Collagen supplement

Abstract

A liquid collagen supplement comprising at least 15,000 mg of collagen and at least one of: creatine; biotin; and / or electrolyte(s). Preferably, the supplement comprises 15,000-30,000 mg of collagen,

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally relates to liquid collagen supplements. BACKGROUND Collagen protein is the primary component in connective tissues, and is found in varying concentrations within cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin and muscle. It is also found in organs, blood vessels and the intestinal lining. Collagen plays a key structural role in the human body by supporting the molecular architecture, shape, integrity and mechanical properties of tissues, such as tensile strength and resistance to traction. Some key functions of collagen are, but not limited to, bone strengthening, aiding fibroblast formation in the dermis, providing organs with a protective covering, helping blood to clot, and providing skin with structure, tensile strength and elasticity. Furthermore, collagen is crucial for muscle function and in the building of muscle fibres and smooth muscle. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and accounts for about 30% of the human body’s total protein mass. An individual may increase their intake of collagen through eating collagen-rich foods, such as bone broth and gelatin. However, absorption of collagen from food is not as efficient as from collagen supplements, as the collagen triple helix must first be hydrolysed before absorption. Generally, after 8 weeks of consistently taking a collagen supplement, individuals see major benefits to skin, heart, brain and gut health, joint pain relief and bone strengthening. Improved muscle tone and exercise recovery can also be seen sooner. The present invention provides a liquid collagen supplement with high levels of collagen which may be conveniently taken by a user to receive the above mentioned benefits. SUMMARY The present invention is defined in the appended claims. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid collagen supplement comprising: (a) at least 15,000 mg of collagen; and at least one of: (i) creatine; and / or (ii) biotin; and / or (iii) one or more electrolytes. It was previously thought that 8,000 mg was the maximum amount of collagen peptides that the human body could absorb at one time. The present inventors surprisingly found that 15,000 mg of collagen can be absorbed at one time. Advantageously, the liquid collagen supplement stored as a sachet allows the delivery of from 15,000 mg to 30,000 mg of collagen quickly and conveniently to the user, in only two sips of the product. The details, examples and preferences provided in relation to any particular one or more of the stated aspects of the present invention will be further described herein and apply equally to all aspects of the present invention. Any combination of the embodiments, examples and preferences described herein in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present invention unless otherwise indicated herein, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 28 types of collagen have been identified in vertebrates. Each type differs in assembly, components and location. However, all collagen fibrils have at least one triple helix structure. There are five main types of collagen, and their roles are described below: Type I - densely packed and primarily used to provide structure to skin, bones, tendons, ligaments. Makes for up to 90% of the human body’s collagen. Type II - found in elastic cartilage. Responsible for providing joint support. Type III - found in muscle, arteries, and organs. Type IV - found in layers of the skin. Type V - found in hair, cornea of the eyes, placenta and in some layers of the skin Typically, collagen supplements contain types l-lll. It is important to note that the collagen triple helix itself cannot be absorbed by the human body. It is first hydrolysed in the gastrointestinal tract into individual amino acid components prior to reaching the blood stream. The amino acids are then reassembled into collagen protein by the body where collagen use is needed. Collagen production tends to decline as part of the body’s natural aging process. Collagen protein becomes more fragmented and less distributed throughout the human body. The ratio of collagen types in skin also changes with age. Young skin contains around 80% of type I collagen and about 15% type III collagen. From mid-to-late 20s and early 30s, the body’s total collagen mass declines by about 1% each year. It was previously thought that 8,000 mg was the maximum amount of collagen peptides that the human body could absorb at one time. However, the present inventors surprisingly found that 15,000 mg of collagen can be absorbed at one time. When ranges are used herein, all combinations and sub-combinations of ranges and specific embodiments therein are intended to be included. As used herein, the term "about" when referring to a number or a numerical range means that the number or numerical range referred to is an approximation within experimental variability (or within statistical experimental error), and thus the number or numerical range may vary. Abbreviations used herein have their conventional meaning within the chemical and biological arts, unless otherwise indicated. Collagen Supplement According to the present invention there is provided a liquid collagen supplement comprising: at least about 15,000 mg of collagen; and at least one of: (i) creatine; and / or (ii) biotin; and / or (iii) one or more electrolytes. Collagen The liquid collagen supplement comprises at least about 15,000 mg of collagen. Preferably, the liquid collagen supplement of the present invention comprises from about 15,000 mg to about 30,000 mg of collagen, such as from about 20,000 mg to about 25,000 mg of collagen. There are different health benefits associated with different hydrolysed collagen dosages: • 2,500 mg - Benefits to skin, hair, nails and helps to reduce cellulite. • 5,000 mg - Benefits to bone mineral density and strength. • 10,000 mg - Benefits to joint pain and osteoarthritis. • More than 15,000 mg - Benefits to gut health, such as reducing irritable bowel syndrome and bloating as well as benefits to muscle building and recovery. Therefore, it is extremely beneficial that the present inventors have surprisingly found that 15,000 mg of collagen can be absorbed at one time, as the benefits to gut health can now be accessed. The collagen may be at least one of hydrolysed bovine collagen, hydrolysed marine collagen or vegan collagen or a combination thereof. The use of hydrolysed collagen, which is collagen that has been hydrolysed to break the lengthy chain of collagen into smaller molecules is beneficial, as due to the low molecular weight (3-6 KDa) of hydrolysed collagen it is absorbed at a higher rate into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body more easily than other forms of collagen such as gelatin. For example, the use of hydrolysed collagen within the liquid collagen supplement of the present invention may allow for up to about 95% absorption, a far greater amount that collagen capsules or powder. Furthermore, the use of hydrolysed collagen may be beneficial also as it is easier to digest. Marine collagen is extracted from marine by-products such as skin, scale, bone and swim bladder. Bovine collagen protein is extracted from the skin, bones and connective tissues of cows. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the collagen is hydrolysed bovine collagen. Bovine collagen is rich in type I and type III collagen; type I is the most abundant type of collagen in the human body and type III is prominent at sites of healing and repair. Additionally, bovine collagen contains more type II collagen than marine collagen. Type II collagen is particularly important for supporting and repairing cartilage and joints. Bovine collagen also contains 14% more proline and 41% more hydroxyproline than marine collagen, these amino acids are key for the stability and tensile strength of collagen. Therefore, bovine collagen may be the better choice for individuals looking to maximise activity and recovery. Furthermore, bovine collagen breaks down more slowly than marine collagen's smaller molecules, and so can be easier to digest, and well suited to individual with sensitive digestive system. Vegan collagen may be manufactured by modification of yeast and bacteria. Vegan collagen may be a biomimetric of human type 1 collagen using amino acids from fermented plant sources. The collagen may also be present as a blend of hydrolysed bovine and hydrolysed marine collagen. Creatine Creatine is a natural source of energy, that allows skeletal muscle to contract. Creatine is produced natural in the liver, kidney and pancreas, but over 50% of creatine is sourced from diet, by consuming protein-rich meat, seafood or milk. Creatine has been shown to improve exercise performance, help recovery after intense exercise, increase muscle mass, prevent severe muscle injuries, or reduce the intensity of muscle injuries, and reduce dehydration and cramping. As such, a liquid collagen supplement comprising creatine may be particularly beneficial for athletes. It may also be particularly beneficial for people over the age of 60, as creatine has also been shown to help brain function for that age group. The creatine may be creatine monohydrate. The liquid collagen supplement according to the present invention may comprise creatine in a preferred range of from about 2,000 mg to 10,000 mg, such as from about 3,000 to 9,000 mg, or from about 4,000 to 8,000 mg. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement comprises at least about 3,000 to 5,000 mg of creatine. Preferably the creatine is present as creatine monohydrate. Biotin The liquid collagen supplement may also comprise biotin. Biotin is also known as vitamin B7. Biotin is necessary to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, which are vital for protein production. Biotin also helps to main healthy skin, blood and brain cells. Biotin is sourced from diet, and cannot be stored by the body. As such, a liquid collagen supplement comprising creatine may be particularly advantageous for athletes, due to the improvement in energy levels and potentially reduced inflammation, but also for people who want to lead a healthy lifestyle, and maintain healthy skin, nails and hair. Preferably the biotin is present as liquid biotin. The liquid collagen supplement according to the present invention may comprise biotin in a preferred range of about 1 to about 60 mg, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 5 to about 50 mg of biotin, or in the range of about 10 to about 40 mg of biotin, or in the range of about 15 to about 30 mg of biotin, or in the range of about 20 to about 25 mg of biotin. The biotin may be present in an amount of from about 1 to about 8 mg of biotin. For example, in one particular embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise 3 mg of biotin. Electrolytes According to the present invention, the liquid collagen supplement may further comprise one or more electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential minerals which are vital to many key functions in the body. The electrolytes may be selected from: (i) vitamins such as A, B1, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E and K; (ii) minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, iodine, iron, copper, potassium and zinc. Vitamin A is important for vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. A Vitamin A deficiency can cause vision loss and blindness, and can lead to skin, heart, lung and immune system complications. Vitamin B1 (e.g., as thiamine chloride) is one of the eight essential B vitamins, and is essential for glucose metabolism and healthy nerve, muscle and heart function, however the body cannot make vitamin B1 itself, so it is important to consume to avoid deficiency. Vitamin B3 (e.g., as niacinamide) plays an important role in maintaining the health of your heart, blood vessels, and metabolism, and can be used to decrease bade cholesterol and fats, such as LDL, and increase good cholesterol, HDL. A vitamin B3 deficiency can result in pellagra, which is the triad of dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhoea and can result in death. Vitamin B5 (e.g., as pantothenic acid or D-calcium pantothenate) helps make red blood cells and convert the food such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats, into energy. B5 also helps muscle recovery. Vitamin B6 is important for brain development, a healthy nervous system and for a healthy immune system. Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), folate (e.g., as folic acid) is essential for healthy blood and nerve cells, and helps make DNA. Vitamin B12 also prevents megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak. Vitamin C (e.g., as sodium ascorbate) is essential for growth and repair of bodily tissue. Vitamin C also helps to the body make collagen. Vitamin C is needed for healing wounds, and for repairing and maintaining bones and teeth. A deficiency in Vitamin C can cause scurvy, which causes bruising, gum and dental problems, dry hair and skin, and anemia. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that is important in helping the body reduce the damage done by free radicals, which may be created by environmental stressors, poor diet, and even strenuous exercise. Vitamin C also help to absorb iron, which in turns boosts energy, and vitamin C also supports collagen formation and faster healing. Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone deformities and bone pain. Vitamin E maintains healthy skin and eyes, and strengthens the body's immune system. It is an important antioxidant. Improving mitochondrial oxidative functions, as well as DNA repair and keeping TP production optimal is an essential component to improve aging efficiency. A Vitamin E deficiency may cause impaired reflexes and coordination, difficulty walking, and weak muscles. Vitamin K is essential for healing injuries through blood clotting and coagulation, it is also involved in bone metabolism and cardiovascular health. Vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development, osteoporosis, and increased cardiovascular disease. Therefore, a liquid collagen supplement comprising vitamin K would advantageously help to reduce the risk of bone turnover and fractures. Magnesium is essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels, a lack of magnesium can lead to higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and / or osteoporosis. As such, a liquid collagen supplement comprising magnesium would be particularly beneficial for post-training muscle recovery, for preventing muscle cramping, and for reducing fatigue. Calcium is important for building and maintaining strong bones, and for heart, muscle and nerve function. A lack of calcium can cause osteopenia and osteoporosis. Therefore, a liquid collagen supplement comprising calcium would beneficially help to maintain both short and long term bone heath, as well as ensuring that muscles are able to flex, contract and extend when needed. Sodium is key to the maintenance of normal cellular homeostasis and in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance and blood pressure. Sodium also plays an important role in the absorption of nutrients in the gut, maintaining cognitive function, nerve impulse transmission and in muscle contraction. As such, sodium levels can be particularly important to athletes. Iodine is essential for making thyroid hormones which control the body's metabolism. An iodine deficiency can cause an enlarged thyroid and hypothyroidism. Iron is necessary for growth and development, and the production of haemoglobin. An iron deficiency can cause heart problems, fatigue and headaches. Copper is used by the body to make energy, connective tissue and blood vessel. Copper also helps to maintain a healthy nervous and immune system and activate genes. A lack of copper can cause anemia, osteoporosis, low white blood cell count and an irregular heartbeat. Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of all cells, it helps to move nutrients and waste around the cells. A lack of potassium (hypokalemia) can increase the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest. During endurance training, potassium is involved in the breakdown of glycogen in muscle cells, supplying them with energy, so a liquid collagen supplement with potassium may be of particular benefit to athletes. Zinc is important for immune system and metabolic functioning, as well as wound healing. A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss, more frequent infections and slow healing wounds. According to the present invention, the electrolytes may be present in the liquid collagen supplement in an amount from about 0 to about 5000 mg, for example, the electrolytes may be present in the liquid collagen supplement in an amount from about 150 mg to about 4000 mg, or in an amount from about 200 mg to about 3000 mg, or in an amount from about 250 mg to about 2000 mg. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 0 to about 200 mg of vitamin C, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 10 to about 175 mg of vitamin C, or in the range of about 25 to about 150 mg of vitamin C, or in the range of about 50 to about 125 mg of vitamin C, or in the range of about 75 to about 100 mg of vitamin C, for example, in one particular embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise 80 mg of vitamin C. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 0 to about 30 mg of zinc, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 1 to about 20 mg of zinc, or in the range of about 2 to about 10 mg of zinc, or in the range of about 3 to about 7.5 mg of zinc, or in the range of about 4 to about 6 mg of zinc, for example, in one particular embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise 2 to 5 mg of zinc, for example, 5 mg of zinc. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 0 to about 400 mg of magnesium, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 10 to about 300 mg of magnesium, or in the range of about 25 to about 250 mg of magnesium, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 mg of magnesium, or in the range of about 75 to about 150 mg of magnesium, for example, in one particular embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise 100 mg of magnesium. