All about Collagen part I
22. May, 2020
Superfoods
What is collagen and why should we use collagen supplements? This blog gives answers to many collagen related questions.
Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the body. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins. Peptides are short strings of amino acids. Peptides may be easier for the body to absorb than proteins because they are smaller and more broken down than proteins. They can more easily penetrate the skin and intestines, which helps them to enter the bloodstream more quickly. So collagen peptides are broken down collagen proteins that the body can absorb more easily.
Hydrolyzed Collagen vs. Collagen Peptides
Although many supplements don different labels, there is actually no real distinction between hydrolyzed collagen vs. collagen peptides. Both types of collagen have undergone a process called hydrolyzation, which breaks them down into individual hydrolyzed collagen peptides to maximize absorption by the body. In addition to being more bioavailable, hydrolyzed collagen peptides have a lower molecular weight and can dissolve quickly into nearly any liquid, making it easy to get the most collagen peptides benefits for your body possible.
At least 28 types of collagen have been identified so far, but there are certain types of collagen that you’ll most often find in supplements due to their desired benefits. Bovine collagen, used in Be More collagen powders, is derived from the muscles, bones and skin of cows and contains mainly types I and III collagen. These are two of the most abundant types of collagen in the human body.
Type I Collagen
Type I collagen is the most abundant protein found in humans. Type I helps to form our skin, bones, tendons, corneas, blood vessel walls, and other connective tissues. Type I collagen is the strongest variety of collagen. If you’re looking for a collagen for skin health, type I is a top choice since it’s literally a building block of the skin making it great for anti-aging and wound healing. As we age, our collagen production naturally decreases, which is why many people are turning to collagen supplements containing type I collagen to boost their levels. Type I collagen, for example, can be found in supplements containing bovine collagen.
Type III Collagen
Type III is a fibrillar collagen and is a major component of our skin and organs. Like type I, it is often in supplements designed to boost skin elasticity and firmness.
What do the Studies Say?
A small study of 53 men revealed the positive effects of taking collagen supplements when exercising. The participants’ study took 15 g of collagen or a placebo pill per day. The participants engaged in regular exercise for 12 weeks. At the end of this period, those who took the collagen supplements showed an increase in muscle mass and strength that was significantly more pronounced than in those taking the placebo pill.
In a small study of 30 participants, half took 16 g of collagen supplements for 6 months. This group saw a significant reduction in artery stiffness and a reduction in bad cholesterol levels.
A study investigating the anti-aging properties of collagen found that 2,5—5 g of collagen hydrolysate used among women aged 35–55 once daily for eight weeks supports skin elasticity, skin moisture, transepidermal water loss (dryness) and skin roughness. At the end of only four weeks, those using collagen showed a statistically significant improvement in comparison to those using a placebo with regard to skin moisture and skin evaporation, plus noticeable decreases in signs of accelerated aging.
Be More Collagen Products
COLLAGEN EDITION Buckthorn’n’Lemon is a great source of collagen. This beauty blend supports your body’s natural collagen formation process, containing vitamin C and manganese in addition to hydrolyzed collagen. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, supporting the skin’s natural beauty. It has a slightly sour sea buckthorn and lemon flavor.
COLLAGEN EDITION Raspberry ‘n’ Cherry contains vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese, folic acid and copper in addition to hydrolyzed collagen. The potassium in the mixture supports your nervous system. It has a sour-sweet cherry and raspberry flavor.
Be More has also pure collagen powder in option. Collagen powder doesn’t have any strong flavour itself, reminds a bit of nuts and nutty taste.
Written by nutritionist Riin Reimer
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326701#about
https://draxe.com/nutrition/collagen-vs-gelatin/
https://draxe.com/nutrition/hydrolyzed-collagen-peptides/
https://draxe.com/nutrition/best-types-of-collagen/
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03293004
