Zena Nutrition is a US based company registered out of Nevada. Zena Nutrition focuses on two products, Zena Collagen + Biotin and Zena Organic Supergreens.
Zena Nutrition uses a proprietary formulation of collagen called Verisol collagen which has a mix of type I and III collagen and biotin. The Zena Nutrition website claims to ‘slow down the natural signs of aging’ and focuses heavily on the aesthetic benefits of collagen over potential joint or mobility benefits that some products focus on. This is in part due to the fact that Verisol collagen is designed for this purpose.
In this article we will break down what collagen is, whether the science supports the benefits that are often claimed and all your questions about Zena Nutrition’s collagen supplement.
What Is Zena Nutrition Collagen?
The Zena Nutrition Liquid Collagen + Biotin formulation contains the proprietary formulation, Verisol. Verisol is produced by the company Gelita, a German manufacturing company.
Verisol is a patented collagen formulation sourced from bovine (cow) collagen with claims that the mixture of collagen type III and I and includes biotin. The claims from the manufacturer are supported by a bunch of scientific studies, most of which are double-blind. When we say double blind studies, this means that neither the participants or those administering the product or placebo know which one the participants are taking, this helps to reduce issues of bias and is the standard practice for testing products.
When we take a deeper look at the studies, we can see that some of the benefits that are claimed by the Zena Nutrition website are supported, such as having a positive impact on nails and skin structure and skin elasticity. However, many of the results from these studies were not statistically significant. Simply put, they did not meet the requirements to be considered to support a particular benefit. For instance, in their study looking into skin wrinkles, they failed to meet a statistically significant mark for increases in markers relating to collagen production. This also occurs in their skin physiology study, and their cellulite study.
It is a good reminder that just because a product cites scientific papers doesn’t necessarily back up the claims they make.
What Are The Ingredients In Zena Nutrition Collagen?
The main ingredients, according to the Zena Nutrition’s product nutritional information include:
-
Verisol Collagen – which is a proprietary formulation including two types of collagen and biotin. Biotin is a vitamin that occurs naturally in many foods and is involved in the growth and normal functioning of hair, skin and nails. In terms of the two types of collagen, type I and type III. Type I is generally associated with hair skin and nails while type III is often associated with muscles.
-
There are a number of other ingredients, listed below, that are included in the Zena Nutrition Liquid Collagen + Biotin. These ingredients are not specific to the benefits claimed and are mostly part of the formulation as stabilizers or taste improvers. These ingredients are purified water, natural flavor – mixed berry, malic acid, citric acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate,monk fruit extract and stevia leaf extract.
What Are The Benefits of Zena Nutrition Collagen?
Generally speaking, the science and research doesn’t seem to indicate that collagen supplementation is beneficial or that the collagen peptide gets absorbed or utilized by the body. This makes any claims of benefits such as ‘stronger hair, skin and nails’ hard to validate. Some of the common claims made in regards to collagen supplements are (keep in mind that these claims aren’t completely supported by the research):
- May positively impacting bone density
- May improve skin elasticity and hydration
- May improve the strength of hair, skin and nails,
- May help support gut health
- May help reduce joint pain
If we are to compare these more general benefits with those that the Zena Nutrition website specifies we can see that the benefits are more specific with claims that the product will give you more ‘radiant skin, thicker hair and stronger nails’. While the Verisol formulation may support some of these claims the research provided by Verisol doesn’t fully stack up.
Are There Any Side Effects of Zena Nutrition Collagen?
While collagen supplements are generally considered safe for most people, there can be some potential side effects, especially when consumed in high doses or for extended periods. Here are some potential side effects of collagen supplementation:
- Digestive upset such as gas, bloating and diarrhea can occur for some people, particularly if they have existing digestive issues or conditions.
- You can have an allergic reaction to collagen supplements. Although rare, some of the animal-based ingredients may causes reactions of sensitivities for some people
- Risk of contaminants is something to keep in mind when considering whether to introduce a collagen supplement in your routine. Some studies have shown that collagen supplements may carry contaminants such as lead.
- Speak with your doctor before introducing any new supplementation into your routine. For example, collagen supplements contain high levels of calcium which may interfere with some medications.
How To Use Zena Nutrition Collagen?
According to the Zena Nutrition website the serving size is two teaspoons or 10 ml once a day. Their website specifies that you can take the collagen before or after a meal.
Where To Buy Zena Nutrition Collagen?
You can purchase Zena Nutrition Collagen on their website and on Amazon. You can pick up the Zena Liquid Collagen + Biotin for $55 USD for a bottle of 60 servings, a two month supply.
What Is Their Returns Policy?
According to their website, Zena Nutrition, if you purchase through their website they offer a 90 day Money Back Guarantee. You can read their Returns Policy here.
Our Verdict
Due to the lack of science that backs the use of collagen supplements it is hard to recommend any collagen supplement.
Pros
- Customer reviews indicate that they are enjoying the product and suggest some benefits.
- Overall score of 4.3/5 indicates that customers are generally satisfied by the product.
- Not as expensive as some collagen products on the market
- Some preliminary research on the proprietary collagen formulation
Cons
- Some of the ‘supporting research’ was statistically insignificant, meaning that the claimed benefits weren’t necessarily supported by the studies undertaken.
- Limited research around collagen supplementation being useful or beneficial
- Potential risk of contaminants
Alternatives
- WelleCo’s Collagen Elixir is an alternative to the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein. On top of the ingredients in Ancient Nutrition’s formula it also has added ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, digestive enzymes and beetroot extract (you can read about beetroot products here). The WelleCo Collagen Elixir also contains marine collagen for those who would prefer to go a pescaterian route.
- Dose & Co’s Collagen Protein Powder with the same amount of collagen per serve is another good alternative. It also uses whey protein to boost the amount of protein in each serving, bringing it up to 20 grams.
References:
Gupta AK, Maity C. Efficacy and safety of Bacillus coagulans LBSC in irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, interventional, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study [CONSORT Compliant]. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Jan 22;100(3):e23641. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000023641.
Wang H. A Review of the Effects of Collagen Treatment in Clinical Studies. Polymers (Basel). 2021 Nov 9;13(22):3868. doi: 10.3390/polym13223868.
Bello AE, Oesser S. Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature. Current medical research and opinion. 2006 Nov 1;22(11):2221-32.
Monro JA, Leon R, Puri BK. The risk of lead contamination in bone broth diets. Medical hypotheses. 2013 Apr 1;80(4):389-90.
Hsu DJ, Lee CW, Tsai WC, Chien YC. Essential and toxic metals in animal bone broths. Food & nutrition research. 2017 Jan 1;61(1):1347478.
Crane JD, MacNeil LG, Lally JS, Ford RJ, Bujak AL, Brar IK, Kemp BE, Raha S, Steinberg GR, Tarnopolsky MA. Exercise‐stimulated interleukin‐15 is controlled by AMPK and regulates skin metabolism and aging. Aging cell. 2015 Aug;14(4):625-34.
Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec;16(4):520-526. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12393.
Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-9. doi: 10.1159/000355523.
Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S, Proksch E. Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. J Med Food. 2015 Dec;18(12):1340-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0022
Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):47-55. doi: 10.1159/000351376.
