Everything You Need To Know About Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides

Where is collagen found in the body?

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found in the body and accounts for up to 30% of your body’s total protein content. Looking after your collagen is an important part of your daily wellbeing since collagen levels naturally start to decline from the age of 30 onwards. Hydrolysed collagen peptides and vitamin C help to replenish collagen reserves.

One of the main attributes of collagen is its ability to provide strength, flexibility and elasticity to a diverse range of body tissues. Collagen is used to build connective tissue, a glue-like substance that supports and holds the body together¹.

Different types of collagen fibres are used to build different body tissues. These collagen fibres create the strong frameworks that underpin the foundations or your skin, bones, cartilage, organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, teeth, hair and nails².

Different types of collagen

Researchers have identified 28 different types of collagen and each type is identified by its own unique amino acid sequence. Types I to IV collagen are the most important and provide unique functions to different areas of the body.

• Type I – bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, blood vessels, organs, eyes, hair, nails
• Type II – cartilage, eyes
• Type III – found alongside Type I
• Type IV – part of all cell membranes
• Type V – hair, skin and on cell surfaces

Bovine sourced collagen

Since over 90% of the collagen found in your body is Type I³, it makes sense to supplement with bovine collagen, one of the richest forms of Type I collagen. It’s important to choose bovine collagen sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised herds for issues of sustainability and purity.

Fast-acting hydrolysed collagen peptides

Collagen is an incredibly large and complex molecule, made up of three long chains of amino acids, coiled into triple helix strands. Collagen molecules in food are far too big to be absorbed and need to be broken down during digestion which unravels the triple helix, separates long polypeptide chains and splits off sections that are three (tripeptide), two (dipeptide) or single amino acids ready to be absorbed.

With hydrolysed collagen peptides, all the hard work has been done for you, as the collagen molecules have been broken down into collagen peptides which can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to areas of the body where they are needed most.

Nourish skin from within

Naturally glowing skin is achieved by locking in moisture, neutralising factors that damage skin cells and nourishing skin cells with vitamins and collagen peptides to help replenish collagen reserves⁴. Collagen plays its role in skin health by forming a network filled with hyaluronic acid and elastin fibres that help lock in water, plump up the skin and keep skin soft and flexible5. As collagen levels decline, your skin tone starts to sag, giving rise to the visible signs of ageing, AKA wrinkles^6.7.

Special skin cells called fibroblasts constantly replenish your skin’s collagen levels and studies show that hydrolysed collagen peptides may increase the number and activity of fibroblasts, good news for collagen renewal^8-15. Collagen is formed from 18 different amino acids, but there’s one amnio acid, hydroxyproline that’s the most effective for skin hydration, elasticity and smoothing fine lines ^3,5 and bovine collagen is the richest source of hydroxyproline¹⁶.

Putting the C into Collagen

Studies have established that vitamin C helps activate two enzymes involved in collagen formation. Without vitamin C these enzymes may struggle to work efficiently, slowing the production of collagen down^17,18,19.

Skin cells are under constant threat from external and internal sources of free radicals (sugar, smoking, UV rays) which have the potential to harm your skin cells^20,21,22. Free radicals increase oxidative stress which damages collagen. You can support your skin with the help of vitamin C which protects cells from oxidative stress.

Menopause link

Changing hormones reduce the body’s ability to naturally replenish collagen within the skin²³. A staggering 30% of collagen is lost from the skin within the first five years after the menopause²⁴. Finding ways to support skin tone is an essential beauty step for more mature skin, queue hydrolysed collagen peptides! One study showed improvements in skin elasticity, reduced total pores and a reduction in fine lines for women aged 40 to 60 when taking hydrolysed collagen peptides and vitamin C^25,26.

Keeping supple

Replenishing your collagen reserves is important if you are conscious of looking after your joint health27,28. Collagen contributes to the spongy matrix which enables cartilage to support your joints as you move29. Sports injuries or simply a lifetime of wear-and-tear could take its toll on the cartilage found in your knees, hips, wrists, shoulders and spine causing pain and inflammation that may limit your range of movement and prevent you from doing the things you love as you grow older.

One 12-week study involving young physically active individuals took 5g hydrolysed collagen peptides a day. In contrast to the placebo group, those taking collagen experienced a considerable reduction in activity-related knee joint pain and showed a reduced need for ice packs and physiotherapy³⁰.

Tone up

High protein diets are well-known for helping build muscle16, especially when paired with an appropriate training programme31. Hydrolysed collagen peptides are becoming popular with athletes and fitness enthusiasts because they provide a source of pure protein and amino acids. Adding just 10g to a workout smoothie provides a healthy, dairy-free alternative to whey-based sports formulas for those with sensitive digestion.

Body conditioning

Thinning bones and loss of muscle strength, mass and tone are commonly associated with sedentary lifestyles, the menopause and growing older. A recent 12-week clinical trial demonstrated that participants taking a collagen peptide supplement in combination with resistance training were able to improve their body composition by increasing muscle strength and bone mass as well as reducing body fat³².

Hungry appetite

Many weight-loss strategies have their challenges, namely hunger, cravings and portion control. Research shows that a diet rich in high-quality protein, whether from food or a protein powder, may help reduce ghrelin (a hunger hormone) and increase peptide YY (a feel full hormone) helping curb appetite and support portion control³³. Hydrolysed collagen peptide powders provide valuable proteins without added calories from fats or carbs making them a perfect support supplement when embarking on a new diet.

Feel fuller for longer

Finding effective ways to dampen down hunger signals and cravings is essential when stress, boredom and emotional eating could sabotage your progress. Hydrolysed collagen peptides provide a rapidly absorbed source of nourishment to help you feel full and satisfied in-between meals. In fact, studies show that protein drinks significantly reduce food intake at the next meal34.

So how much protein is enough?

Taking your protein up to 20-30% of daily calories is what’s required to help turn up the feel full factor, reduce food intake at meals, support weight loss and minimise rebound weight gain³⁵.

An afternoon drink with 2 tablespoons (10g) of hydrolysed collagen peptides to tea, coffee or smoothie is an easy way to top up on protein, distract you from 3pm cravings and build motivation and success.

Getting more collagen into your diet

To truly benefit from the replenishing and nourishing effects of hydrolysed collagen peptides you need to aim for a daily serving of 10g, which is approximately two tablespoons of Advanced Collagen. Thankfully this product is incredibly easy to use, mainly due to the fact that it easily dissolves in any hot or cold drink – think smoothies, coffee, soups and if you are in a more culinary creative mood then you can add this versatile protein powder to breakfast cereals, porridge and even pancake mix!

Keep hydrated and nourish your skin

If you don’t have time (or the inclination) to get creative with your hydrolysed collagen peptides, then don’t worry. Simply put your daily serving into your water bottle, shake to dissolve (which will take seconds), add a squeeze of lemon or lime (completely optional) and just sip throughout the day. No sweat, no stress - just a super-fast and easy way to nourish your skin.

For recipe ideas and culinary inspiration – view our 15 DELICIOUS ADVANCED COLLAGEN RECIPES. 

References

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