As we ease into the cooler months, I wanted to take a moment to check in with you and your family. This time of year can be both a time of settling down and facing new challenges, especially for those of us caring for children on the autism spectrum or navigating conditions like PANDAS or PANS.

One thing that’s been on my mind lately is collagen—a supplement you might have heard of for joints and skin, but it’s actually got so much more to offer. The key, though, is finding the right type, especially if your child has sensitivities to oxalates, glutamates, or histamine.

In my latest blog, I break down what you need to know about collagen and how it might help support your child’s health. Whether you're looking to support their gut, joints, or overall well-being, I’ve got some insights to share that could make a real difference.

You can find a quick-read summary below, but for a full rundown, I’d love for you to check out the blog. I’m confident these insights can help you make meaningful strides in supporting your child’s health and well-being. 

Together, we can continue to build a stronger foundation for their future.

Stella Chadwick, BSc (Hons) mBANT CNHC

Founder, Functional Medicine Practitioner & Registered Nutritional Therapist

Quick Read Summary

🧬 Collagen’s Role: Collagen supports skin, joints, bones, and gut health, but choosing the right type matters, especially for children with autism, PANDAS, or PANS.

⚠️ Sensitivity Considerations: Be mindful of oxalates, glutamates, and histamine. These compounds can worsen symptoms like joint pain, anxiety, and digestive issues in sensitive children.

🌙 Tryptophan Deficiency: Collagen lacks tryptophan, an amino acid vital for mood, sleep, and digestion regulation. Pair it with tryptophan-rich foods like turkey, eggs, or dairy.

💡 Choosing the Right Type:

• Type II Collagen: Best for joint health.
• Type I & III Collagen: Supports gut, skin, and bone strength.
• Type IV & V Collagen: Promotes wound healing.

🍲 Bone Broth Caution: Homemade bone broth is a natural collagen source, but be careful with cooking times to avoid increasing histamine levels.

🧪 Supplements & Doses: Stick to moderate doses (2.5-5g/day) and consider supplements like calcium citrate to minimise oxalate absorption.

Discover more about our innovative strategies and book a free chat with us to see how we can help.

Meet our practitioners
We are a unique clinic in that many of our practitioners have a child with special needs, and they all have different passions and expertise. Please head to our website to meet Stella, Coriander, Jo, Sarah, Haley, Mémé, Aira, and Emma and get in touch if you'd like to know how to work with us.

A.P.E COLLAGEN POWDER - 100% GRASS-FED

In our clinic, we understand the unique nutritional needs of children on the autism spectrum or managing conditions like PANDAS and PANS. That’s why we’re excited to share how we use Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides as part of our practice. 🌿 This supplement offers powerful support for gut health, joints, skin, and connective tissue—all critical areas for children with complex health needs.

What makes this collagen stand out is its versatility. It's completely flavourless and odourless, dissolving easily into both hot and cold drinks, making it simple to incorporate into your child’s daily routine—whether it's blended into a smoothie or added to meals. 🌱

We love that it’s sourced from 100% grass-fed and finished cattle, free from hormones, antibiotics, and exposure to chemicals, ensuring only the purest form of collagen for your child’s system.

WHY WE RECOMMEND A.P.E COLLAGEN POWDER

🌟 Supports Gut, Skin, Joints, and More: Helps fortify your child’s gut, skin, bones, and connective tissue, promoting overall resilience and strength.

💪 Nutrient-Dense Superfood: Packed with essential amino acids like glycine and proline, this collagen peptide offers a natural way to help your child thrive.

🧪 Clean and Safe: Sourced from 100% grass-fed cattle, free from harmful additives, chemicals, or antibiotics, so you can trust what’s going into your child’s body.

🍽️ Easy to Use: Odourless, flavourless, and dissolves effortlessly in hot or cold liquids, making it easy to integrate into your child’s meals or drinks.