Collagen Peptides

What is Collagen? Collagen is a complex protein that is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons of the human body. It provides strength, elasticity to the skin and also helps in replacing dead skin cells. Collagen also helps tendons, ligaments and joints of the body to move well smoothly with ease. 

Collagen contains 19 different mixes of essential and non-essential amino acids. Collagen supplementation is a good way to get more non-essential amino acids like arginine, glutamine, glycine and proline. There are at least 16 types of collagen within the human body comprising mainly of type 1,2 and 3 which constitutes more than 80% of the body’s supply.

Different types of Collagen as outlined below are found in varying food sources from which collagen supplements are created.  

• Type 1 / Type I Collagen: This is the most prevalent and considered the strongest type of collagen found in the human body.  Eosinophilic fibers that form parts of the body, including tendons, ligaments, organs and skin (dermis) are made up of Type 1 collagen. It helps to form bones and vital for healing of wounds, skin elasticity and keeping tissue together so that there is no tear.

• Type 2 / Type II Collagen: Type 2 collagen essentially helps in building cartilage which is found in connective tissues. Joint health is dependent on cartilages made of type 2 collagen. It helps in alleviating age related joint pain or various arthritis symptoms.

• Type 3 / Type III Collagen: Type 3 collagen makes up reticular fibers which crosslinks to form a fine meshwork. It is a major component that makes up organs and skin.  Type 3 Collagen is usually found with type 1 and helps provide elasticity and firmness to the skin.

• Type 4 / Type IV Collagen: Type 4 collagen forms the basal lamina which is found in endothelial cells. These cells form the tissue that surrounds organs, muscles and fat. An example is the epidermis – the outer most layer of the skin. Basal lamina lines the majority of our digestive organs and respiratory surfaces. They are a thin layer of gel-like fluid that provides cushion for the tissue above it.

• Type 5/ Type V Collagen: This type of collagen is essentially a sub group of the collagen family. It is needed to make the surface of cells, as well as hair strands and tissue found in women’s placentas (the organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby, and removes waste).

• Type 10/Type X Collagen : Type 10 Collagen helps with new bone formation and forming articular cartilage, which is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints . It is involved in the process of creation of bone tissue and has been found beneficial in healing bone fractures and repairing of joints of the limbs, for example shoulder, hip, elbow and knee.

Hydrolyzed collagen also known as collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate is used in dietary supplements. It is collagen essentially broken down into short chains of amino acids called peptides. This process is called hydrolysis and is the reason why collagen dissolves easily in liquid and is almost tasteless making it easier to consume.  Collagen peptides are easily broken down and digested in the stomach. It also gets easily absorbed in the blood stream than regular collagen protein.

Hydrolyzed collagen is taken in doses of around 10g a day for skin health and some benefits to joints, and can be taken with meals.

Collagen is derived from different sources which are very high in protein like beef, chicken, fish and egg shell membranes. The benefit of these types of collagen differs in the following ways:

• Bovine (cow or beef) collagen: Bovine collagen is derived from cows, specifically from their skin, bones and muscles. Bovine collagen is made of mostly types 1 and 3 collagen and is considered a which is a good fit for the human body. This is because it is most abundant type created and found in the human body. Bovine collagen has provides a rich supply of glycine and proline, and therefore useful for creatine production, building muscle and also helping the body make its own collagen.

• Chicken collagen: Type 2 collagen is most abundant in chicken collagen and is the best for building cartilage. This collagen source provides chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate which is beneficial for joint health. They also help in anti-aging.  

• Fish collagen: Collagen derived from fish provides mostly type 1 collagen and has been found to be easily absorbed. It is infused with the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Consuming more fish collagen has been associated with benefits for the joints, skin, vital organs, blood vessels, digestion and bones.

• Egg shell membrane collagen: Egg collagen contains mostly type 1 collagen and is found in the shells and whites of eggs.  It provides glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and various amino acids that have benefits for building connective tissue, wound healing, building muscle mass and reducing pain stiffness.

Collagen production by the body gradually slows down with ageing. This is also compounded by dietary changes which are moving away from traditional diets which included a wide range of animal parts like skin, Tendons and ligaments.  As a result of gradual change in everyday diet and lifestyle, collagen supplementation is trending upward strongly in North America.   

The effective ways to add collagen are:

• Making or drinking bone broth
• Taking collagen peptide supplements which are bioavailable

Collagen peptide supplements can be taken in the form of collagen protein powder or collagen pills. Collagen supplement pills or capsules needs to include activating ingredients that will help the body absorb and activate the collagen. These activating ingredient are usually sources of amino acid and vitamin C.  Collagen peptide powders can be added to smoothies, soups etc.

The main benefits of consuming collagen peptides are

• Improvement in health of skin and hair
• Reduction in join pains and degeneration
• Increased metabolism and energy
• Strengthening of nails, hair and teeth

Bulk Collagen peptides are available in various forms e.g.

• Regular grade
• Hydrolysed grade easily soluble
• Bioavailable and easier to digest
• From Non GMO sources
• From grass-fed, pasture-raised bovines

For more information and quote for bulk purchases of Collagen peptides, please contact us now!