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 0 to about 400 mg of potassium, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 10 to about 300 mg of potassium, or in the range of about 25 to about 250 mg of potassium, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 mg of potassium, or in the range of about 75 to about 150 mg of potassium, for example, in one particular embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise 100 mg of potassium. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 0 to about 2500 mg of sodium, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 100 to about 2000 mg of sodium, or in the range of about 200 to about 1500 mg of sodium, or in the range of about 750 to about 1250 mg of sodium, or in the range of about 900 to about 1100 mg of sodium, for example, in one particular embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise 1000 mg of sodium. In some embodiments, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 0 to about 200 mg of calcium, for example, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise in the range of about 5 to about 150 mg of calcium, or in the range of about 10 to about 100 mg of calcium, or in the range of about 25 to about 75 mg of calcium, or in the range of about 45 to about 55 mg of calcium, for example, in one particular embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise 50 mg of calcium. In a particular embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise: at least about 15,000 mg of collagen; about 70 to about 90 mg of vitamin C; about 2.5 to about 7.5 mg of zinc, about 90 to about 110 mg of magnesium; and about 2 to about 4 mg of biotin. In an alternative embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise: at least about 15,000 mg of collagen; about 225 to about 275 mg of potassium; about 90 to about 110 mg of magnesium; about 2 to about 5 mg of zinc; about 900 to about 1100 mg of sodium; and about 40 to about 60 mg of calcium. In a further alternative embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise: at least about 15,000 mg of collagen; and about 2,500 mg to about 7,500 mg of creatine. Additional Ingredients In an embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement further comprises one or more of the following additional ingredients: (i) at least one gelling agent; (ii) at least one preservative; (iii) at least one stabiliser; (iv) at least one flavourant; (v) at least one acidity regulator; (vi) at least one sweetener. Optionally, the at least one gelling agent is selected from pectin, agar agar, gellan gum, guar gum, sodium alginate, carrageenan gums, xanthan gum, cellulose, methylcellulose, gelatine alginic acid, potassium alginate, ammonium alginate, locust bean gum and combinations thereof. Other suitable gelling agents may also be used in the liquid collagen supplements described herein. The at least one preservative may be selected from potassium sorbate, citric acid, ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, calcium sorbate, erythorbic acid, potassium nitrite, sodium benzoate or combinations thereof. Other suitable preservatives known within the art may be used in the liquid collagen supplements described herein. Optionally, the at least one stabiliser is selected from calcium lactate, calcium acetate sodium citrate, potassium citrate, phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, mannitol, polysorbate 65, agar agar, cellulose, starch pectin, alginates, carrageenan, gelatin, gum Arabic, gum karaya, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum or combinations thereof. The at least one flavourant may be selected from any suitable flavourant, for example, peach, caramel, vanilla, banana, blueberry pie, vanilla, sour cherry, blood orange, chocolate, mixed berry, passionfruit, mango, strawberry, watermelon, rhubarb or combinations thereof. Preferably, the flavourant may be a natural flavourant such as fruit extracts such as orange extract apple fruit extract, syrups such as citric acid, Sarsaparilla and cherry), aromatic oils such as lemon, spearmint, rose and peppermint, or vanillin or a combination thereof. Other suitable natural flavourant known within the art may be used in the liquid collagen supplements described herein to enhance the flavour. Optionally, the at least one acidity regulator is selected from citric acid, sodium acetate, calcium acetate, lactic acid, propionic acid malic acid, fumaric acid, ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, sodium lactate, calcium lactate, acetic acid, sodium citrates, potassium citrate, calcium citrates, tartaric acid phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, calcium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, adipic acid, sodium adipate sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium sulphate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, gluconic acid, glucono-delta lactone, potassium gluconate, calcium gluconate and combinations thereof. However, the selection of any suitable acidity regulator, may be envisaged. Optionally, the sweeteners may be selected from any suitable sweetener, for example, sucralose or acesulfame K, sugar. Other suitable sweeteners known within the art may also be used in the liquid collagen supplements described herein The liquid collagen supplement may further comprise caffeine. Beneficially, caffeine has been shown to have positive affect on aging, as well as reducing tiredness and fatigue to improve focus and performance. The liquid collagen supplement may further comprise an antioxidant. Antioxidants may also help negate free radical production, which may be related to NF-kappa-B stimulation, or inhibition, which is one of the more important compounds in determining the rate of DNA repair. As such, the liquid collagen supplement may further comprise an antioxidant selected from vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and / or