of Type I, II & III.

Type I – Up to 90% of the collagen in our bodies is Type I. This is mainly found in the skin, bone, teeth, blood vessels and scar tissue
Type II – Found in cartilage
Type III –Found in structures of muscles, organs & blood vessels

These collagen molecules are packed together to form long thin fibrils of similar structure. The best way to describe this is to think of collagen as the supporting structure in all our connective tissue, in much the same way as the steel rods used in the building of massive skyscrapers before concrete is cast over it to strengthen its foundation.

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Now, when we’re young, these fibrils are tight and strong, but unfortunately as we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, ultimately resulting in our skin not only becoming wrinkled and saggy, but our cartilages and tendons weakening as well.

Indeed, some studies have shown that we start losing our collagen at a rate of 1% per year from the age of 30. This is why we need to supplement collagen in order to ensure these structures stay strong and continue to provide optimal support in our bodies.

Introducing GOLD COLLAGEN

One of the new offerings that I am particularly excited about is GOLD COLLAGEN. This is an extremely well researched product made in Japan, which consists mainly of Type I hydrolysed collagen (2500mg/serving).

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GOLD COLLAGEN contains a unique blend of 11 different ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and antioxidants (all of which are essential for the synthesis of collagen). It doesn’t contain any sugars, artificial sweeteners, gluten or artificial colours, which I believe further supports the quality of the product. It is also Kosher and Halaal, so is safe to be used for people of all religions.

Research findings

A UK study that was done on 108 volunteers taking the equivalent of 2 servings of GOLD COLLAGEN daily showed a 12% increase in skin hydration after 3 weeks, 27% decrease in the appearance of deep wrinkles after 6 weeks, and a 20% increase in skin elasticity after 9 weeks. A further study done in Italy on 180 subjects taking GOLD COLLAGEN for 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in skin ageing signs relating to a reduction of skin mottled pigmentation, as well as a reduction of irregular age-related keratinocyte structure.

Take home message

If you are going to supplement collagen on an ongoing basis, it is of the upmost importance that you take the highest quality, most bioavailable form of collagen – one that is enriched with all the essential precursors to sustain its action over the long term.

This article was commissioned by Evolution Cosmetic on behalf of Gold Collagen South Africa. For more information, visit www.evolutioncosmetic.co.za and www.goldcollagen.co.za

Written by Dr Burt Jooste

Dr Burt Jooste

MBChB (MED), B Comm (HTM) UP, Adv Dip Aest Med (Cum Laude) FPD, Cert Microsurgery (MED)

General practitioner with a special interest in integrative medicine
Founder of Longevity Centre, Aesthetic and Integrative Medicine www.longevitycentre.co.za
Certified in Microsurgery
Member of AAMSSA (Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa) www.aestheticdoctors.co.za
Member of SASIM (South African Society of Integrative Medicine) www.integrativemedicine.co.za
Currently busy with his Masters in Anti-Aging Medicine through A4M

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Rochelle Friedman

Aesthetic Appointment | Website

Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.