Does ingestible collagen really work? My quick answer is yes, if you understand the distinction of hydrolyzed collagen – also known as collagen hydrolysate, collagen peptide, gelatine, gelatine hydrolysate or hydrolyzed gelatine – in which individual collagen strands have been hydrolyzed using heat and either acid or alkali solutions.
Hydrolyzed collagen is produced from collagen found in the bones, skin, and connective tissue of animals such as cattle, fish, horses, pigs, and rabbits. on the ingestible collagen bandwagon. In Japan and Taiwan, collagen is often added to noodles, soups, fondue pots and even marshmallows.
Collagen, the second most abundant substance in our body, is the protein glue that holds our bodies together, as well as the building block of our tissues. As much as 75% of our skin, over 90% of our ligaments and tendons, 35% of our bones are made of collagen. We drink water as it is a huge part of our body composition, and in the same vein, collagen ingestion may help the body’s collagen formation as a whole.
Here’s a scary thought: in our mid-twenties our collagen production will begin to decrease at a rate of 2% a year, and we would have lost over half the amount of collagen in our bodies by our 50s when the natural collagen production ceases altogether. The clearest signs of this cessation include wrinkles, sagging skin, finer hair, joint pain or joint degeneration.
Pep talk aside, I’ve personally tried many brands and types of collagen products. The main concern of youths, or anyone in their 20s and 30s, is not the need for intake per se, but rather where and how to purchase collagen from a trustworthy source.
Well, one particular brand caught my eye of late, and that is Vida Glow.
I’ve been trying out 2 of its sassy flavours for a week now: the natural marine collagen (left, in turquoise), and the peach-flavoured collagen (right, in pink), and though there aren’t any “omg she’s glowing!” and other immediately obvious effects, my face probably doesn’t get as dry and crack-ly under prolonged exposure to air-conditioning. Plus the additional collagen intake gives me a peace of mind.
Vida essentially means life and with every serving the brand aims to give consumers a little extra “life glow”. While based in Australia, all of Vida Glow’s collagen products are “Made in Japan”, and are marked with the highest grading form of pure marine collagen available. For assurance, Vida Glow ensures that every product batch is tested by an independent NATA accredited laboratory in Sydney, Australia, for quality and safety.
Why I choose Vida Glow:
- Aesthetics:
Vida Glow has done right in the aesthetics department. Its bold, clean packaging and cotton candy colours projects a youthful, trendy image which I love. Helps a lot that the pop-coloured sachets make me happy as I’m stirring its contents into my coffee. - Convenience:
– Being individually packed, it is incredibly convenient to pop a sachet into my morning coffee, and to leave a couple of sachets sticks in my handbag and desk to include in my lunch or midday tea - Taste:
– Honestly, the peach-flavoured sachet taste so good on its own. You know how collagen from renowned brands (even Meiji) has this overwhelmingly strong fishy taste? Whilst Vida Glow’s marine collagen is not completely devoid of that funky deep-sea odour, it is tonnes less unpleasant on the olfactory senses. And the smell can be rather entirely masked when mixed in strong tea or milkshake. - Safety:
Vida Glow only produces 100% natural products that contain no artificial flavours, colours, additives or preservatives. It is also free from wheat, gluten, allergens, soy, lactose, dairy, sugar, carbohydrates and fat. Their flavoured collagen powders contain natural fruit flavours and also come with the added goodness of vitamins for extra doses of antioxidants. What’s not to love? If this alleviates any worries, stringent laboratory tests ensure that Vida Glow collagen is free from toxins, heavy metals, and pollution. - Variety:
– Vida Glow boasts 4 delicious collagen blend flavours. I’ve tried the peach-flavoured one, and it mixes very well with porridge, yoghurt and soup at lunch or dinner. Yes, the blend is pretty heat-stable too. I love my peach-flavoured collagen in smoothies, shakes and fruit juices! If ever I do try other flavours, I’ll let you know how they taste like.
Vida Glow Peach Marine Collagen
In this section, I’ll share a little bit more on each flavour. As mentioned earlier, I loved the natural Peach flavour, made with natural Peach Juice powder. On its own, peaches are rich in phytochemicals called phenols that act as antioxidants. This peach-flavoured powder also comes with added Vitamin C and Green Tea extract for an extra dose of antioxidants which are essential for healthy hair, skin and nails and protection against cell damage!
