Collagen supplements have become a staple in the wellness industry that most definitely aren’t going away anytime soon.
In fact, the longer collagen remains in the spotlight, the more we continue to learn about its many possible health benefits and uses for improved wellness.
Once viewed as somewhat of a trendy ingredient in beauty and cosmetics products, collagen has come quite a long way since its first introduction as a dietary supplement.
With the release of more and more new studies on the potential uses of collagen peptides in our diets, we now know that collagen deserves to be taken seriously as a potential tool for supporting healthy aging and longevity.
WE NOW KNOW THAT THIS MULTIFUNCTIONAL SUPPLEMENT MAY ALSO HAVE POSITIVE EFFECTS ON DIGESTION, SLEEP QUALITY, MOOD REGULATION, JOINT MOBILITY, AND HEART HEALTH.
Although clinical studies and research using collagen peptides have come a long way in recent years, there is still much to be learned about how this supplement may benefit our health and allow us to actively support the natural aging process.
Needless to say, we’re very excited to see what promising studies will appear next!
But similar to most other supplements, much of the confusion and skepticism behind collagen supplements have been the result of false or misleading marketing that leaves out crucial facts and considerations.
Collagen may be a wonderful multifunctional tool for wellness supplementation, but in order to experience the best results, it’s still essential to lead a healthy lifestyle and set realistic expectations. Regardless of what you want to get out of your collagen, you will still have to combine this health supplement with plenty of water, rest, exercise, and nutritious foods.
NOT ALL COLLAGEN TYPES ARE CREATED EQUALLY...
If you’ve tried a collagen supplement in the past and were disappointed in the results, there’s a very high likelihood that you may have been missing out on some key information before choosing the right supplement for your needs.
What many people don’t know is that collagen peptides are not always a one-size-fits-all solution. There are actually many different types of collagen and a number of different sources from which collagen supplements can be derived.
Luckily, there are some easy ways to find a high-quality collagen supplement that is perfectly suited for your goals and needs.
THE LOWDOWN ON COLLAGEN
Collagen is your body’s main structural protein and, made up of essential amino acids, helps your entire inner structure maintain its strength and shape.
ORIGINATING FROM THE GREEK WORD FOR ‘GLUE,’ COLLAGEN ESSENTIALLY HOLDS YOUR TENDONS, MUSCLES, BONES, LIGAMENTS, HAIR, SKIN, NAILS, AND ENTIRE SKELETON TOGETHER.
As we age, our collagen levels begin decreasing. This may lead to wrinkle formation, bone mass loss, joint stiffness, and lackluster hair, skin, and nail quality.
The goal of collagen supplementation is to reintroduce essential collagen back into the body and replace some of the lost essential collagen, with what are known as ‘hydrolyzed’ peptides. Hydrolyzed collagen has been ‘broken down’ for more efficient absorption and use by the body.
Primary collagen sources usually are derived from bovine or marine sources, but others can also sometimes be found in certain supplements, such as eggshell membrane and chicken collagen. These different sources of collagen are all high in varying types of collagen that can target a number of benefits.
THE FIVE MAIN TYPES OF COLLAGEN FOUND IN THE HUMAN BODY ARE TYPE I, II, III, X, AND V.
At least 80-90% of the collagen found in our bodies is made up of types I, II & III, and this is why these types are usually considered the most important when it comes to supplementing with collagen. However, a supplement with all five essential collagen types can provide complete, whole body wellness support when taken consistently.
That’s why we’ve decided to include all five of these essential collagen types in our full-spectrum Multi Collagen capsules. Let’s have a closer look at what sets these five types apart and what we need to know in order to get the most out of each type.
THE 5 ESSENTIAL COLLAGEN
TYPES EXPLAINED
TYPE I COLLAGENThe strongest and by far the most abundant protein found in the human body (and in all vertebrates).
As the primary building block of your skin, type I is known as the most beneficial collagen type for supporting healthy skin as we age. Eggshell membranes, bovine, and marine collagen are all excellent sources of type I collagen!
TYPE II COLLAGEN
Often referred to as the “joint support” collagen, type II is the primary foundation of the cartilage that protects our joints. That's why type II is typically considered the best type of collagen for anyone concerned with joint mobility or bone and muscle strength.
Hydrolyzed chicken collagen is considered to be one of the best sources of bone and joint-supporting type II collagen.
TYPE III COLLAGEN
Usually associated with type I collagen, these two types make up the two most commonly-found types in our body. Also highly beneficial for supporting a vibrant complexion, type III collagen is a primary building block of our organs and skin and can be found in abundance in bovine sources.
TYPE V COLLAGEN
A form of fibrillar collagen that can be found alongside type II collagen in joint-supporting cartilage. As a minor collagen component, it helps to create the vital cells found within a pregnant woman’s placenta and plays a fundamental role in the interstitial matrix of our muscles, lungs, liver, and bone matrix. Similar to type I & X, type V collagen can be found in abundance in eggshell membranes.
TYPE X COLLAGEN
Often known as a “network-forming” collagen and often found within our cartilage, this type is fundamental for new bone formation in articular cartilage (the healthy, friction-preventing cartilage in our joints that makes it easier to move). Similar to type I & V collagen, type X can be found in abundance in eggshell membranes.
Summary
Collagen supplements are a fantastic way to introduce collagen types back into the body and promote the natural production of collagen. Knowing what types would benefit you best is an important first step to considering adding collagen protein to your diet.
The connective tissue in our bodies is incredibly important for overall health benefits which include joint mobility, skin, heart, nails, hair, and bone health.
Collagen powder is a form of supplementation that can be stirred into smoothies, coffee, water, or even soups. Otherwise, collagen capsules have become just as popular when it comes to your collagen intake.
If you are skeptical about supplementation, but you still want to work on increasing your collagen intake consider adding foods such as fish, chicken, egg whites, and red and yellow vegetables to your diet.
Though collagen production does tend to slow down the longer we live, if you live a regular healthy lifestyle you should be able to gain all the benefits you are looking for by taking a daily collagen supplement.
The different types of collagen include collagen types i, ii, iii, v, and type x. Many collagen supplements feature type I because it is considered the essential collagen type. There are supplements out there that feature all 5 of the types which can greatly benefit supporting healthy joints.
However, any combination of the types that you think is right for you is probably on the market. Most collagen supplements are derived from eggshell membranes or bovine sources.
Keep up your intake of protein-rich foods, regular exercise, plenty of water, 7-8 hours of sleep, and the collagen supplement that works for you and you are on your way to better living!
ADDING A MULTI COLLAGEN CAPSULE OR POWDER TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE IS THE PERFECT OPTION FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR WHOLE-BODY WELLNESS SUPPORT FROM THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN PEPTIDES FOR HAIR, SKIN, NAIL, JOINT, BONE, GUT, HEALTHY AGING, AND GENERAL HEALTH.
WHAT TYPES OF BENEFITS ARE YOU LOOKING TO GET OUT OF YOUR COLLAGEN ROUTINE? LEAVE US A COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW!