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A lot of us are looking for ways to improve our health and well-being and taking supplements is definitely one of the popular ways. Quite frankly as a pescatarian who trains about 4 to 5 times a week, I’m always feeling a little behind in terms of getting a fully well-balanced diet so I turn to supplements and have been doing so for many years. As we age, our natural collagen is going through a slow decline, collagen supplements may come in handy. I looked into that for a while but finding one that’s suitable for pescatarians as well as easy to use can be tricky. When yourzooki reached out to me and offered me the chance to try out a few samples, I gladly accepted, since I enjoyed them, they sent me a few boxes so I could really test them out and see the benefits. It’s now been 6 weeks since I started these and am ready to talk about them.
What’s Collagen Zooki?
Each sachet of Collagen Zooki contains 5000mg of Hydrolysed, Marine Collagen wrapped in “Liposomes” and 30mg of Vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, cartilage, bones, gums and teeth.
What’s marine collagen?
Marine collagen, derived from the skin, bones, and scales of fish is rich in “type 1” collagen – the most abundant form of collagen within the body. It has the most efficient absorption level compared to any other collagen type. But wait, what’s Type 1 collagen I hear you ask? There’re many types of collagen, type 1, 2 and 3 are the main ones. Type 1 and 3 are very similar and they are full of amino acids (proteins) and may support skin, muscles, bone health, and hair and nail growth and maintenance. Type 2 is more for cartilage and joints.
Hydrolysed collagen means the long, rope-like chains are broken down into shorter chains (collagen peptides) which are easier for your body to absorb. It’s being delivered in liposomal encapsulation technology which consists of microscopic healthy fat particles called phospholipids (This article explains the benefits of this delivery system) which create a barrier around the collagen that protects it from the harsh environment of the digestive system, resulting in significantly higher absorption than others that do not use this technology. Being liquid collagen, it is also digested and absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly and efficiently than other forms such as powder.
How to use it?
This citrus lime flavour sachet is a little sweet. You can have it straight from the sachet or add to water, smoothies, yoghurt, porridge, basically anything you can think of. I’ve tried adding this to yoghurt or mix it with water but my most typical way is just to take it straight from the sachet. For me, that’s the quickest and easier way, it reminds me of the energy gels that I used to take when I did endurance sports. So, don’t expect this to taste very natural, but it’s still pleasant.
Benefits and results?
On yourzooki website, they’ve listed the following as implied benefits:
- An advanced beauty supplement
- Supports collagen in the skin
- Supports muscle maintenance
- Overall health and wellbeing
- Joints, cartilage and tendons
- Supports strong & healthy bones
Ok, have I seen any results? Well, let’s start by saying like most supplements, take time to see long term benefits, I think 6 weeks is still relatively short. However, I’ve noticed my skin has been a bit clearer, I still get the occasional blemishes though but not as much. I actually had days when my skin was completely clear. In the past, there’s always one after another. Note that I’m also using prescription-strength retinol which could contribute to this result. As for collagen in the skin, it’s hard to measure and I could only go by feel. My skin feels more supple. I don’t know if lines and wrinkles are reduced or not because as mentioned, retinol can play a part.
Since I train very frequently, muscle maintenance is probably one that I’m monitoring more closely, I think there’s less soreness carried from one session to the next. I’m also recovering from a tendon related injury which I think it’s helping its recovery. I don’t know if joints are going to benefit from this though as it’s more of a Type 2 collagen than Type 1. What I’ve found the most astonishing result and it’s not even listed in their benefits is the growth of my hair. Ok, maybe I’m longing to go to the hairdresser but my hair seems to have grown so much, at a speed that’s not used to. I’m very pleasantly surprised!
Now that I’m hooked, I’ll continue to take these collagen supplements. Have you tried them?
Available: £27.99/box of 14 sachets or £22.99 on subscription