90% of the time I never leave the house without some form of sun protection on my face, to guard against pre-mature skin ageing. From what I understand, photo ageing happens when damage from UV rays affect skin cell function, usually reflected in rougher, drier, wrinkled and less elastic skin. Ageing is accelerated by the sun’s UV rays which speeds up free radical production while at the same time depletes antioxidants.
The antioxidants boost in Vida Glow drinks will aid in counteracting free radical activity, just as Vitamins A and C (though minimal and inadequate in a single Vida Glow peach sachet) which are both found in peaches, are notable in protecting and hydrating the skin. In addition to daily collagen supplements, a diet rich in Vitamin C helps develop resistance against infectious agents, assisting in stronger immune health. Which is why Vida Glow is a helpful and convenient daily supplement to a healthy and beauty-conscious diet.
Could fit 10 of this in my travel purses! I won’t need to fret over inadequate nutrition on my holidays.
Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen
Vida Glow’s natural marine collagen is a fibrous protein extracted from the scales of Deep Sea Red Snapper, sustainably sourced from the Western Central Pacific Ocean waters of Australasia. Whilst the other collagen powders are enhanced with natural fruit flavours, I concur that the natural marine collagen smells a tad fishier. Given a choice, I’d definitely go for flavoured collagen.
I must add: the turquoise-emerald-coloured sachets are a real eye-candy!
Marine collagen is usually derived from fish and can be extracted from the scale or skin; Vida Glow uses the scale as it is richer in nutrients and collagen protein. Japanese women have used marine collagen as secret weapon for youthful radiance for many years, and the studies showing the benefits of taking marine collagen are plentiful. And I’m a sucker for that stuff.
Being a 100% natural product, Original Vida Glow marine collagen contains no artificial flavours, colours, additives or preservatives. It is also free from wheat, gluten, allergens, soy, lactose, dairy, sugar, carbohydrates and fat. Au naturale – I totally dig that.
The marine collagen is of low molecular weight hydrolysed collagen powder, making it easy to digest and absorb. The rate at which these powders get absorbed into my smoothies and coffees are very convincing indeed. Research compounds this belief that consumable collagen has a higher bioavailability and absorption rate, and when regularly ingested over long periods of time, collagen fibres are formed to strengthen the collagen matrix below the dermis, the inner layer of the skin.
It’s easy to understand why the Original Vida Glow remains the favourite in Vida Glow’s range as it’s the most convenient to include into your daily diet with the majority of their customers reporting no taste or smell, making it ideal to stir into any food or drinks. I guess I may have more sensitive taste buds – which is fine! As Vida Glow’s flavoured marine collagen options are just perfect for me.
I just love how their range of collagen powders come in such funky, pop colours ♥
The wooden tubes are so fun and instagrammable!
Psst… For all my dearest readers, I’m sharing this beauty secret with you via an exclusive code.
Quote “VIKTORIA10” for 10% off your purchase of any collagen products from Vida Glow ♥
Who’s with me? I’m including collagen into my daily diet to prolong longevity of youthful hair, skin and nails. Even if scientific studies have been inconclusive as proof of its obvious efficacy, boosting your body’s essential composition will not go wrong.
Have a Vida Glow-ing day today!
xoxo,
Viktoria Jean
About Vida Glow
Vida Glow offers a range of natural supplements that nourish hair, skin and nails from within. Our marine collagen is pure hydrolysed collagen peptide and comes in powder form, making it incredibly easy to stir into your favourite food or drink.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, amounting up to 70%. Until our mid-twenties, our bodies naturally produce collagen. As this production slows and eventually stops completely, we begin to see the effects of ageing. Replenishing collagen levels will help increase the building blocks that maintain our hair, skin and nails.
Including Vida Glow in your daily diet will help stimulate your body’s natural supply of collagen, increasing elasticity, hydration and firmness in your skin, as well as repairing weak or brittle nails. Vida Glow assists in the growth and strengthening of your hair, adding extra shine and helping rejuvenate dry or damaged hair.
Collagen is a protein that is vital to maintaining healthy muscles and connective tissues. Therefore your tendons, ligaments and cartilage greatly benefit from taking Vida Glow marine collagen, notably preserving joint and bone health and encouraging muscle toning and definition.
Vida Glow will also assist with dealing with daily stresses of toxins, late nights, poor diet, sun damage and harsh environments.
Vida means life and with every servings the aim is to give you with a little extra “life glow”.
Viktoria Jean 
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