There are so many collagen supplements out there with no evidence to back up the claims (if you dig a little deeper past the sexy marketing). I get it — I used to work in that industry.

The collagen I prescribe in my clinic has numerous studies demonstrating its efficacy on bone, cartilage, tendons, skin elasticity, cellulite, hair, wrinkles and nails.

Book a free discovery call (book now) and we can chat about it.

What even is it?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, accounting for 30% of your bodies total protein.

It is like the bodies scaffolding that holds tissues together. Hence it effects arteries, cartilage, skin, bone, lungs, liver and tendons. It affects your bodies resilience, strength + flexibility.

Collagen is gaining a huge amount of research focus recently which has demonstrated not all collagens are equal. Collagens have differing forms of molecular structure, mechanisms of action and biological activities which hugely impact their bioavailability and efficacy.

What is collagen made of?

Humans have 28 different types with 42 genes that encode the chain. Collagen hydrolysates are derived from type I, II or II, which have had their structure changed into a bioactive peptide.

What is important when it comes to collagen is the composition and degree of hydrolysis that enables how small the peptide is and the it’s molecular weight.

This is what affects the antioxidant capacity and bioavailabilty of the collagen supplement you are taking and how well it’s going to work for you.

Is collagen the same as protein powder?

No, it’s not. Yes, it still contains amino acids but these are Glycine, Proline and Hydroxyproline. These do count towards your protein intake but these will not build muscle.

For that you need branch chain amino acids such as Valine, Leucine and Isoleucine with all other 17 amino acids to help synthesize it. For a protein powder to build muscle it needs to have 3 grams of Leucine to have efficacy. It may also contain HMB instead of Leucine which is a metabolite of Leucine, but that’s another whole conversation on which is the best protein powder for building muscle or preventing muscle loss.

Bovine or Marine collagen peptides?

Both bovine and marine forms have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies, however marine requires higher doses for efficacy.

Hydrolysated collagen describes collagen in it’s native form which has been converted into short chain amino acids to enhance bioavailabilty.

What makes a collagen supplement highly bioavailable?

1. Specific enzymes that break down the pepetide into a very low molecular weight.

2. Acid/alkaline treatment + thermal heat extraction that denatures the triple collagen helix so it can be aborbed.

3. High levels of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.

What is the best in the market?

A german patented collagen called Gelita. This brand of collagen is then used in different practitioner collagen supplements.

There is so much evidence and clinical trials on their 4 forms of collagen (Verisol, Fortibone, Tendoforte, and Fortigel), they have had a patent on it for over 50 years. Compelling indeed.

With so much confusion in the market, this is why a practitioner can give you supplements that actually do what they say they will.