Collagen protein powder supplement is a powdered version of collagen protein formulated for simple digestion and have been shown in studies to provide a wide range of prospective health and fitness advantages.

Collagen is a sort of protein found in your body that acts like cement or glue, allowing your cell walls, connective tissue, muscle, and skin to keep their structure while remaining elastic and flexible.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about collagen protein powder, including:

• What is collagen protein?
• What does collagen protein do?
• Should you take collagen every day?
• What is the difference between collagen and collagen protein?
• Which is better, collagen or whey protein?
• Our recommendations

What is collagen protein?

Collagen. Many of us are familiar with the term, even if we aren't sure what it means. Most people are aware that collagen has something to do with skin, and some may even be aware that it is used in a variety of cosmetics, but beyond that, the collective understanding can be hazy.

Collagen protein powder is a nutritional supplement manufactured via enzymatic hydrolysis, which is a way of digesting ordinary collagen protein.

This process breaks down entire proteins into peptides, which are smaller groups of amino acids that are easier to digest.

This type of collagen is also known as collagen peptides, collagen hydrolysate, or hydrolysed collagen protein.

What does collagen protein do?

Collagen is a structural protein that is plentiful in all mammals, including humans. The word "collagen" is derived from the Greek word "glue." It gets its name because it turns into soluble gelatine when heated in water.

Collagen is found in the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the body. It has a significant impact on the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Amino acids make up collagen, as they do other protein structures. Collagen is composed of 19 amino acids, eight of which are required for its function. The amino acids found in collagen include glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine.

Because of its high glycine content, collagen appears to have significant anti-inflammatory effects on injuries. According to several studies, in situations like exercise-induced joint discomfort, osteoarthritis, and tendonitis/ Achilles tendinopathy, hydrolysed collagen can help with inflammation and pain while also speeding up the healing process.

According to a preliminary study, feeding hydrolysed collagen (a significant structural protein) throughout growth periods enhances bone mass. Hydrolysed collagen supplementation has been shown in studies to help prevent age-related bone loss, improve bone production, and decrease bone breakdown. (1)

Should you take collagen every day?

Collagen is generally safe and well accepted as long as your collagen protein supplements are free of impurities. Some studies say collagen supplements can provide you up to 36% of your daily protein and it’s recommended that you limit your daily collagen intake to about 20 grams or fewer. (2)

What is the difference between collagen and collagen protein?

Collagen is a protein that is found in the body. In fact, in animals, it’s the most prevalent structural protein. A structural protein is one that helps your cells and tissues maintain their structure or framework. Collagen comes in 28 different forms, with the first type of collagen accounting for 90% of the collagen in the human body.

Collagen protein is simply a form of collagen you can ingest. To make a powder, collagen is heated – which turns into a gelatine – then dried and ground into a fine powder. Collagen protein is used in protein shakes and smoothies as well as to thicken broths, soups, mousses, and even ice creams and frozen yoghurts when mixed with cold liquids. Collagen can be obtained naturally from our bodies and diets, but it can also be obtained as a supplement or protein powder to aid in collagen regeneration.

Which is better, collagen or whey protein?

Well, it depends on what you're looking for.

When combined with resistance-style training, both supplements effectively increase lean muscle development. Whey protein may be more effective in terms of modifying body composition, while collagen has fewer adverse effects.

While whey protein is more flavourful due to the variety of flavours available, collagen is more versatile because it’s usually unflavoured and can be added to your favourite smoothie or shake without any added taste. Whey protein also contains lactose and dairy content, so it’s not a good option for those who are sensitive to dairy or lactose as it can cause digestive issues. On the other hand, collagen is dairy-free and easier on sensitive stomachs.

Our recommendations

Everyone from fitness pros to soccer mums seem to be scooping powders into their smoothies, shakes, or morning coffee, whether they're aiming to grow lean muscle or just need a hearty, on-the-go meal.

While whey used to be the most popular protein supplement, more protein supplements are making their way into grocery shelves. Collagen protein has been at the head of the pack.

Which protein you use comes down to your goals and current lifestyle choices. We recommend doing your research and working towards figuring out what types of proteins work best for you and your body.

We stock a range of collagen proteins for you to choose from in all different flavours to enjoy!

Click here to view the range of Collagen protein and other collagen supplements we offer.

Key takeaways

Collagen protein is a safe and effective approach to promoting skin health and appearance, as well as joint and bone health, strong fingernails, and more.

According to a preliminary study, collagen may also help with eating control, brain health and cognitive function, post-workout recovery, gut health, and sleep quality. (3)(4)

It’s recommended that collagen supplements should be consumed at a daily dose of 10-20 grams.  As long as you don't have a rare collagen allergy, consuming collagen at appropriate dosages has virtually no danger of side effects.

Look for grass fed collagen supplements that are 100% pure, certified contaminant-free, and free of any artificial components or fillers.

When introducing collagen or another source of protein into your daily regime, make sure to speak to your healthcare professional.

The information presented in this article is intended to be general in nature. Always seek medical advice from your qualified practitioner before using any supplements or following any information presented.

References:

• Moskowitz RW. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2000 Oct;30(2):87-99. doi: 10.1053/sarh.2000.9622. PMID: 11071580. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11071580/
• Paul C, Leser S, Oesser S. Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1079. Published 2019 May 15. doi:10.3390/nu11051079 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566836/
• Clifford T, Ventress M, Allerton DM, et al. The effects of collagen peptides on muscle damage, inflammation and bone turnover following exercise: a randomized, controlled trial. Amino Acids. 2019;51(4):691-704. doi:10.1007/s00726-019-02706-5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30783776/
• Yamadera W, Inagawa K, Chiba S, Bannai M, Takahashi M, Nakayama K. Glycine ingestion improves subjective sleep quality in human volunteers, correlating with polysomnographic changes. Sleep Biol Rhythms. 2007;5(2):126-131. doi:10.1111/j.1479-8425.2007.00262.x https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1479-8425.2007.00262.x

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