zinc, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid collagen supplement further comprises an antiinflammatory ingredient selected from turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, green tea extract, s-adenosylmethionine, ginger, spirulina, bromelain, fruits known for antiinflammatory effects such as cherries, blueberries and strawberries or vegetables known for anti-inflammatory effects such as spinach, kale, broccoli and avocado. Other antiinflammatory ingredients may also be used in the liquid collagen supplements described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise collagen and electrolytes including vitamins A, B3, B7, B12, E as well as the mineral magnesium. In an embodiment, the liquid collagen is free from gluten and / or soy and / or dairy and / or sugar. In embodiments, the liquid supplement may also comprise Essential Amino Acids, which are amino acids that humans cannot synthesize on their own. For example, the liquid supplement may also comprise phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, and histidine and combinations thereof. Form of the liquid collagen supplement According to the present invention, the liquid collagen supplement may be in the form of a (i) a liquid or gel; (ii) a still or sparkling drink; or (iii) a syrup. When the liquid collagen supplement is in the form of a liquid or a gel, the gel product is more viscous than the liquid product. The gel product will also typically contain less water and be more concentrated than the liquid product. A liquid product may be advantageous due to increased absorption into the blood stream compared to tablet collagen. According to the present invention, the liquid collagen supplement is in the form of a still or sparkling drink. This may be beneficial for ease of digestion, and absorption, and for consuming on the go. The liquid collagen supplement of the present invention may be in the form of (i) a liquid or gel; or (ii) a still or sparkling drink. When the liquid collagen supplement is in either of these forms, the liquid collagen supplement may comprise collagen, biotin, zinc, magnesium and vitamin C. A further preferred aspect of a liquid collagen supplement may comprise collagen and electrolytes including vitamins A, B3, B7, B12, E as well as the mineral magnesium. According to the present invention, the liquid collagen supplement may be in the form of a syrup. In this form, it may be for the purpose of sweetening hot drinks, such as coffees. In addition to the liquid collagen supplement of the present invention and defined herein, the syrup may comprise ingredients such as flavourings such as vanilla, sweeteners such as sucralose or acesulfame K, sugar. The other ingredients of hot drink syrups are well known in the art. Preferably, the syrup is sugar free and therefore low calorie. In one aspect of the invention, the liquid collagen supplement is stored in sachet packaging. The sachet of the present invention may contain from 50 g to 75 g of the liquid collagen supplement. Advantageously, the liquid collagen supplement stored as a sachet allows the delivery of from 15,000 mg to 30,000 mg of collagen quickly and conveniently to the user, in only two sips of the product. Preferably, the ingredients of the liquid collagen supplement contained in the sachet are all natural ingredients. Preferably, the liquid collagen supplement contained in the sachet does not comprise sugar and thus the product is low calorie. Preferably when stored within a sachet, the liquid collagen supplement is in the form of a gel. Accordingly, the present invention provides a sachet which comprises a liquid collagen supplement comprising: (a) at least 15,000 mg of collagen; and at least one of: (i) creatine; and / or (ii) biotin; and / or (iii) one or more electrolytes. In one aspect, the present invention provides a sachet which comprises a liquid collagen supplement comprising at least 15,000 mg of collagen infused with creatine. Preferably in this particular embodiment, the liquid collagen supplement is in the form of a gel. It has been found by the present inventors that the blend of collagen infused with creatine works synergistically to provide major benefits to skin, heart, brain and gut health, joint pain relief and bone strengthening. Improved muscle tone and exercise recovery can also be seen sooner. In a further aspect to the present invention provides a liquid collagen supplement comprising (a) at least 15,000 mg of collagen; (i) creatine; (ii) biotin; and (iii) one or more electrolytes. Preferably, the sachet comprises collagen in an amount of from 15,000 mg to 30,000 mg. Preferably, the collagen is bovine collagen such as hydrolysed bovine collagen. The collagen may also be present as a blend of bovine collagen and marine collagen. Additionally, the liquid collagen supplement may further comprise an antioxidant to delayed or prevent oxidation of the liquid collagen supplement. The antioxidant may be selected from tocopherols (vitamin E derivative), ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, tertiary butylhydroquinone or combinations thereof. EXAMPLES The following illustrates examples of the liquid collagen supplement, and related aspects described herein. Thus, these examples should not be considered to restrict the present disclosure, but are merely in place to teach how to carry out the present disclosure. Three examples of liquid collagen supplements prepared according to the present invention are shown below. Example 1 - Formulation Bovine Collagen (15 g) Biotin (3 mg) Magnesium (100 mg) Zinc (5 mg) Vitamin C (80 mg) (Other ingredients used: water, pectin as gelling agent and potassium sorbate as preservative). Example 2- Formulation Bovine Collagen (15 g) Potassium (250 mg) Magnesium (100 mg) Zinc (2 - 5 mg) Sodium (1000 mg) Calcium (50 mg) (also contains water) 5 Example 3 - Formulation Bovine Collagen (15 g) Creatine (5 g) 10 (also contains water) Collagen Electrolyte Formulation Bovine Collagen (15 g) 15 (also contains water, Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B7, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Magnesium)

