Collagen Supplements & Powders

What Is Collagen?

Did you know that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, the digestive system, and tendons? About one-third of the protein in the body is made up of collagen, a complex structural protein and the primary building block for all of the body's cells and tissues.

Collagen helps maintain strength and flexibility in ligaments, bones, joints, and tendons, and can be thought of as the “glue” that holds the body together. Collagen also supports healthy skin, gums, teeth, eyes, nails, and hair, and helps the body build lean muscle, which is why it’s increasingly seen in sports nutrition formulas. Indeed, collagen supplements have been gaining popularity in both the gym crowd, as well as in the general population for the many benefits it offers.

Interestingly, our bodies do produce collagen; however, our natural production begins to slow down as we age (producing only about 50% of what it used to by age 45), as evidenced by the classic signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin and joint pain caused by weakened or decreased cartilage. Lifestyle factors can also contribute to depleting our collagen levels such as a diet high in sugar, smoking, and excessive exposure to UV rays (sunlight/tanning).

Collagen Supplement Benefits

• Boosts Muscle Protein Synthesis (Prevents Muscle Breakdown)
• Helps Build & Maintain Strong Bones
• Improves Skin Health
• Reduces Risk of Bone Disorders such as Osteoporosis
• Relieves Joint Pain
  
  

Who Benefits Most From Collagen Supplements?

Your health care practitioner might recommend a collagen supplement if you’re concerned with greying, thinning, or coarse hair, you've noticed a few fine lines and wrinkles appearing and want to try and "roll back the years", if you're dealing with creaky, aching, swollen joints, having more trouble with exercise recovery, or are hoping to lose a few pounds while retaining all of your muscle mass (optimizing body composition). Collagen may also be recommended post-injury or fracture to help speed up recovery, reduce joint pain and degeneration, as well as to help remedy leaky gut. Indeed, one of the most common uses of collagen is to help stimulate connective tissue formation to “seal and heal” the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which is especially useful in those with GI diseases such as leaky gut.

Collagen Supplement Varieties

Collagen Supplement Potencies

Collagen supplements abound and are offered in a range of potencies, with an optimal 5 to 10 g recommended daily dose.

Collagen Supplement Forms

Collagen supplements are typically offered as either hydrolyzed bovine collagen supplement (collagen hydrolysate), gelatin, or marine collagen supplement (made from the scales of cod, pollock, and haddock).

Collagen Supplement Formats

Collagen supplements can be purchased in capsules, tablets, and powders, as well as in liquid forms and added to a range of sports nutrition protein powders, beauty blends, and hair, skin, and nail formulas.

Getting The Most Out Of Your Collagen Supplement

Like all supplements, not all collagen supplements are created equal.

If you’re opting for animal collagen, look for a non-GMO formula, and ideally sourced from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle, so you can be sure your collagen is free from antibiotics and added hormones (and you aren’t adding to your body’s toxic load). If you prefer to go with marine collagen, then look for one from wild-caught fish.

The best collagen supplements also add in vitamin C which is needed for the synthesis and maintenance of collagen, as well as L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that collagen doesn’t contain. This latter addition has the added advantage of making the collagen a complete protein, thus multiplying the health benefits (enhanced muscle building, better maintenance of muscle mass, etc).

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