08/12/2025
In the quest for radiant skin, strong nails and healthy joints, many of us turn to collagen supplementation. As we age, our natural collagen production decreases, leading to visible signs of aging and potential joint discomfort. This is where collagen supplements come into play, offering a convenient way to replenish and support our body's collagen levels.
There's a vital yet often overlooked aspect of collagen supplementation: hydration. Proper hydration plays a pivotal role in maximizing the benefits of collagen supplementation. A study in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism emphasises the importance of adequate hydration for optimising nutrient absorption, including collagen.
Dehydration can exacerbate existing skin issues and joint discomfort. A study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that even mild dehydration can impair skin barrier function and lead to dryness and irritation. Dehydration may contribute to increased pain and discomfort, including headaches and musculoskeletal pain.
Here’s why drinking water is essential when supplementing with collagen:
Enhanced absorption:
Like many nutrients, collagen is best absorbed in a well-hydrated environment. When you drink an adequate amount of water, you support the transportation of nutrients throughout your body, including the collagen peptides from your supplements. This helps ensure that your body can effectively utilise the collagen you're providing it.
Maintaining skin elasticity:
Hydration is closely linked to skin health and elasticity. When your body is well-hydrated, your skin appears more plump, supple, and youthful. Collagen works hand in hand with hydration to support skin structure and moisture retention. By drinking enough water, you're helping your skin maintain its elasticity and youthful appearance, complementing the effects of collagen supplementation.
Joint health and flexibility:
Collagen supplements are often sought after for their potential to support joint function and reduce discomfort. However, without proper hydration, your joints may not reap the full benefits of collagen. Water helps lubricate the joints, cushioning them and supporting smooth movement. By staying hydrated, you can optimise the effects of collagen on joint health and mobility.
Preventing constipation:
Collagen can have a binding effect in the digestive tract, potentially slowing down the transit of food through the intestines. This could exacerbate the risk of constipation. Therefore, hydration plays a key role in maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
While it's tempting to rely on beverages like tea, coffee or alcohol for hydration, these fluids in excess can actually contribute to dehydration due to their diuretic effects. Instead, emphasising the consumption of pure water is essential for maintaining proper hydration levels and optimising the benefits of collagen supplementation.
ProHydrate+ is our own formulation meant to quickly and effectively combat dehydration. It keeps you and your family healthy and hydrated by combining 3 essential electrolytes, collagen, prebiotics and L-glutamine. This powerful blend contains no sugar or glucose, so won’t spike your sugar levels, and instead relies on the L-glutamine and collagen to repair your gut, ensuring you can absorb the three vital electrolytes properly. Combined with a prebiotic to feed the healthy gut bacteria, it gets to work restoring your body’s lost electrolytes quickly and effectively, helping you feel restored, revived and refreshed.
So, how much water should you drink when supplementing with collagen? While individual needs vary based on factors such as age, weight, activity level and climate, a general guideline is to aim for around 8-10 glasses of water per day. However, listen to your body, if you're feeling thirsty, drink up!
