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Collagen Loading Protocol for Best Results

By Jill Levy

February 21, 2024

Collagen protein is the most abundant type of protein in the human body. But once we reach our 30s and 40s, nearly all women and men produce less collagen. In fact, sometime after the age of 20, collagen production naturally begins to diminish (sometimes by up to 1 percent each year). That shortfall can really add up over the years.  

We can thank this process and lower levels of collagen for contributing to “normal signs of aging,” such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, as well as impacts to the hair, joints and the gut.

Meanwhile, many people, without being aware, are so-called “collagen bankrupt,” meaning their diets included hardly any of this valuable protein — and thus missing a significant way to support their joint, digestion and skin health. 

A “collagen loading protocol” can help people get back on track for collagen intake and boost those declining collagen levels.

What is collagen loading? As explained in more detail below, it’s when you consume up to three servings of collagen per day, most often from collagen powder or capsule supplements.

This approach can help people benefit from improved joint comfort and mobility, enhanced exercise recovery, healthy gut function, skin improvement and much more.

Of course, you should always consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any new dietary or lifestyle regimen, including collagen loading.

What Is Collagen Loading? Does It Work?

Collagen loading is a supplement plan that involves consuming collagen protein daily, usually about three servings of collagen powder or capsules, for a designated period of time.

Does collagen loading really work? Like any supplement or diet plan, it depends on the individual and their overall lifestyle. However, the addition of collagen to many people’s diets can go a long way in promoting joint, digestive and skin health.

Collagen is a unique protein because it’s brimming with certain amino acids that are not very abundant in proteins like meat or dairy, including glycine, proline and arginine.

The average person today doesn’t consume much collagen from their diet, if any at all. That’s because collagen is only available in very few foods, most notably bone broth (made with collagen-filled animal bones, connective tissues and skin), which is no longer a mainstay in the modern diet like it used to be centuries ago. 

This helps you to obtain an array of amino acids that your body requires for maintenance of healthy tissues that help form your gut lining, joints, cartilage, ligaments, skin, hair and nails.

Health Benefits

By now you’re starting to understand why collagen is so valuable. Here are other benefits associated with collagen supplements, particularly Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein powders or capsules, taken as part of a collagen loading protocol:

• Provides support for healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, and gut

• Reduces joint discomfort and helps joints recover faster

• Supports exercise recovery

• Promotes healthy hair thickness and growth, and reduces hair breakage

• Improves the appearance of crow’s feet after 4 weeks of use

• Reduces knee stiffness at 7 days of use

Meanwhile, Multi Collagen Advanced is the new collagen line with supplements that also help one lose weight and fat, gain muscle and strength, and even rapidly hydrate and promote healthy detoxification.

Collagen Loading Protocol

Ready to get started? Here’s an example of how to follow a collagen loading protocol:

How much collagen to take?

Consume 1 to 3 servings of collagen protein each day, aiming for 3, if possible. 

For reference, a serving of Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein powder is 1 scoop or for Multi Collagen Capsules is 3 capsules (see below to find out more about these products).

And one serving of Multi Collagen Advanced Lean powder is 1 scoop or for Multi Collagen Advanced Lean capsules is 3 capsules.

Can you take these supplements together? Absolutely. For example, you may choose to have one serving of Multi Collagen Protein powder in your morning coffee, a serving of Multi Collagen Advanced Lean powder in your post-workout smoothie and then take 3 capsules of either with your dinner.

How often to use collagen?

Take 1 to 3 servings of collagen powder or capsules every day. A general recommendation for adults is to take 1 scoop of collagen powder per day with 8 ounces of your favorite hot or cold beverage one to three times per day. (Not that there's different flavors of Multi Collagen Protein powders.)

Try stirring or blending it (a frother can work wonders) into your daily coffee or smoothie, or adding some to pancakes, oatmeal or cookies for a boost in collagen protein. You may also choose to use Multi Collagen Advanced Hydrate powder (lemon lime or mixed berry flavor) in your cold water to boost your skin and body hydration.

For how long to collagen load?

Generally speaking, collagen loading can last for about one to two months (at least 30 days). This is typically enough time to start seeing results, such as improvements in joint comfort and your skin’s appearance.

Even though 30 days of collagen loading is a great goal, you will likely start seeing results even sooner, such as after one to two weeks of use when it comes to joint comfort.

What to do afterwards (maintenance regimen)?

How often can you collagen load? You can continue taking collagen daily for as long as you want, per the suggested use on the label. After loading up on it for a month or two, take a break for at least a couple months. Afterwards, consult your healthcare professional once again, if you wish to collagen load in the future.  

Because collagen is typically easy to digest and generally well tolerated, you can continue to consume daily and according to product use directions. For the best results, use collagen supplements along with a healthy diet that includes protein from other sources, plus plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well as a healthy lifestyle. 

Best Collagen Products

Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein products provide you with a whopping 10 types of collagen from four real food sources. This is the best way to provide a broad spectrum of collagen benefits, since each type has its own function in the body.

Ancient Nutrition is the only leading collagen brand on the market currently made with a proprietary fermented collagen ingredient backed by human clinical studies, proven to provide real results as early as day one after you start using them!

This collagen formula is also enhanced with clinically-studied ingredients like 100 percent of your daily value (DV) of vitamin C, as well as 2 billion CFU* (*at time of manufacture) of a probiotic. These ingredients are added to support absorption and for extra support for a healthy immune system, gut health and digestion. 

Multi Collagen Protein comes in a variety of superfood formulas designed for specific interests (like joint support, gut support and more). You can choose to either take them as a powder or capsule form.

Ancient Nutrition now also offers another line of collagen: Multi Collagen Advanced. It's packed with 10 types of collagen from 10 food-based sources, including six premium grass-fed organs as well as a unique, clinically studied blend of superfood ingredients.

The 10 food-based sources in the Multi Collagen Advanced line creates an unbeatable list of benefits. These breakthrough formulas of the Multi Collagen Advanced products include the incredible benefits of collagen (like fewer visible crow’s feet, strong hair and nails, flexible joints, and a healthy gut) plus added functional ingredients designed to help you burn fat, lose weight, build muscle, detox and hydrate.

Shop the Multi Collagen Advanced line here.