How is the effectiveness of collagens checked?
The effectiveness of the action is not verified by laboratory analyses, but by placebo-controlled clinical research on humans. In our products, you can only find patented hydrolyzed collagens, the effectiveness of which has been proven by such research.
Is the performance of collagens based on the subjective evaluations of test subjects or evaluators?
No. In clinical research, internationally recognized instrumental methods of analysis are used, which are also in use in the dermatology profession.
How is the content and size of peptides in collagens checked?
This cannot be reliably determined by outdated and imprecise methods such as classical gel electrophoresis, but a standardized and validated HPSEC (high performance size exclusion chromatography) method is used, which can be used to accurately determine the size and amount of peptides. Proper sample preparation is also important, as other components in the product may later interfere with detection.
Are the incoming ingredients of the products also checked and controlled?
All incoming ingredients are thoroughly analyzed and confirmed only if they meet specifications, ensuring performance according to clinical research.
How much collagen should be consumed to achieve the effects?
To achieve the effects, it is necessary to consume as much collagen as was consumed by test subjects in clinical research, where a beneficial effect was demonstrated. This varies for different proprietary collagens, but in principle the beneficial effects are seen at a daily dose of 2.5 g to 10 g of hydrolyzed collagen, regardless of the source (fish or beef) or the original type of collagen (I, II or III).
Which patented ingredients do Medex collagens contain?
We use exclusively patented collagens in all our products. In the products Collagen lift in liquid 300 ml and Collagen lift in powder 120 g, we use hydrolyzed fish collagen Naticol®, in the product Collagen lift vials 10x9 ml hydrolyzed beef collagen Verisol®, in the product Collagen + vitamin C hydrolyzed beef collagen Peptiplus®, in the product Collagen flex hydrolyzed bovine collagen Fortigel®. Collagen Q+ capsules do not use hydrolyzed collagen, but native Ovoderm® collagen from the eggshell membrane, which has a different mechanism of action, so the daily doses are much lower (300 mg).
What should be the particle size of hydrolyzed collagen for it to work?
In most clinical studies that have demonstrated beneficial effects, hydrolyzed collagen of 2 to 4 kDa (kilo Dalton) size has been used. This is also the size of the collagen particles in our products.
Is it true that larger collagen particles don't work?
Larger particles of hydrolyzed collagen have not been shown to perform as well in clinical studies as particles of 2 to 4 kDa. But if we talk about native, t. j. non-hydrolyzed collagen, this is not true. Such collagen is much larger (more than 300 kDa), as it is not degraded, its mechanism of action is different, and its beneficial effects on the skin and cartilage are also proven by clinical research. So, with hydrolyzed collagen, only smaller particles actually work, while with native collagen, the size does not matter, as it is not degraded.
Why would collagen have an effect on hair and nails, if they do not contain collagen, but keratin?
Hair and nails are not really made of collagen, but grow out of the skin, which does contain collagen. Eating collagen will not affect the structure of your hair and nails, but it will affect the firmness at the point of growth, which is shown in clinical research as a more lush and firm scalp, a reduction in hair loss, and stronger and less brittle nails.
Can I take Collagen Q+ and Ceramide together?
You can. Collagen Q+ in capsules and Ceramides have added zinc. The acceptable upper limit for zinc is 25mg/day (from all sources total, including food). By consuming Collagen Q+ and Ceramides at the same time, you consume 15 mg of zinc per day, and with a healthy diet, you consume an average of 10 mg per day. So a total of 25 mg, as much as the upper limit. However, for long-term use, we would recommend combining Ceramides with Collagen lift products.
Should recreational athletes supplement with collagen?
Athletes put additional stress on the joints with their activities, so it is good to consider the preventive addition of collagen, which helps build and repair muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, which are more exposed during exercise. An excellent choice for recreational athletes would be Collagen flex.
Which collagen should I choose to improve age-related changes?
You can adjust the choice of collagen depending on which age-related changes you want to influence.
For a youthful look - Collagen Lift
For easy movement - Collagen Flex
For overall performance - Collagen Q+
Why does the Collagen lift liquid contain preservatives?
Liquids that contain a lot of water are more sensitive to microbiological deterioration, which is why preservatives in this product are necessary. All liquid nutritional supplements contain one type of preservative to keep them stable throughout their shelf life. The most commonly used preservatives in liquids are salts of sorbic and benzoic acids. Both are also present in natural substances.
