Google may be a helpful tool for locating a new restaurant, or for driving directions, but a search for the word collagen yielded 101,000,000 (one million) results, and in the first 10 pages, there were only 3 recognizable sources for accurate and unbiased medical information.

The other 97 “hits” were for companies that either sell it directly, or feed off of those who do so, by creating an endless stream of “Best of 5 (or 10)” websites, which make their living by promoting those other (paying) websites.

It can be a very frustrating search, unless you recognize the names of reliable sources for accurate health information. They ARE out there, but the good ones are buried among the millions of “me too” sales pages. It’s the Wild West out there folks!

Just as with Co-Q before it, collagen has become very trendy during the last few years. That’s because between 2014 and 2018 there were 4 different randomized trials AND 2 other clinical trials that touted the measurable benefits of collagen. Needless to say, they all caused quite a stir. We’ll review them shortly.

The other thing about collagen is that there are at least 28 different forms, based on HOW the body makes use of them, but 80–90 percent of the collagen within our bodies consists of types I, II, and III.   [4]

The sketch (see below) demonstrates how the structure of collagen supports our skin. The central, or dermal portion of our skin contains a cell line called fibroblasts. Those cells synthesize collagen and elastin, the 2 important structural components that provide the “scaffolding” that supports the external, or epidermal layer of our skin.

These 2 proteins are necessary for skin health because they offer both structural support and elasticity to our skin (the ability to return to its original shape after being stretched by motions like smiling). [5]

Skin issues begin to develop as we age, because of UV exposure, toxins absorbed by our skin, and insufficient antioxidant intake to protect our fibroblasts. [6]

As with collagen, elastin is also affected by age and the elements. Reduced levels of those proteins cause our skin to begin to sag, and that sagging is what causes wrinkles.

This is why Shaklee’s new Collagen-9 provides such hope, because it contains ALL of the building blocks to rebuild your skin, including the well-documented hydrolyzed collagen fibers [7], along with ALL 9 of the essential amino acids that are required to synthesize the millions of different types of protein, including collagen.

It also contains 100% DV (daily value) of Vitamin C, to protect our fibroblasts from free radical damage, and as a catalyst for increasing collagen production.

You may recall the “Sailor’s disease” referred to as scurvy? That developed because sailors in the 18th Century did not have access to fresh produce for months on end. Vitamin C is required for producing collagen. Connective tissues are essential for structural support within the body, for example in our gums, and even includes the structural integrity of our blood vessels and internal organs. Often the first sign of vitamin C deficiency is nosebleeds.   [8]

Collagen-9 also contains 100% DV of biotin (a B vitamin) because it is a key nutrient for growing and maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails.   [9]


The Collagen Story

The cells in our body, and their internal and external structures, are remarkably similar to those found in most single-celled organisms. Cells fall into two general categories: prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

It is well beyond the scope of a 3-page newsletter to review those cell structures, but it’s worth noting that the difference between single-cell organisms and us was the development of a cell line that produced collagen. Collagen is what stitched single cells together into a community with a unified purpose.

In our bodies, collagen maintains both the spaces between and within every cell, making them resilient, while also protecting them from their environment. Architecturally speaking, these structural units were a brilliant design by our Creator.


Tell Me More

• Collagen itself only contains 8 of the essential amino acids, so it is not a “complete” protein. Collagen-9 contains a blend of collagen AND pea protein, to provide us with all 9 of the essential amino acids, which are required to produce collagen within our body.

• The collagen found in Shaklee’s Collagen-9 comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine sources.

• Collagen-9 is 100% hydrolyzed for quicker digestion and improved absorption.

• It’s also non-GMO, dairy and gluten free, and contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, coloring agents, or added-preservatives. It’s both natural and pure.

Because it has no flavor and dissolves easily, it can be added to your morning shake, smoothie, granola, coffee, tea or morning juice.   [10]


Structure and Function

Now that we have established how Shaklee’s new product is worlds apart from any other collagen product, let’s talk about collagen itself.

Collagen-9 contains types I and III collagen because those are the most common forms, and are the ones that provide the structural integrity of our skin, bones, blood vessels, and the internal organs. Collagen acts like the 2X4s of our internal structure.

The reason we supplement with vitamins and minerals is to supply the nutrients we need to protect our cellular DNA, so that when our cells divide, the new cells are just as good as the original parent cell.

Aging, and exposure with environmental toxins and/or UV ray exposure can erode cellular DNA, and damage the telomeres that protect DNA strands as they unwind to reproduce a new cell. That damage leaves us with imperfect cell reproduction. [11]

Now Shaklee had provided us with a new tool in Collagen-9 to help revivify our skin, nails, hair and other internal tissues. Coupled with a healthy diet, and sensible supplementation, we can now stay (and LOOK!) healthier longer than ever before.


Review of Collagen Research

The first randomized and controlled study (2014) assessed common claims that collagen provided anti-aging potential, mainly because there were very few studies supporting such claims.   [12]

Dermatologists at the University of Kiel in Germany recruited 69 women, aged between 35 and 55 years old, and randomized them to receive either 2.5 grams or 5.0 grams of hydrolyzed collagen, or a placebo. They were supplemented once daily for 8 weeks. There were 23 subjects in each of the 3 treatment groups.