Claims

1. A liquid collagen supplement comprising:at least about 15,000 mg of collagen; and at least one of:(i) creatine; and / or(ii) biotin; and / or(iii) one or more electrolytes.

2. The liquid collagen supplement according to claim 1, wherein the supplement comprises from about 15,000 mg to about 30,000 mg of collagen.

3. The liquid collagen supplement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the supplement comprises from about 2,000 mg to about 10,000 mg of creatine.

4. The liquid collagen supplement according to any preceding claim, wherein the supplement comprises from about 1 mg to about 60 mg of biotin5. The liquid collagen supplement according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more electrolytes are selected from:(i) vitamins such as A, B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12, C, D, E and K;(ii) minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, iodine, iron, copper, potassium and zinc.

6. The liquid collagen supplement according to any preceding claim, wherein the collagen is at least one of hydrolysed bovine collagen, marine collagen or vegan collagen or a combination thereof.

7. The liquid collagen supplement according to any preceding claim wherein the supplement comprises one or more of the following additional ingredients:(i) at least one gelling agent;(ii) at least one preservative;(iii) at least one stabiliser;(iv) at least one flavourant;(v) at least one acidity regulator;(vi) at least one sweetener.

8. The liquid collagen supplement according to any preceding claim, wherein the supplement further comprises caffeine.

9. The liquid collagen supplement according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid collagen supplement comprises an anti-inflammatory ingredient selected from turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, green tea extract, s-adenosylmethionine, ginger, spirulina, bromelain, fruits known for antiinflammatory effects such as cherries, blueberries and strawberries or vegetables known for anti-inflammatory effects such as spinach, kale, broccoli and avocado.

10. The liquid collagen supplement according to any preceding claim, wherein the supplement is free from gluten, soy, dairy and sugar.

11. The liquid collagen supplement according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid collagen supplement is in the form of a:(i) a liquid or a gel;(ii) a still or sparkling drink; or(iii) a syrup.

12. The liquid supplement according to claim 11, wherein the liquid collagen supplement is in the form a gel and comprises collagen infused with creatine.

13. The liquid supplement according to claim 11, wherein the liquid collagen supplement is in either form (i) or (ii) and comprises magnesium and vitamins A, B3, B7, B12 and E.

14. The liquid supplement according to claim 11, wherein the liquid collagen supplement is in the form of a still or sparkling drink and comprises biotin, zinc, magnesium and vitamin C.