Opinion: Annelie Whitfield on collagen for wellbeing
The word ‘collagen’ comes from a Greek word ‘Kolla’ meaning glue, asserting the fundamental role it plays in holding us together. It is our most abundant protein and has become widely regarded in the beauty world as a magic bullet for creating youthful, smootherappearing skin and strengthened hair.
It's a key ingredient in expensive face creams and serums but the evidence now shows that if you really want to support your passengers' wellbeing, you should be offering them ways to take it internally as this is what really improves the skin, cuts bodily inflammation and improves health, delivering improvements in both mental and physical wellbeing.
Modern lifestyles mean we rarely access collagen’s benefits from food as we do not typically use the bone marrow, which holds the collagen. However collagen supplements are packed with amino acids, most importantly glycine, which help build healthy DNA and RNA strands (our genetic building blocks) and which can increase prefrontal cortex serotonin, reducing stress and anxiety. Glycine can also affect neurotransmitters in a way that promotes better quality sleep and reduces fatigue the following day. It also supports a healthier digestive system due its soothing properties and ability to regulate stomach acid production.
Collagen also contains arginine, which works alongside glycine to help produce creatine, which increases physical performance and supports the tendons and ligaments.
Other key amino acids in collagen include proline and hydroxyproline, which assist the body’s own collagen production and are recognised as enhancing skin complexions.
Looking for onboard wellbeing products that actually work? Naturopathic nutritionist
Annelie Whitfield explains why collagen is the ingredient to
watch out for
Flag up your commitment to passenger wellbeing in a new and innovative way
- with collagen
Choose carefully
One dose may not transform a user's life but offering a collagen option can flag up your commitment to passenger wellbeing in a new and innovative way. Look for pasture raised or grass-fed bovine collagen, or wild caught marine sources which are superior, and they should be hydrolysed for greater absorbability. Hydrolysed collagen is mostly odourless and tasteless so it can easily be added to hot and cold drinks. A dosage between three to ten grams a day has shown to have clinical results – therefore choosing a collagen in powder form makes it easier to achieve a higher dosage.
For ethical sourcing, look for sustainability credentials with no artificial ingredients or fillers added to the collagen.