Outcome measures included assessment of skin elasticity and skin moisture level, objectively measured before the study began, and again at 4 and 8 weeks.

After 4 weeks, a statistically significantly higher skin elasticity level was observed in older women. Skin moisture levels were also enhanced. They concluded that collagen supplementation provided measurable improvements in skin health.   [12]

The second randomized and controlled study (2015) was conducted by researchers in Bordeaux, France. They also noted that a wide range of dietary supplements (including collagen) were making claims to improve skin health. They chose to investigate the effect of collagen peptide supplementation on skin hydration and changes in the collagen network, located within the central, (or dermal layer of the skin).   [13]

Corneometer® CM 825 to measure Skin Hydration

They assessed the impact of daily collagen supplementation on skin hydration, and collagen density with high-resolution ultrasound, and measured collagen fragmentation with microscopy.

They found that oral collagen peptide supplementation significantly increased skin hydration after 8 weeks. They also revealed that the collagen density within the dermal layer significantly increased, while the fragmentation of the collagen network had been decreased after the 4 weeks.

They concluded that supplementation with collagen peptides was effective at improving the hallmarks of aging skin.   [13]

The third randomized and controlled study (2018) noted the previous study claims that collagen-peptide supplementation could be an effective remedy to improve hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling in human skin.   [14]

Researchers at the College of Life Science wanted to reproduce (and verify) those claims. Sixty-four individuals were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 10 grams of collage once daily for 12 weeks.

VisioFace® RD to measure wrinkling

Parameters of skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity were assessed at baseline, and after 6- and 12-weeks. At the conclusion of the trial skin-hydration values were significantly higher in the collagen group, at both 6- and 12-weeks.

After 12 weeks, visual assessment scores and three other parameters of skin wrinkling had significantly improved in the collagen group, compared with the placebo group.

They also noted no adverse events during the trial, and concluded that as a functional food ingredient, collagen improved human skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling.   [14]

The fourth randomized and controlled study (2018) took things one step further, by adding vitamins and other bioactive compounds to their collagen preparation. Besides measuring its impact on skin elasticity, they wanted to measure collagens’ impact on joint health and general wellbeing. [15]

Aging is a multifactorial process, that drives physical changes in organs, connective tissues and individual cells over time. In skin and cartilage, aging leads to a decrease in collagen production, as well as failures in collagen structures. This is also coupled with the loss of glycosaminoglycans, which are responsible for the integrity and health of various joint tissues.

They hypothesized that daily oral supplementation with a liquid nutraceutical, containing hydrolyzed fish collagen, along with vitamins, antioxidants, and other active ingredients might improve skin texture and elasticity, as well as having a beneficial impact on joint health.

They invited 120 subjects to consume either the test product or a placebo daily for 90 days. The subjects who consumed the test product had a significant increase in skin elasticity compared to the placebo group. Histological analysis of skin biopsies revealed positive changes in skin architecture, with an improvement in collagen fiber organization.

As reported by participants, they all agreed that their skin felt more hydrated and more flexible. Of particular interest, the test product also reduced their joint pain by 43% and improved joint mobility by 39%.

The authors concluded that oral supplementation with collagen, combined with glucosamine (Joint Health Complex), and vitamins and minerals, significantly improved the clinical parameters related to skin aging and joint health, and therefore, might be an effective solution to slow the declines associated with aging.

So, with one new Shaklee product, you can replace the lost collagen in your skin. Since wrinkles and the thinning of your skin are the visible signs of aging, this is a major step forwards in maintaining that youthful look.

Better yet, if Collagen-9 is coupled with regular use of Shaklee’s
Joint Health Complex, it appears that we can also
protect our joints from age-related decline.




And, Four New Late Arrivals!

Collagen-9 was released at the beginning of August 2021. On August 24th Shaklee also released 4 other new products that we will review in another issue.

They include a fascinating new sleep aid called Dream Serene,
a new Raspberry flavored energy product called Sustained Energy Boost, and 2 new supplement programs under the Meology banner, one for adults and one for children.

Based on an online questionnaire that factors in things like your health goals, activity level, lifestyle, and current diet and food preferences or restrictions and food sensitivities, coupled with any other health concerns or health conditions, Shaklee then creates a fully personalized Meology selection of the Shaklee nutrients that you need, all within in a convenient daily packet. Just take them with a regular meal and you are good-to-go for the day.

The Meology Kids program is the perfect solution for parents and children, to see that even the fussiest child can get the nutrients that they require to support brain development and eye health, while also providing powerful immune-supporting nutrients, to help your children to grow up well.

You may also enjoy these Product Supplements:

Collagen-9™ Product Sheet and FAQs

Dream Serene™ Product Sheet and FAQs

Meology™ Product Sheet

MEOLOGY™ KIDS | All-In-One Vitamin Gummy Packs VIDEO