TL;DR: Why collagen is beneficial for kids
✔️ After adding a daily scoop of collagen for 30 days, the children experienced more stable energy levels and fewer mid-meal cravings.
✔️ Their digestion improved: bowel movements became more regular and common minor tummy issues were reduced.
✔️ The author attributes this improvement to collagen’s support for gut lining integrity and better nutrient absorption.
✔️ Additional benefits noted: better sleep/mood (due to amino acids like glycine/tryptophan), and potential support for issues like eczema or food sensitivities through improved gut health.
✔️ Important caveats: collagen is not a magic fix — it works best alongside whole-food meals, hydration, sleep and healthy lifestyle habits; and for children, one should ensure a clean, age-appropriate source.
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Collagen has become increasingly popular as a nutritional supplement for adults, but can it benefit children as well? Curious about its potential impact, I decided to give my children a daily scoop of collagen for 30 days. The results were noticeable in several areas, from digestion to energy levels, and even skin health.
The changes observed
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Balanced energy throughout the day: Collagen is a high-quality protein, which helps stabilise blood sugar. Over the 30 days, my children experienced fewer energy crashes and remained fuller between meals, reducing the need for frequent snacking.
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Regular bowel movements: Prior to introducing collagen, the occasional bout of constipation was sometimes an issue for my children. After adding a daily scoop of collagen, their digestion became more consistent, and bowel movements were regular, (almost like clockwork). Collagen’s support for gut lining integrity likely contributed (as well as other factors) to improved digestive function and overall gut comfort.
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Improved digestion: Collagen contains amino acids that support the integrity of the gut lining. This helped reduce my kids “tummy pains” and other minor digestive issues, contributing to overall gut comfort.
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Support for gut healing: Collagen peptides may help repair the gut lining and reduce inflammation. This can be particularly beneficial for children with food sensitivities, as it helps regulate the body’s response and can minimise flare-ups such as rashes or irritability.
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Healthy gut flora balance: By maintaining gut lining integrity, collagen contributes to a balanced gut microbiome, supporting digestive health and immune function.
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Enhanced nutrient absorption: A healthy gut lining ensures that nutrients from food are absorbed efficiently, supporting growth, energy, and overall wellness.
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Mood and sleep support: Collagen contains amino acids such as tryptophan and glycine, which support serotonin production and promote deeper, more restful sleep, contributing to better mood and daily functioning.
Collagen for eczema & food sensitivities
Collagen makes up the connective tissue in the gut wall. It helps seal and strengthen the intestinal lining, lowering the risk of food sensitivities (i.e. eczema) and calming inflammation. Some Studies even show people with inflamed guts have lower collagen production.
Considerations
When introducing collagen to children, it’s important to choose a clean, additive-free source and provide it in age-appropriate amounts. Although not essential for kids, collagen can be a useful addition for fussy eaters, children with sensitive digestive systems, or those who rely heavily on snacks.
It’s also worth noting that collagen may have contributed to some of the positive changes I noticed, but it wasn’t the only factor at play. Consistent wholefood meals, hydration, quality sleep, and other lifestyle habits all played a big role in supporting my kids’ digestion, energy, and overall wellbeing. Collagen can be a helpful addition to a nutrient-rich diet — not a magic fix on its own.
How to include collagen in daily meals
I use Chief Collagen Protein Powder, a grass-fed, high-quality collagen that dissolves easily in a variety of foods. It can be added to smoothies, porridge, pancakes, or baked goods without altering taste or texture, making it simple to include in a child’s daily diet.
Over the 30-day period, the inclusion of collagen in my children’s diet resulted in more balanced energy, improved digestion, better nutrient absorption, and positive changes in skin and sleep. For parents seeking a gentle, safe, and practical way to support their child’s overall wellbeing, collagen can be a valuable addition to daily nutrition.
Shop Chief Collagen Protein Powder today and provide your children with a simple way to support gut health, stable energy, and overall wellbeing.
Fiona Agius is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant specialising in nutrition for mums and babies, from pregnancy and postpartum to starting solids, eczema, and lunchbox inspo.