Collagen Protein

Collagen protein has arguably seen the biggest growth in popularity in the supplement industry over the past 12 months! More and more people have been seeking the use of collagen for a wide range of reasons. Some people want to increase muscle growth, so they have a collagen shake after their workout. Other people are more concerned with optimising skin elasticity and healthy hair however collagen can also help these people!

There is a great deal of information out there about collagen supplements and it can get a little bit confusing. This blog article aims to synthesise the main things you need to know about collagen products and how they can help you reach your goals!

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein found in living organisms that plays a crucial role in our overall function. Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up 25-35% of the body’s total protein content. Collagen is the main element of connective tissue structures like tendons and ligaments and is also present in bone and muscle.

There are 28 total forms of collagen however for the purpose of this blog article, we are going to focus on Type I, II and III.

Type I collagen is the most prevalent type of collagen in the human body, making up around 90%. This type of collagen is found in blood vessels, skin, bones, connective tissue and cartilage. Type 1 collagen has been shown to reduce the prevalence of cellulite in women, making it perfect for dealing with sagging skin. Collagen supplementation with type I can improve skin texture and slow the skin aging process.

Type II collagen has more elastic properties than type I, making it more appropriate for addressing joint health. Healthy joints are a priority for everyone and type II collagen has even been shown to be beneficial for people with joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Type II collagen also makes its way through the GI system better than other oral collagen supplements. If you want to get more type II into your diet, supplements and bone broth are great options. Bone broth also contains additional nutrients like hyaluronic acid.

Type III collagen is a mesh-like collagen which makes up muscle and organs. Due to the fact that type III collagen is a major component of the intestines, some experts are researching whether or not taking collagen supplements can improve gut health. There is some evidence to suggest this type of collagen can assist with increased muscle mass, leading to better exercise performance.

What are Collagen Supplements?

Collagen Protein

A collagen protein is a supplement that is used as an alternative to plant based protein or whey. These products generally contain 23-25g of protein per serve. These products are used by people less concerned about skin health and more concerned with looking to increase muscle mass and achieve weight loss. Collagen proteins generally come in a range of flavours!

Collagen Support Supplements

Collagen support supplements are used by people who are more interested in optimising collagen production and receiving the benefits of collagen that relate to hair, skin and nails. This also includes products that support joint health. These supplements support collagen production however do not contain sufficient protein to fully support muscle growth.

What are Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides (also known as collagen hydrolysate) are smaller groups of amino acids (glycine etc.) derived from collagen. This is what is found in collagen protein powders to support collagen synthesis. Hydrolyzed collagen supplements contain highly bioavailable forms of collagen which can be easily absorbed by the body. Collagen peptides can also be found in collagen rich foods like bone marrow and bone broth.

Collagen Peptides & Connective Tissues

Benefits of Collagen

– May help reduce joint pain by supporting tendons and ligaments. This may be beneficial for athletes in a range of sports as they are exposing their joints to much more stress than the average person.

– Can help address brittle nails and thinning hair. Many people (particularly women) not the benefits on their overall appearance.

– It is a crucial protein in the muscle and skeletal system. As mentioned above, it is the most abundant protein in the body so it is clear why it is is important to our health.

– Can help improve skin health and remove fine lines.

– Can be consumed with hot or cold liquids. Depending on your preference, you can have a cold or hot beverage! These products are very versatile and delicious.

– Collagen powder comes in a range of flavours and brands. Whether or not you want a product that will taste like a shake (chocolate, vanilla) or a juice (pineapple, grape), we will find the right one for you.

Amino Acids in Collagen

Whilst collagen alone is unfortunately not a complete protein source, it still contains important amino acids. Collagen molecules are composed of specific amino acids, each of which serve a different purpose.

The amino acids found in collagen are arginine, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Collagen peptide supplements are packed with these great amino acids!

Collagen Supplements vs. Whey Protein

If we are strictly considering the quality of the protein, whey is superior as it has a better amino acid profile and is therefore better for muscle growth. However there is nuance in considering which protein is better overall. Certain individuals will not be able to consume whey due to allergic reactions or intolerances, so these people would be much better off consuming a collagen supplement. The health benefits of sufficient protein are vast and in order to get them, the total protein intake across the day is far more important than the source of the protein.

If you have any medical conditions, it is crucial to ask your local medical practitioner to provide medical advice (diagnosis etc.) before take these products. Ensure to organise an appointment with your doctor to seek advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Collagen & Vitamin C

Something that you may not be aware of is that vitamin C plays an important role for your body to produce collagen. Vitamin C is a catalyst for a process called hydroxylation which is crucial to the eventual end result which is a collagen peptide! This is important to know if you are using an ingestible collagen supplement. Make sure you include some citrus fruits, capsicum or even supplements to make sure you are getting enough vitamin C to help your body produce collagen.

Our Top 5 Collagen Supplements

Cyborg Sport Collagen Pro

This revolutionary product is made from hydrolyzed collagen peptides and is among the finest collagen supplements on the market. Collagen Pro comes in a range of flavours including Aussie Raspberry, Chocolate, Pine Orange Frost and Choc Honeycomb.

ATP Science Noway Protein

Noway Protein is another collagen supplement that utilises high quality collagen peptides to bring you all the health benefits of collagen. Increasing your collagen intake can now be done in a tastier way than ever was Noway comes in a range of epic flavours. ATP Science also have a juicy collagen range which mix up like a cordial rather than a shake which many people prefer. The juicy flavours include Pineapple, Grape, Pink Lemonade and Wild Berry!

Faction Labs Cougar Juice

If you are looking to get your dose of collagen daily from a product that also packs a range of other ingredients, Cougar Juice is the clear choice. This product contains collagen type I, II and III as well as an antioxidant/vitamin complex. Cougar Juice is designed to support skin hydration, hair health and a range of other benefits. Check out this product if you are looking for one of the best collagen supplements on the market! Cougar Juice also comes in a range of flavours which include Chocolate, Mango, Vanilla and Raspberry.

Switch Nutrition Collagen Switch

Collagen Switch is fairly new to the market however it is quickly becoming one of the more popular options at Power Supps. This product has been fortified with additional an amino acid blend to ensure it is better for muscle building. This too comes in a range of flavours including Strawberry Kiwi, Mango Pineapple and Chocolate.

Muscle Nation Collagen

The collagen peptides found in this product are found in marine sources, making it a very bioavailable form. This product contains zero fillers or additional ingredients so your grams of collagen are 100% pure! Taking collagen supplements is made simple with this product as you get all the amino acids needed for great hair, skin and nails and nothing else!

Collagen Protein Summary

It doesn’t matter if you are wanting to address joint pain, brittle nails or inadequate protein, collagen can be a very useful supplement! If you cannot take whey and really cannot find a plant-based protein that tickles your fancy, this might be the sign you were waiting for to give something else a try! At Power Supps, we have a tonne of brands that make collagen products, each of which with a range of unique flavours. We are bound to find something for you that you absolutely love.