It's one of the most common questions I get asked, from Instagram DMs to emails to mums at the school gate: is collagen actually safe for my child?
I understand the hesitation. Collagen is everywhere in the adult wellness world right now, but when it comes to giving something to your toddler or young child, you want to be absolutely certain. You should be asking this question. It means you're doing your job as a parent.
So I asked my co-founder Dr Mitch Evans, a practising GP and father of three, to help me answer this properly. Below is everything we want you to know.
The short answer
It's a naturally occurring protein derived from animals that humans have consumed for thousands of years through bone broths, slow-cooked meats, and traditional diets.
Collagen makes up approximately 30% of the total protein in the human body. Your child's body is already producing and using collagen every day, in their skin, bones, joints, muscles, gut lining, and connective tissue. Supplementing with hydrolysed collagen peptides simply provides more of what their body already recognises and uses.
What Dr Mitch says
"As a GP, I review every ingredient before it goes into our products. Collagen is one of the safest protein sources available for children. It's a whole food, it's highly digestible, and it has a long history of safe consumption. I wouldn't put my name on anything I wouldn't give my own kids, and all three of mine have this every day."
Dr Mitch Evans, GP & Co-Founder, Unrefined NutrientsWhat does "hydrolysed" mean?
When we say our collagen is hydrolysed, it simply means the protein has been broken down into smaller peptides through a natural enzymatic process. Think of it like pre-digesting the protein so your child's body doesn't have to work as hard to absorb it.
Hydrolysed = pre-digested
The collagen is broken down into smaller peptides through a natural enzymatic process. This makes it one of the most easily absorbed forms of protein available, significantly gentler than many plant protein isolates that can cause bloating or discomfort in sensitive little tummies.
From what age can children have collagen?
Our Kids Immune Protein is designed for children aged 12 months and older. We chose this age range because it aligns with when most toddlers are fully weaned onto solids and starting to need more dietary protein to support their rapid growth and development.
Serving guide by age
Is it just protein, or does it do more?
Collagen provides more than just a protein number on a label. The specific amino acids in collagen, particularly glycine, proline, and glutamine, play important roles in gut lining integrity, joint development, and immune function.
Glycine, for example, is one of the key amino acids involved in building and maintaining the gut lining. Given that up to 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, supporting gut health is directly connected to supporting immune resilience, something every daycare parent cares about deeply.
We also add L-Tryptophan to complete the essential amino acid profile. Tryptophan supports the production of serotonin and melatonin, which play roles in mood regulation and sleep. It's one of the reasons many parents notice their children settling more easily at bedtime after starting Immune Protein.
What about the source, where does the collagen come from?
Our collagen is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. We chose this source because it offers the highest quality amino acid profile and meets strict standards for purity and traceability. Every batch is tested to ensure it's free from contaminants, heavy metals, and residues.
We are transparent about the fact that collagen is an animal-derived ingredient. It is not suitable for vegan families. For families who include animal protein in their diet, collagen is one of the cleanest, most bioavailable forms available.
Is it safe to have every day?
Yes. Collagen is a food, not a medicine. Just as your child can safely eat chicken, fish, or eggs every day as part of a balanced diet, hydrolysed collagen can be consumed daily. Our recommended serving of one scoop provides 9 grams of protein, an appropriate amount to supplement (not replace) a varied whole-food diet.
Food first, always
Kids Immune Protein is designed to fill nutritional gaps on the days that don't go to plan: the fussy days, the daycare bug days, the "I only want toast" days. It's not a meal replacement. It's peace of mind in a scoop.
Common questions we hear
Can collagen cause allergic reactions?
Collagen allergies are extremely rare. Our product is also free from the top eight allergens (gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish). If your child has a complex allergy history, we always recommend checking with your paediatrician.
Will it affect my child's kidneys?
There is no evidence that moderate protein supplementation, including collagen, places any strain on healthy kidneys in children. Our serving provides 9 grams of protein, well within normal dietary guidelines for toddlers and young children.
Is it tested?
Yes. Our manufacturer follows stringent quality control processes including routine swabbing and testing. We test our products separately for gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, and contaminants. Every product is made in Brisbane, Australia, under strict food safety standards.
Our promise to you
Mitch and I created this product for our own family first. Every ingredient was selected because we believed in it enough to give it to our own children, not because it was cheap to manufacture or trendy on social media. That's a standard we will never compromise on.
If you have any questions about whether Immune Protein is right for your child, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can DM me on Instagram @the__unrefined or email hello@unrefinednutrients.com.au. We're real parents and we're always happy to chat.
Nicola & Mitch x
Ready to try it?
Available in three kid-approved flavours: Cacao Cavalry, Strawberry Forte, and Vanilla Vanguard. Allergen-free, sugar-free, suitable from 12 months. 100% taste guarantee.
Shop Kids Immune ProteinRelated reading: Why We Use Collagen Protein for Kids (Not Pea or Rice) · Best Supplement for Fussy Eaters · Why No Iron in Kids Protein