Benzoic acid e.g. it is naturally present in smaller quantities in most fruits, mushrooms, cinnamon and fermented dairy products, and in larger quantities it is found in some types of berries, especially cranberries and blueberries. It prevents the growth and reproduction of molds and yeasts and some types of pathogenic bacteria. In order to prevent any microbiological damage, Collagen Lift is also added to the liquid. With one daily dose of Collagen Lift, you consume as much benzoic acid as e.g. with 50 g of cranberries.
Certainly, any substance can be harmful if consumed in excessive amounts. The recommended daily dose is 20 ml of Collagen Lift, and in this amount the mentioned preservatives are really very little, so it does not harm health in any way and does not pose a risk to the consumer. In any case, we always recommend that you adhere to the recommended daily amount and the general principles of healthy eating when consuming nutritional supplements.
What should I add to collagen to improve absorption?
The collagen and elastin in the Collagen Lift liquid contain small particles with a low molecular weight that are perfectly absorbed by the body (collagen 2 kDa and elastin 1.4 kDa). Studies on the effectiveness of hydrolyzed collagen have shown that the particles of hydrolyzed collagen are perfectly absorbed, pass partially undamaged through the intestinal wall, into the bloodstream and stimulate the synthesis of your own collagen.
Is collagen from fish more effective than collagen from beef?
No. Collagen is most often obtained from beef or fish skin. Collagen is a universal molecule and occurs in all animals in a very similar amino acid composition, as it always has a similar role; it is the elasticity and flexibility of the tissues. Absorption does not depend on the source of collagen, but rather on the size of the molecules. Collagens in nutritional supplements, which stimulate the formation of collagen in the body, are distinguished by their amino acid composition, the quality of the collagen peptides and their molecular weight.
Does collagen help with atopic dermatitis?
Dietary supplements are just food supplements that replace what we don't get enough of with our regular diet. Therefore, they can help to improve the condition, but they are not a cure. In recent years, there has been convincing research showing that atopic dermatitis is associated with abnormalities in the skin barrier, which allows irritants and bacteria to easily enter the skin and cause inflammation, while also allowing the skin to become dehydrated. Signs can be alleviated by establishing a good skin barrier, and consuming Ceramides and collagen can also help.
Can I take Collagen Q+ instead of Collagen Lift in liquid when traveling?
Collagen Q+ is not an exchange for Collagen lift, because it is a different type of collagen and a different function. So, if you are going on a trip and the bottle format is not practical for you, you can take Collagen lift bags or vials with you. The only important thing is that you continue taking hydrolyzed collagen.
Can I consume Collagen Q+ or Collagen lift in liquid during pregnancy?
Before starting to take any nutritional supplement that is not directly intended for pregnant women, we advise you to consult a doctor or gynecologist. We would recommend Collagen powder with added vitamin C to pregnant women because it does not contain preservatives and other added vitamins.
Is collagen with added vitamins inferior?
No. If vitamins are added to the collagen in appropriate daily doses, which further stimulate the formation of collagen or otherwise affect the quality of nails, hair or skin, this is an added value of the product. On the other hand, if the collagen product does not contain vitamins, this is not a weakness. The most important thing is that the collagen you consume has proven effects at the recommended daily dose, which are also confirmed by studies.
What is the difference between elastin and collagen?
Collagen and elastin are proteins produced by a cell called a fibroblast in the papillary dermis (the deeper layer of the skin). Together, they give our skin strength, structure and support. Collagen gives the skin strength, but it is elastin that allows it to return to its shape when we make different facial expressions and grimaces. Elastin allows the skin to be elastic, flexible and firm, while collagen takes care of its fullness, hydration and smoothness. Therefore, these two proteins go hand in hand. Elastin gives the skin its ability to stretch - and more importantly, to always return to its original shape.
The collagen lift in the liquid has a daily dose of 5000 mg of collagen, while the daily dose of Collagen Q+ is only 66 mg of collagen. Isn't that too low a dose for the promised results??
Collagen Q+ in the capsule contains a different type of collagen than Collagen Lift in liquid. The capsules contain native collagen that is not hydrolyzed and has a different mechanism of action. Native collagen differs from hydrolyzed collagen in that it is not degraded and is present as a tangle of collagen fibers, as it occurs naturally in the skin. The mechanism of action is completely different from hydrolyzed collagen, as it does not work through the absorption of collagen particles, but through the response of the immune system upon binding to specialized cells in the intestine, which leads to the development of so-called oral tolerance. The development of oral tolerance to collagen thus contributes to the reduction of the reactivity of the immune system to its own collagen and thus inhibits its degradation. Studies have confirmed that even lower doses of native collagen, from 0.5 mg to 40 mg, are effective in improving skin condition and joint health.
If you are still not sure which collagen would be suitable for you or if you have any additional questions, we are available to you on all our digital channels and contacts.
