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Let's start with the most basic question: what exactly is collagen? Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in the human body. It's the most abundant protein in the body, making up approximately 30% of total protein mass. Collagen is found in muscles, bones, skin, tendons, teeth, and other tissues throughout the body.
Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins. There are 20 different amino acids, and nine of them are essential for the body to function properly. These essential amino acids must be obtained from food or supplements since the body cannot produce them on its own.
Proteins are macromolecules with long chains of amino acids held together by peptide bonds. After you consume protein, your digestive system breaks it down into individual amino acids. Once the amino acids are absorbed, they are recombined to create new proteins, including collagen.
When long pieces of collagen protein are broken down into smaller molecules, they're called collagen peptides. By consuming peptides, you're providing your body with building blocks that are easier to absorb and use.
There are a number of reasons why you might want to consider taking collagen supplements. As we mentioned earlier, our production of collagen decreases as we age, which can lead to a variety of health issues. The body loses on average 1.5% of its collagen each year after the age of 30 and the decline is even more pronounced after the age of 60. Collagen supplements can provide your body with the materials it needs to support collagen production.
Collagen supplements can be beneficial for skin health. The peptides in collagen supplements are thought to help increase skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, collagen helps with hair, nails, and joint health. Collagen helps keep cartilage healthy and functioning properly, which can reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
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The body makes collagen by combining the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Collagen production also requires vitamin C, zinc, and copper. The best way to ensure your body can produce enough collagen is to eat a nutrient-rich diet with a variety of protein sources, and including collagen supplements may also be a good idea.
At this time, sources of collagen supplements are 100% animal-based. However, synthetic sources will surely be coming soon, which will be helpful for those strictly following vegan and vegetarian diets. Animal-sourced collagen supplements come primarily from bovine, marine, and porcine sources, but can be a combination of the three. Collagen sourced from beef is called bovine collagen, and collagen from fish is called marine collagen.
There are also a few different forms of collagen protein:
Collagen is often compared to glue, helping to hold the body's structural tissues together. However, different types of collagen are found in different types of tissues. Although there are 28 different types of collagen, the main types that you'll find in supplements are type I, type II, type III, and type IV. Here's a quick rundown on where each type is primarily found. But keep in mind that it’s not as simple as matching a single type of collagen to how it benefits the body, since they do overlap each other. For example, type I and 3 both benefit the skin, even though type 1 is the most abundant.
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that occurs when water is added to a molecule to break chemical bonds. In the case of collagen, the hydrolysis process breaks down the protein into smaller molecules called peptides. This means the collagen has greater bioavailability and can be absorbed and used by the body more easily.
Hydrolyzed collagen can act in two different ways in the skin. First, the free amino acids can provide building blocks for forming collagen and elastin fibers. The second is collagen peptides bind to receptors and stimulate the production of new collagen.
Collagen is a major structural component of our skin. A systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials using collagen supplements showed notable improvements in skin elasticity and hydration following 4-24 weeks of supplementation. A summary of the benefits of collagen related to skin care include:
In addition, it has been proposed that marine collagen is the best choice for skin health. Marine collagen is full of glycine, which is known for its anti-aging benefits and protecting the skin from free radicals.
In addition to improving the health and appearance of the skin, there are a number of important health benefits associated with collagen protein:
When choosing a collagen supplement, it's important to look for one that is:
Generally, collagen supplements are considered safe and have not been shown to have ill side effects. However, it is always necessary to consult with a doctor if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
The recommended daily intake of collagen varies depending on your age and health status. According to WebMD, studies suggest that adults should take 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen on a daily basis for health benefits.
One scoop of Amandean collagen peptides contains 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen and 18 amino acids. The same is true for marine collagen. One to two scoops of Amandean collagen protein powder per day will meet the recommended intake.
The good news is Amandean collagen is odorless and tasteless. No need to worry about a beefy or fishy aftertaste! Customers have verified that Amandean collagen is tasteless and can be added to beverages and meals without affecting the flavors.
Amandean collagen is hot and cold soluble. This means it can be mixed with any beverage, including water, juice, coffee, tea, or smoothies.
Tips for mixing collagen:
For best results, add the marine collagen protein powder first, then the liquid on top. But with grass-fed collagen, pour the liquid first and add the powder on top. This ensures better solubility, since the marine collagen is much lighter in weight. No matter which one you choose, collagen preserves its structure at high temperatures and is great to add to your coffee.
There is no definitive answer to this question. The differences in collagen are mainly tied to how the source (cattle or fish) affects the amino acid profile of the collagen.
Some people believe that grass-fed collagen is better because it contains more nutrients and uses parts of the animal that might otherwise go to waste. However, others feel that marine collagen has superior health benefits and better anti-aging results because of its higher levels of the amino acid glycine.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of collagen meets their goals. The best case scenario may be to take a combination of both so you can get the various benefits each type has to offer.
It's clear that collagen is a critical component of the human body. Unfortunately, it decreases as we age, which is why supplements are vital for preserving collagen levels and promoting overall wellness. Visit the Amandean shop to discover many options for incorporating collagen into your daily routine, so you can look and feel your best.
