Everything You Need To Know About Collagen

Studies have shown that collagen levels drop by 1% every year once you hit your 30s. As a key protein in your body, collagen deficiency causes signs of aging like fine lines and brittle bones. Unfortunately, collagen loss is an inevitable fact of life, but circumventing its depletion can be found by consuming more collagen to supplement your body’s natural supply.

Collagen Types

Collagen proteins are large molecules made up of peptides (short amino acid chains). Different collagen types are structurally responsible for various body parts, namely:

Type I — skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments
Type II — joint cartilage
Type III — skin and muscles

Certain trending foods like bone broth are rich in collagen, but that can be time-consuming to prepare, and not everyone may find it palatable. Collagen supplements can help and are easy to consume — most supplements come in pills, powders, and liquids — with a better taste profile than other broths. These supplements provide your body with the added amino acids it needs to be age-defying.

3 Benefits of Collagen Supplements

According to clinical studies, collagen supplements benefit your:

Skin Health: The Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology discovered that eight weeks of collagen supplementation replenishes your skin's collagen levels for a firmer, more youthful complexion.

Joint Health: The Journal of Current Medical Research and Opinion shared that daily collagen supplementation significantly reduced joint inflammation and pain for better mobility.

Bone Health: The Journal of Nutrients also confirms collagen peptides boost bone mineral density to slow down bone mass deficit.

Not All Collagen Supplements Are Created Equal

As different collagen supplements have distinct compositions, it is crucial to choose the supplements with the right collagen profile specific to your unique health needs. For example, supplements that promote skin health are most likely different in amino acid profiles from those that target joint mobility. Skin health supplements may contain Types I and III collagen, similar to naturally occurring collagen in your skin. Meanwhile, joint-protecting supplements are rich in Type II collagen to address cartilage wear and tear.

The peptide size used in the collagen supplement affects its overall bioavailability, meaning how well your body digests and absorbs it. As collagen proteins are too big to be assimilated efficiently, most supplements use hydrolyzed collagen and peptide chains that have a smaller molecular size. Doing so enhances the supplement's bioavailability, and most importantly, its effectiveness.

The quality of your supplement is also dependent on its source. Collagen is derived from bovine (cows), porcine (pigs), and marine (fish) sources. Bovine collagen is the type most favored due to its richer amino acid profile; and if grass-fed and pasture-raised, it is free from harmful growth hormones, steroids, and toxins. In fact, a 2017 study in The Journal of Nutrients proclaimed bovine to be bone rich in high-quality collagen peptides that tighten loose skin. Marine collagen’s popularity is also rising among manufacturers and consumers due to its high bioavailability and low inflammatory responses, a recent study in The Journal of Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine explains. Despite this, it is important to note that it contains mostly type I collagen.

Bovine contains type I and III collagen which not only provides skin benefits, but also collagen support throughout the body and alleviates joint stiffness or pain. Bovine is also a safe choice to those that may have fish allergies or sensitivities.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any further questions and we sincerely hope you found this article helpful!

Transformative Collagen

Transformative Collagen contains a unique blend of three patented collagen peptides clinically proven to support hydration, increase dermal thickness and skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles.

$59

• Shop Now