Quick answer
Designs for Health lists one serving of Whole Body Collagen as 13 grams, which is about one scoop or one single-use packet, mixed with 8 ounces of water once per day or as directed by your practitioner. That serving provides 12.5 grams of collagen peptides. The label does not name a time of day, so most people pick a time they can stick with, such as a morning coffee or smoothie.
Key takeaways
Designs for Health lists one scoop or one single-use packet of Whole Body Collagen per day, mixed with 8 ounces of water, or as directed by your practitioner.
The label does not name a time of day, so the most practical time is the one you will remember, whether that is a morning coffee, a smoothie, or an evening shake.
Collagen is an incomplete protein because it lacks tryptophan, so it works best as an addition to meals that already include enough complete protein.
Because Whole Body Collagen comes from beef, it is not a fit for everyone. If you have kidney concerns or take thyroid medication or other prescriptions, it is worth checking fit and timing with your provider first.
If you have questions about whether collagen fits your plan, a short call is a simple place to start.
Collagen is the main structural protein in skin, tendons, cartilage, and bone, and collagen powder is one of the most searched supplements. The most common questions are how much to take per day, when to take it, and what it can be mixed with. This page summarizes the official Designs for Health directions for Whole Body Collagen, how people often fit it into the day, common pairing questions, and who should check with a provider first. It is educational information only. For broader context, see Skin, hair, and collagen support and Supplements for skin, hair, and nails.
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What is in Whole Body Collagen
Whole Body Collagen is an unflavored collagen peptide powder from Designs for Health. According to the Designs for Health product page, it combines three branded bovine collagen peptide blends called Fortigel, Fortibone, and Verisol, and the company describes the peptides as coming from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.
Each 13 gram serving lists 45 calories, 11 grams of protein, 30 mg of sodium, and 12.5 grams of collagen peptides. The label lists no other ingredients and describes the powder as free of dairy, gluten, and soy, with no added sweeteners.
It comes in two formats. The 390 gram tub holds 30 servings, and the box of 10 single-use packets holds one serving per packet. Both formats are available in my Fullscript dispensary.
How much collagen per day? The label dose
The Designs for Health directions say to mix 13 grams, about one scoop, with 8 ounces of water per day, or to use it as directed by your health care practitioner. The packet directions are the same, with one packet equal to one 13 gram serving.
The brand also says to add the powder to your cup or shaker before adding the water, which helps it mix more smoothly. The label does not list a maximum number of weeks, so ask your provider how long it makes sense for you.
For comparison, a review of collagen research noted that studies have generally used about 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen peptides per day (Paul 2019). The label serving of 12.5 grams of peptides sits within that range. Always follow the label on the container you have, since labels can change.
Morning or night, and before or after a workout?
Designs for Health does not give a time of day for Whole Body Collagen, and the studies below did not compare morning with evening use. Because of that, the most practical choice is the time you will remember every day.
Many people stir it into a morning coffee, tea, or smoothie. Others take it in the evening, sometimes alongside other evening routines. Collagen is naturally rich in the amino acid glycine, which has its own research on sleep, and you can read more in Is glycine good for sleep?.
People who exercise sometimes take collagen in a shake before or after training. There is no label direction for workout timing, so this is a personal preference. Collagen can be taken with or without food, since the label does not say otherwise.
Can I take collagen with other things?
These are the pairing questions people search most. The answers below are general, so please check with your own provider, especially if you take medications.
Coffee is one of the most common ways to take collagen. The brand describes the powder as flavorless and easy to add to any beverage or shake, and collagen peptides dissolve in both hot and cold drinks.
Creatine and collagen are often taken together in the same shake. There is no known label conflict between them, and they are different nutrients with different roles. You can read more in Creatine for women over 40, 50, and 60.
Vitamin C is a frequent pairing because the body uses vitamin C to build its own collagen. You can take them at the same time or at different times of day. See Who should consider vitamin C? for more on vitamin C.
A protein powder or a meal can be combined with collagen. Keep in mind that collagen is an incomplete protein because it lacks the amino acid tryptophan, so it is best viewed as an addition to your protein intake rather than your only protein source (Paul 2019). See Protein powder for women: how much and when for more on daily protein.
If you take thyroid medication such as levothyroxine, or any other prescription, ask your prescriber or pharmacist how to space your supplements. Thyroid medication is usually taken on an empty stomach, so many people take collagen later in the morning with food or a drink.
Cautions and who should check with a provider
Whole Body Collagen is made from bovine (beef) collagen, so it is not suitable for people who avoid beef products or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Anyone with a known sensitivity to beef or gelatin should ask a provider before using it.
