Why Collagen is the new longevity molecule

Collagen is one of the most talked-about supplements in women's health — but is it actually absorbed, or is it just expensive pee? In this episode of the Biohackher Podcast, Azra Alagic is joined by Lauren Dewsbury, Senior Research Scientist and Product Formulator at Vida Glow, to unpack the real science behind collagen. Together, they bust common myths, explore collagen's role beyond beauty, and dive deep into menopause, ageing, gut health, joints, stress, and longevity. If you've ever wondered whether collagen works, how to choose the right one, or whether it can genuinely support healthy ageing — this episode is a must-listen. 🧬 What We Cover in This Episode ✔️ What actually happens when you ingest collagen ✔️ Why peptide size (di- & tri-peptides) matters for absorption ✔️ Collagen's role in skin, joints, gut, bone, brain & longevity ✔️ Why women lose collagen faster during perimenopause & menopause ✔️ Marine vs bovine collagen — what the research really shows ✔️ The truth about vegan collagen ✔️ How stress, sleep & lifestyle accelerate collagen breakdown ✔️ How long collagen takes to work (and why consistency matters) ✔️ What to look for on a collagen label ✔️ The biggest collagen myths — busted ✔️ Emerging innovations in collagen & peptide science ✔️ Why beauty is an inside-out, systems-biology conversation ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & episode overview Why collagen needs serious myth-busting 00:34 – What happens when you ingest collagen? Absorption, digestion & distribution in the body 02:09 – What are di- & tri-peptides (and why they matter)? The key to collagen effectiveness 04:29 – Collagen as a signalling molecule Why collagen isn't just "building blocks" 05:19 – Is collagen only about beauty? Skin vs joints, bones, brain & longevity 06:40 – How collagen declines with age Why women lose up to 30% around menopause 08:12 – Estrogen, fibroblasts & accelerated collagen loss The menopause connection explained 09:45 – Marine vs bovine collagen What the research actually shows 11:57 – Why hydrolysed collagen matters most Peptide size, Daltons & absorption 12:46 – How to choose a quality collagen supplement Dosage, purity & heavy metal testing 16:16 – Collagen & the brain What emerging research suggests 18:03 – Collagen for joints & pain reduction What the studies say (and dosing differences) 19:28 – Collagen & gut health Glycine, gut lining & traditional diets 22:59 – Collagen, healthspan & ageing well Function, mobility & independence 24:57 – Can collagen reverse biological age? DNA methylation clocks & early data 25:51 – Are women represented in collagen research? A rare win for female-focused science 29:26 – Does ethnicity affect collagen ageing? What we know — and what we don't 31:31 – Skin elasticity & clinical evidence Why collagen actually works for skin 33:39 – How long before you see results? Why collagen is a marathon, not a sprint 36:44 – Collagen cofactors & nutrients Vitamin C, minerals & synthesis 38:50 – Collagen myth-busting Absorption, dosing & misinformation 45:20 – Vegan collagen: fact or fiction? Why true collagen isn't plant-based 47:15 – Is collagen a protein replacement? Why it won't prevent sarcopenia alone 49:18 – Stress, cortisol & collagen breakdown How lifestyle accelerates ageing 53:37 – Glycation, AGEs & skin ageing Why sugar, stress & cooking methods matter 55:31 – The future of collagen & peptides Collagen 2.0, tripeptides & postbiotics 58:43 – Rethinking beauty from a healthspan lens Skin as a marker of internal health 01:00:02 – What does it mean to live well longer? Lauren's personal definition of longevity CONNECT WITH LAUREN INSTAGRAM:  @lauren_dewsburyphd @vida_glow  LINKEDIN: (25) Lauren Dewsbury | LinkedIn   JOIN OUR LIVE WELL LONGER WOMEN'S BIOHACKING RETREAT 1–6 May 2026 | Revīvō Wellness Resort, Bali Live Well Longer Retreat has been named Group Retreat of the Year 2025 by the prestigious Destination Deluxe Awards. Following this global recognition, we're thrilled to return to Revīvō Wellness Resort in Bali, 1–6 May 2026, for a deeply personalised, science-led retreat created exclusively for women ready to reclaim their vitality and redesign their future. Co-founded by renowned biohacking experts Camilla Thompson and Azra Alagic, this award-winning women-only experience blends cutting-edge biohacking with soulful rituals and ancient practices to deliver lasting transformation. At this intimate retreat, limited to just 16 women, you'll experience: Daily biohacking workshops tailored to women's health Private coaching, DNA testing, and optional hormone/gut diagnostics with naturopath  Hot/cold therapy, hydrotherapy, meditation and MOVEŌ movement classes A curated, functional medicine-inspired gourmet menu Spa treatments, traditional Balinese blessings, full moon ceremony 1:1 consult with Cocoon medical Dr  Whether you're curious about biohacking or already on your longevity path, this retreat delivers the clarity, support, and practical tools to thrive at every stage of life. Spaces are extremely limited — and this retreat will sell out so get in quick :)  Next Steps Find out more here www.livewelllongerretreats.com  Contact Revivo Retreat directly with any questions or to book directly (deposit required) [email protected]  HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you found this conversation valuable, interesting or inspiring I'd love you to share the pod and leave a review! Great reviews will help me to continue to bring you interviews with experts in longevity, and health and wellness. I would be so grateful if you could take a few minutes to submit a review on the podcast platform you listen from.  WANT TO LEARN MORE? If you're keen to get started on your biohacking journey to optimise your health and live well longer please join me on my socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackher_official Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Biohackher  Website: www.biohack-her.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@biohackherpodcast   

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