Collagen and Fruit

A Guide to Supporting Healthy Joints

As the weather turns colder, joint stiffness can become more noticeable (IYKYK!) And let’s face it, that makes everything a bit more challenging. Fortunately, collagen, a popular supplement often taken for skin health, also supports your joints by reducing stiffness and keeping you moving comfortably. And when paired with vitamin C–rich fruits, your body has the building blocks it needs to produce and protect collagen naturally.

What is collagen and what does it do?

Collagen is often called the body’s “scaffolding.” It’s the most abundant protein we have, making up nearly 30% of total protein content. Built from long chains of amino acids, collagen holds the body together, supporting everything from skin and muscles to bones and joints.

In your joints, collagen makes up much of the structure of cartilage, the tissue that cushions movement. It also supports bone density, healthy blood vessels, and connective tissue strength. Unfortunately, collagen production begins to decline in your mid-20s. Over time, activity, injuries, and normal wear and tear can make this decline more noticeable, particularly in your joints.

The Different Types of Collagen

Type I: Provides strength and structure in bones and connective tissues.

Type II: Essential for joint health, mainly present in cartilage.

Type III: Supports blood vessels and organs, often working alongside Type I.

Most supplements come in the form of hydrolyzed collagen (commonly known as collagen peptides). This broken-down form is easier for your body to absorb and may signal your tissues to ramp up collagen production where it’s needed most.

Fruits and Collagen: A Perfect Pair

If collagen is the bricks of your structure, vitamin C is the mortar. Your body can’t produce collagen without vitamin C, making diet just as important as supplements. Fruits like oranges, strawberries, kiwis, and pineapple are excellent sources of this vitamin, helping convert amino acids into strong collagen fibers.

As the days grow colder and joint stiffness becomes harder to ignore, supporting your body with collagen and the right nutrients may make all the difference. By combining high-quality collagen supplements with a fruit-rich diet full of vitamin C and antioxidants, you’re not only helping your joints stay flexible and resilient, you’re also setting yourself up for better mobility year-round.

Published November 1st 2025