As we age, our body produces less and lower-quality collagen.

Factors such as sugar (4), alcohol, smoking (5), and too much sunshine (6) can also decrease collagen levels. Additionally, cartilage can weaken with age (3) and auto-immune disorders also pose a threat to collagen levels in the body. One of the visible signs of this is in your skin, which becomes less firm and supple.

Collagen peptides have been shown in preclinical studies to improve skin barrier function, to induce the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid, and to promote fibroblast growth and migration.

In a study performed by Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, oral collagen supplementation significantly increased skin hydration after 8 weeks of intake. The collagen density in the dermis significantly increased and the fragmentation of the dermal collagen network significantly decreased already after 4 weeks of supplementation. Both effects persisted after 12 weeks. (1)

In another study by Journal of Drugs In Dermatology, eight studies used collagen hydrolysate, 2.5g/d to 10g/d, for 8 to 24 weeks. The studies showed preliminary results that were promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging. Oral collagen supplements also increased skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. (2)

There are at least 16 types of collagen. The four main types are type I, II, III and IV (7)

  • Type I: This type accounts for 90% of your body's collagen and is made of densely packed fibers. It provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue and teeth.
  • Type II: This type is made of more loosely packed fibers and is found in elastic cartilage, which cushions joints.
  • Type III: This type supports the structure of muscles, organs and arteries.
  • Type IV: This type helps with filtration and is found in layers of your skin.

Other nutrients, such as vitamin C, in combination with collagen can help promote collagen synthethis further. (8)(9)

Antioxidant-rich food also may play a major role in skin health. A growing body of scientific evidence is becoming available to support that cocoa components with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities contribute to endogenous photoprotection and are crucial for the maintenance of skin health (10).

"I’ve been trying to find ways to incorporate Collagen into my diet (other than powder, yuck) and I love the Kalumi bars - the Cocoa Kiss is like a midday treat (and lemon is like dessert!) except it sustains my energy through the afternoon and my skin is loving my new dewy spring regiment!" -Anna D.

"As a holistic nutritionist, I know the abundance of benefits that comes with ingesting collagen daily! These bars are made with clean ingredients and pack a yummy dose of collagen in. I eat one daily to keep my skin glowing, hair growing and joints protected!" - Courtney D.

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Kalumi BEAUTYfood blend contains:

  • Predominately type 1 collagen (from marine collagen)
  • 12g of Marine Collagen
  • Vitamin C & A (beta-carotene) from Sweet Potatoes
  • Cocoa butter providing antioxidants (polyphenol and flavanoid antioxidants)

Standard dosage: We recommend a bar a day for optimal results.
However, age and lifestyle factors play a role in the amount of recommended collagen dosage. Our rule of thumb is:

Under age 20: 5-10g of collagen

age 21-30: 10g - 12g of collagen

age 31-40: 12g-15g of collagen

age 41-50: 15-20g of collagen

age 50+: 20g-30g of collagen