Thirty percent of the human body is made up of collagen. Collagen is a protein that provides integrity and backbone to our structure. Collagen gives flexibility, elasticity, and strength to muscles, skin, tendons, ligaments, hair, and the intestinal tract. It provides sturdiness and repair for bones, cartilage, and gut lining integrity.

Collagen is made up of many different amino acids. Fifty-seven percent of type 1 collagen is made up of three amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. The heart itself is made up of about 80 percent type 1 collagen and about 20 percent type 3 collagen.

Collagen is needed for healthy repair processes. Collagen supporting foods in the diet include bone broth, leafy vegetables, berries, and foods rich in vitamin C, omega oils. Science shows us just how important collagen is to the natural structure and function of the body.

Athletes and Repair

Supplementation of collagen peptides increases the amount of the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine essential for tendon and ligament structure. A study published in the January 2017 American Journal of Nutrition reported on the benefits found in athletes who consumed collagen peptides. Results found that the athletes who took 15 grams of collagen one hour before exercise had twice the amount of type 1 collagen in their blood reflecting increased collagen synthesis.

Bone and Joint Support

A randomized, controlled study published January 2018 demonstrated improvement of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women who supplemented with collagen peptides. Results showed improved bone density, bone formation, and less bone breakdown.

Knee joint comfort improved in those who supplemented with collagen peptides. Individuals who had the least intake of meat protein in their diets were found to benefit the most with collagen supplementation during a six month randomized, double-blind, controlled, multi-center trial.

Muscle Mass

A 12-week study published in the British Journal of Medicine identified that collagen peptide supplementation together with resistance training helped improve body composition in elderly men. Men who consumed collagen peptides with resistance training were compared to those who just did resistance training. Muscle mass and fat loss were better with collagen peptides and resistance training.

A study in older women average age 71 years found that hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein helped improve body composition. It also supported healthy nitrogen balance, and supported lean body mass in just 15 days of use.

Gut Health and Collagen

Collagen is needed for health and strength of the digestive tract lining. This is important for nutrient absorption and GI tract health.

Glycine and Proline Provide Special Health Benefits

Glycine constitutes one-third of the amino acids in collagen and elastin. This simple amino acid provides a wide array of benefits for health. A spring 2018 study provided great insight into this amino acid. Glycine is essential for production of the body’s key antioxidant – glutathione.  Glutathione is the essential backbone antioxidant within cells and is essential for daily detoxification.

Glycine also supports intestinal integrity and skin health. Proline, found in high amounts in collagen, combined with other amino acids like cysteine helps build mucin. Mucin is needed for mucosal lubrication, absorption and movement within the digestive tract.

Supplementing with Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides

Low molecular weight hydrolyzed collagen peptides provide an excellent source of these amino acids. Low molecular weight collagen peptides are highly digestible and rapidly absorbed and utilized throughout the body. We use collagen peptides from beef cattle raised in Brazil where they are primarily grass-fed and pasture-raised. Hydrolyzed bovine/beef-derived collagen may be added protein smoothies, beverages (hot or cold), soups, stews, baked goods, yogurts, juice, or even just water. It has a neutral taste and is easy to mix. It also helps add extra protein to your diet. It does not contain any fat or carbohydrates. Our collagen peptides are non-GMO, free of preservative or additives and are non-allergenic.

If you feel like your body needs some repair work or it lacks the strength, flexibility, and structural integrity that you once had, consider upgrading your collagen status. Try some hydrolyzed collagen peptides and give it a test drive for 3-6 months. You might just find things are working and looking better!