From joint health to muscle loss and sagging skin – new, clinically backed supplement you can add to food, drinks and bake with that you’ll want more of Over 25? Your collagen levels could be on the decline, yet new research shows how a quarter of Brits haven’t even heard of this essential protein which allows us to move, stand and live an active life.

The new study by Colnatur - makers of a new, evidence backed collagen supplement range - has found that only one third of those questioned believed collagen to actually be a protein and 23% reckon it’s a type of fat. Dr Nisa Aslam explains that collagen is a major building block for our muscles, tendons, skin, bones, hair and ligaments. “It holds all these things together in the body,” she adds, “however, from the age of 25, collagen production slows down at a rate of 1.5% a year, with the stores we already have deteriorating thanks to overuse, the menopause, sedentary lifestyles and environmental factors such as smoking and UV light.” Time for a collagen boost? It can be found in foods such as pork skin, bone broth, fish with skin on and chicken[1]. However, a scoop of Colnatur can provide a bigger boost, and bridge any dietary gaps, as it contains 10,000mg of hydrolysed collagen per serving. Public Health Nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire reveals that this is the most bioavailable collagen for the body, therefore providing the most benefits.

Over half of people surveyed by Colnatur said collagen was beneficial for skin health, yet it’s essential for so much more. Here’s why you need to start taking collagen... #1. To protect our skeleton Collagen constitutes almost 30% of all bone matter existing in the bone. So, when the bone’s collagen deteriorates, it can lead to weaker, less dense bones. In fact, the lower back is the number one area where Brits are bone pain.

Just under a third of people believe bone density decline to be something that occurs in their fifties.

However, as Dr Emma Derbyshire reveals, we reach peak bone mass in our mid-twenties and from the age of 40, our bone density declines. Plus, in women, changes in hormones during the menopause can lead to bone weakness. As well as including resistance training into your exercise regime, taking 10,000mg of New Colnatur Complex everyday can aid bone health thanks to containing:

• Vitamin C: helps contribute to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones

• Magnesium: helps contribute to the maintenance of normal bones

#2. To aid joint flexibility When it comes to joints the knee is the body part where Brits are most likely to feel pain. This is followed by the ankle and the lower back. Exercise helps with joint pain; however, many are dealing with general aches and pains which stop them from exercising in the first place. A shocking 21% of people say mobility and flexibility issues prevent them from simply walking! Reductions in joint discomfort caused by wear can be noticed between one and three months of taking

Colnatur. Try New Colnatur Turmeric, which also contains turmeric to aid joint health. #3. To boost muscle mass Collagen makes up 80% of the dry weight of tendons, ligaments and connective tissue associated with the muscles. So, losing collagen here can lead to sprains, muscle injuries and even tendinitis. Almost seven in ten in the Colnatur poll said they were aware that we lose muscle mass as we age, and whilst resistance training, yoga and Pilates can all help counteract this, nearly three quarters of people questioned said they would also take a collagen supplement if it helped build and repair muscles. Plus, over a third of Brits say they feel pain in their lower back muscles.

New Colnatur Sport is ideal for muscle care* and performance* as well as energy* (*protein contributes to a growth and maintenance of muscle mass. *Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function as well as helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue) and the reduction of cramps thanks to the mineral magnesium. Add a scoop to coffee in the morning for a collagen boost. COLNATUR® Complex is available in natural, vanilla and berry flavours. COLNATUR Complex contains:

• Vitamin C: which helps contribute to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones

• Magnesium: helps contribute to the maintenance of normal bone health and contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue

• Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass

COLNATUR Complex is scientifically formulated with 10g (10,000mg) of hydrolysed collagen per day and is great for those who want to keep active and exercise. It’s also ideal for skin health across the age groups and can help those who may feel tired at times thanks to containing magnesium. 30 days’ supply (330g), £26.99.

COLNATUR® Complex Turmeric is available in passionfruit flavour. It is ideal for joint health and muscle and bone health wellbeing. It’s scientifically formulated with 10g (10,000mg) hydrolysed collagen as well as 1.12g (1120mg) turmeric per day to aid flexibility. It is also enriched with vitamin C, magnesium and hyaluronic acid. 20 days’ supply (250g), £28.99. COLNATUR® Sport is available in natural and lemon flavours. It helps support muscle mass, *energy, *normal functioning and recovery of the muscles, * (*protein contributes to a growth and maintenance of muscle mass. *Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue) and also reduces the possibility of cramps thanks to the added magnesium. It is ideal for muscle strength and performance, particularly for sporty people or those wanting to keep active and exercise regularly. As well as 10g (10,000mg) hydrolysed collagen protein and magnesium, COLNATUR Sport contains amino acids (glycine, glutamine, arginine), manganese, zinc, vitamins B3, B2 and vitamin C. 30 days’ supply (330g), £28.99. The Colnatur range comes in a powder format. Just one 10,000mg scoop can be added to smoothies, juice, porridge, yogurts and even soups! It can even be thrown into bakes.