As a registered nutritionist, I believe supplements should earn their place through science, not clever marketing. That’s why, when I’m asked about collagen for gut health, I always look beyond the headlines and ask three questions: Is it bioavailable? Is there clinical evidence? And does the formulation make nutritional sense?

For many years, collagen has been associated primarily with skin health, but the research is now expanding into areas including joint health, healthy ageing and gut integrity.

How Collagen for Gut Health Works?

The gut lining is supported by a network of connective tissue that relies on amino acids such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, the same amino acids that are naturally abundant in collagen peptides. While collagen is not a treatment for digestive disorders, emerging research suggests that hydrolysed collagen peptides may help support the normal structure and integrity of the gut lining as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle.

There is also growing interest in the relationship between gut health and skin health, often referred to as the gut-skin axis, where maintaining a healthy digestive environment may positively influence skin wellbeing.

One reason I trust Totally Derma is that it isn’t just a generic collagen powder. It contains 10,000mg of Arthred® enzymatically hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides, which have been processed into very small peptides (around 3 kDa). This smaller molecular size allows for excellent absorption, with studies demonstrating that these peptides are readily absorbed into the bloodstream after consumption.

The formula also includes vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and carefully selected antioxidant nutrients, all of which play complementary roles in collagen formation and tissue health.

Linking Collagen for Gut Health | Totally Derma as recommended by Nutritionist May Simpkin

I also appreciate that Totally Derma invests in clinical research. In addition to studies demonstrating the absorption of its key ingredients, the company has undertaken investigations into skin health, menopausal well-being, and the gut-skin connection. While some of these studies are relatively small and further large-scale research is needed, they contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the potential benefits of high-quality collagen peptide supplementation.

Of course, no supplement is a substitute for a balanced diet. Fibre, colourful plant foods, adequate protein, healthy fats and good lifestyle habits remain the foundations of gut health. But when those foundations are already in place, a clinically formulated collagen supplement can be a valuable addition.

As a nutrition professional, I’m careful about the products I recommend. I look for quality ingredients, transparent formulations and evidence that goes beyond marketing claims. That’s why Totally Derma is a collagen supplement I’m confident in including as part of a science-based approach to supporting healthy ageing, skin health and overall wellbeing.

Disclosure: This is a paid partnership with Totally Derma. I work with brands whose products align with my evidence-led approach to nutrition and wellbeing and Totally Derma is a collagen supplement I’m pleased to recommend and one I have personally been taking daily for many years now.

For more in-depth reading: Collagen & Gut Health: What’s the Connection