Each serving adds 11 grams of protein. If you have kidney disease or have been told to limit your protein intake, ask your provider before adding a protein supplement of any kind.
Please talk with your provider first if you are pregnant or nursing, take medications, or have a medical condition. Stop using it and contact your provider if you notice a negative reaction. Keep it out of reach of children, as the label directs.
What the research says
Most collagen studies used specific branded collagen peptides, not this exact product, and many were funded by or involved collagen manufacturers. With that in mind, here is what several well-known trials looked at.
In a placebo-controlled trial, 69 women aged 35 to 55 took 2.5 or 5 grams of specific collagen peptides daily for 8 weeks, and both groups showed higher skin elasticity than placebo at the end of the study (Proksch 2014). A meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials with 1,125 participants, mostly women, reported favorable findings for hydrolyzed collagen compared with placebo on skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles (de Miranda 2021).
In a 12-month trial in 131 postmenopausal women with age-related reduction in bone mineral density, 5 grams per day of specific collagen peptides was associated with higher spine and femoral neck bone mineral density than placebo (König 2018). In a 12-week trial in 139 young athletes with activity-related knee discomfort, 5 grams per day of specific collagen peptides was associated with lower activity-related discomfort scores than placebo (Zdzieblik 2017). These are individual studies, and they do not show what collagen will do for any one person.
Questions to bring to your clinician
These questions can help you get the most out of your next visit.
Is one daily scoop of Whole Body Collagen a sensible amount for me, or would you adjust it based on my goals?
How should I space collagen around my thyroid medication or any other prescriptions I take?
Does the extra protein from collagen fit with my kidney health and my total daily protein intake?
Given my routine, would the tub or the single-use packets be the easier format for me to use consistently?
Practitioner-grade options in my Fullscript catalog: if you and your clinician decide a supplement makes sense, my supplement guide by health goal links to the practitioner-grade products I trust.
Frequently asked questions
How much collagen should I take per day?
Designs for Health lists one 13 gram serving of Whole Body Collagen per day, which is about one scoop or one packet mixed with 8 ounces of water. That serving provides 12.5 grams of collagen peptides. Ask your provider what fits you.
Is it better to take collagen in the morning or at night?
The Whole Body Collagen label does not name a time of day, and studies have not shown that one time is better. Most people choose the time they will remember, such as a morning coffee or smoothie.
Should I take collagen with or without food?
The label does not say, so either is fine for most people. Many people mix it into a drink, shake, or breakfast.
Can I put collagen in my coffee?
Yes, this is one of the most common ways to take it. Designs for Health describes Whole Body Collagen as flavorless and easy to add to any beverage, and collagen peptides dissolve in hot and cold drinks.
Can I take collagen and creatine together?
There is no known label conflict, and many people mix both into the same shake. They are different nutrients with different roles, so ask your provider if you have kidney concerns or take medications.
Can I take collagen with vitamin C?
Yes. The body uses vitamin C to build its own collagen, so the two are often paired. You can take them together or at different times of day.
Can I take collagen with my thyroid medication?
Ask your prescriber or pharmacist how to space it. Thyroid medication such as levothyroxine is usually taken on an empty stomach, so many people take collagen later in the morning.
Is collagen a complete protein?
No. Collagen lacks the amino acid tryptophan, so it is considered an incomplete protein. It works best as an addition to a diet that already includes enough complete protein.
What is the difference between the Whole Body Collagen powder and packets?
They contain the same formula. The 390 gram tub holds 30 scoops, and each single-use packet holds one 13 gram serving, which some people find easier for travel.
Related reading
- Skin, hair, and collagen support
- Supplements for skin, hair, and nails
- Protein powder for women: how much and when
- Creatine for women over 40, 50, and 60
- Joint health: nutrients and habits for mobility
- Bone health beyond calcium
- Who should consider vitamin C?
- Muscle health after 40
- Is glycine good for sleep?
Sources
- Designs for Health. Whole Body Collagen (390 g): product page, supplement facts, and recommended use.
- Designs for Health. Whole Body Collagen, 10 single-use packets: product page and recommended use.
- Designs for Health. Whole Body Collagen patient education sheet.
- Paul C, Leser S, Oesser S. Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients. 2019. PubMed 31096622
- Proksch E, et al. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014. PubMed 23949208
- de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. 2021. PubMed 33742704
- König D, et al. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018. PubMed 29337906
- Zdzieblik D, et al. Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2017. PubMed 28177710
Talk with your own doctor or healthcare provider about the right dose for you before starting any supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or take medications.
Browse my full Fullscript store
If you have questions about whether collagen fits your plan, a short call is a simple place to start.
This page shares general educational information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition. Product labels can change, so always follow the label on the bottle you have.
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