Collagen protein supplements have quickly grown in popularity over the last few years. They seem to be an easy and tasteless way to sneak in a lot of protein by mixing it in to a multitude of different drinks and foods. So what is it? How is it different? Can all of your protein come from collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. With its fiber-like structure, collagen is a major component of bone, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Collagen peptides are the hydrolyzed form of collagen. Peptides are easily digestible and highly bioactive. Collagen comes from bovine, porcine, chicken and marine sources.
Different protein sources have different amino acid profiles. This is an important factor for sources that are not complete proteins. Without getting too in depth or overcomplicated here, let's briefly look at Collagen. Collagen is not a complete protein, therefore it does not contain all 9 essential amino acids. It is completely void of tryptophan. This means you'll want to include other sources as well and make sure that the bulk of your protein isn't coming from Collagen alone.
One amino acid in particular that Collagen is lacking in and that we like to pay close attention to is Leucine. Leucine is a BCAA that is used by the body to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (or muscle repair).
Collagen is stellar for supporting connective tissue growth, alleviating joint pain caused by inflammation and for glowing hair, skin and nails, but does lack in other areas.
It is beneficial to take Vitamin C with collagen or purchase peptides that also contain added vit C. Vitamin C regulates the formation of collagen and helps to bind the fibers together.
Bottomline: Collagen is not a magical potion!! Part of your daily protein intake can come from collagen, but be sure to fill in the rest with more complete sources of protein like animal or milk (whey) protein and plant sources like pea and soy protein!
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