'Ageing is inevitable, but we can make it seamless' - a doctor reveals how collagen can help you find hormonal harmony

Collagen supplements, from drinks to powders, are experiencing something of a boom amongst midlife women - and no wonder.

It's widely known that collagen levels naturally drop from age 20 onwards, with a sharp decline from age 50. And, even more compellingly, a recent large-scale independent collagen study found that supplementation does benefit skin elasticity and hydration.

If you're taking collagen and keen to know more, or perhaps you are interested in starting your collagen journey, we've got some exclusive insights for you. At the woman&home 100th anniversary Editor's Lunch, editor-in-chief Hannah Fernando sat down with clinical and holistic GP and brand ambassador of Gold Collagen, Dr Vidhi, who revealed how collagen supplementation could help you find hormonal harmony.

Dr Vidhi's collagen supplement masterclass

In front of a live audience, Dr Vidhi began by detailing an all-too-common scenario for midlife women: "We nurture, we give, we help, we support, which is great, but you can't pour from an empty glass."

Going on to explain exactly what makes Gold Collagen different from its competitors in a crowded market - and how that relates to refilling your own cup, Dr Vidhi says, "We are the only ones in the industry in the collagen category that do clinical trials to prove what we say. So collagen - not just skin, hair and nails, but moods, sleep, joints, hormones, longevity - everything works brilliantly when collagen is in harmony with your body."

What's in the formula?

Discussing Gold Collagen's latest launch, Forte Liquid, Hannah begins, "I have hormonal teenagers. I'm arguably perimenopausal. How can it help?"

"I'm so glad that you spoke about it," says Dr Vidhi, "It's not taboo. It's a great thing. It's a chapter in life. But the fact that it works very harmoniously with the hormones is the presence of six very good antioxidants. 8,000 milligrams of marine collagen is the frontline ingredient."

In her mini collagen masterclass, Dr Vidhi also explained how it's not simply what goes into a supplement that counts, but the way it's formulated, too. "The quality matters, as I said. Its efficacy, low molecular weight, the collagen peptides are broken down in a way where you absorb them right from the saliva in the mouth."

Going into detail about the antioxidant-rich ingredients included in Forte, she lists "acai berries, koji berries, coq10, lycopene from tomatoes, resveratrol from red grapes. It's a recipe. It's 20 actives plus the collagen. Not just collagen."

Should everyone take collagen?

Wondering if collagen is a must for absolutely every woman? According to Dr Vidhi, as our natural levels start to drop, we could all benefit. "Ageing is inevitable, but we can make it seamless, graceful," she explains. "We don't have to suffer. And if we have the means to [take collagen supplements], why not?"

"We just don't need it for skin. We need it for joints. We need it for the back. We need it for hair. We need it for the eyes... It's an investment in your body right now."

How often should you take a collagen supplement?

"I get a little bit concerned about how much I should be taking," confesses Hannah, to which Dr Vidhi replies, "One bottle if you're taking the bottle or if you're taking a sachet, one sachet. You just need one a day."

"And it absorbs through the mouth itself right away," Dr Vidhi continues, "You don't have to dilute them, you don't have to mix and worry about it because it's not a powder, it's liquid. So you just literally drink it."

To conclude, Dr Vidhi shared some words of wisdom with Hannah and the audience at the woman&home Editor's lunch, "I always say invest in your body, eat good foods, invest in good supplements. The rest will show. It is 100% going to show." We couldn't agree more.

To keep the centenary celebrations going, we’ve teamed up with GOLD COLLAGEN® to give you an exclusive 30% off your order.

Use code WH30 at checkout to upgrade your daily routine for less.

Offer valid for a limited time only. Enter code WH30 at checkout to redeem.