Collagen is made up of 18 amino acids and is the most abundant protein in our body, making up around 30% of total human protein content. It helps build strong tissue fibres and connective tissue in our bodies and is commonly referred to as the ‘glue’ holding the body together as it ensures the integrity, elasticity and regeneration of our connective tissues.

Collagen plays a key role in maintaining our bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, blood cells and vessels, skin tissue, hair and nails.

The most abundant amino acids in collagen are:

• Proline makes up about 15 percent of collagen. It protects your blood vessels, supports cardiovascular health, and provides joint cushioning.
• Glutamine supports to reduce anxiety, brain fog, insomnia, low energy, compromised immunity, and weakened digestive function.
• Glycine takes up about a third of all collagen. It helps the production of DNA strands, creatine formation, muscle growth, and energy regeneration.
• Arginine helps to create nitric oxide in your body, which is important for your immune system and cardiovascular function.

Other amino acids found in collagen include Alanine, Hydroxyproline, Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid, Serine, Lysine, Leucine, Valine, Threonine, Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Hydroxylysine, Methionine, Histidine, Tyrosine and Cysteine.

 

Where does collagen come from?

Humans and animals produce their own collagen naturally. It is found in skin, bones, gut lining, joints, nails and hair; there are over 20 types of collagen found in the human body alone. They vary slightly in their structure however the most common forms marketed are type I, II and III. Type I and III are predominantly found in the dermal layer of the skin, bone, tendon, muscle and connective tissue. Type II collagen comes from cartilage.

After we reach our mid 20's the amount of collagen stored in our body begins to decline as part of the aging process. This loss contributes to loss of skin hydration and wrinkles, increased inflammation within the body, digestive issues, joint pain and bone density loss. 

When collagen is extracted from an animal, the source material is heated and undergoes processing that begins to unravel the triple helix chains of molecules. The liquid is separated and dried and formed into gelatin. The protein chains in gelatin are much larger and it takes the body longer to breakdown and digest, we have included more information about this in our Gelatin Facts page.

Why use a collagen protein powder over a other protein powders?

For some people, traditional whey-and plant-based protein powders can cause digestive issues, such as intolerance, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. This could be due to the microbial fermentation that occurs in our guts during digestion, which seems to especially affect individuals with dairy sensitivity or intolerance.

The specific amino acid profile of collagen provides health benefits that whey-based protein does not. Collagen supplementation helps your body regenerate fibroblasts and strengthens fascia. In fact, up to 30% of your muscle power to perform day to day activities comes from contractions of the fascia, which can be amplified when the anchor points like tendons and ligaments are strengthened by using collagen hydrolysate powder.