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Collagen, Nutrition

What are Collagen Peptides?

Posted on by Köll Marine Collagen
what are collagen peptides

Collagen is a buzz word that you’ve likely heard around the nutrition isle at the grocery store and among health-conscious friends. But just what are collagen peptides and why are they significant? What are their benefits? And, what are the best collagen peptides to supplement with? In this article, we’ll dive into all of these questions and help you navigate the world of collagen in general.

What is Collagen and What are Collagen Peptides?

To grasp what collagen peptides are, it’s important to have a firm understanding of collagen first. Collagen is protein that comes from animals. It is in fact found in fish, mammals and humans. Collagen is a building block of connective tissue, cartilage, skin and bone. Collagen supplements tend to come from cows (bovine) or fish (marine). Collagen peptides are simply extremely small pieces of collagen. It’s as easy as that!

Essentially, collagen proteins are broken down, usually through a process called hydrolysis, into even smaller pieces that can be more easily digested and absorbed by our bodies—thus making it a more effective method than whole collagen for supplementation.
That’s it! Collagen peptides are simply a very absorbable supplemental form of collagen. But let’s dig a bit deeper into why you’d want to take these supplements to begin with.

What Are the Benefits of Collagen Peptides?

Because collagen plays SUCH an important role in our bodies—and our bodies naturally begin to produce less collagen as we age—collagen peptides can help replace this collagen loss. Essentially, collagen peptide supplements support our body’s ability to make collagen so we can stay looking young and healthy.
Specifically, since collagen peptides have been broken down into tiny pieces, they’re easier to absorb into the digestive tract. Once absorbed, the body can put them to good use!
Incidentally, it’s also thanks to the fact that collagen peptides are so small (with a very low molecular weight), that they can dissolve in hot or cold water—making them incredibly easy to supplement with!

What Are Collagen Peptides Good For?

Ok, so now we know what collagen peptides technically are and we know some of the benefits—but what are collagen peptides good for? Why would you care to supplement with these little amino acids?

Well, for one thing, collagen peptides are a fantastic source of protein. If you need a good protein supplement, collagen is easy to add to any drink—be it a smoothie, coffee or even ice water—thanks to it’s high absorbability. You can even add it to soups or broths. It doesn’t add any weird texture or flavor, so it’s incredibly versatile. But collagen peptides are also good for so much more.

Collagen peptides help to hydrate and decrease signs of aging in the skin. They can support healthy hair and nails. They can ease joint pain and support healthy connective tissue. Collagen peptides even help with gut health, helping to heal leaky gut syndrome and supporting the integrity of the digestive tract. And, there’s more.

Collagen peptides may also help with heart health by strengthening blood vessel walls. It can increase bone mineral density, especially important for those at risk of osteoporosis. Essentially, collagen can keep us youthful, flexible and healthy. Pretty impressive.

What Are the Best Collagen Peptides?

When it comes to supplementing, there are a few things to consider in order to find the best collagen peptides for you. Collagen supplements typically come from one of two sources: bovine and marine.

Bovine: Bovine collagen is made from the skin and bones of cows. Bovine collagen is high in collagen Type 1 and Type 3, which have different uses for the human body.

Marine: Marine collagen (also known as fish collagen) supplements are typically made from fish scales, which are tremendously high in Type 1 collagen, which is the most abundant form of collagen in the human body. Fish collagen is usually more environmentally friendly because scales can be sourced from fish that will go to the food market—thus there’s no need to catch more fish to produce the collagen. Fish collagen is also smaller and more digestible than bovine collagen, implying it will be more effective.

Collagen can of course be sourced from other animals as well, such as chicken or pig, but you won’t see these on the market so often. Another important factor to notice when choosing a collagen supplement is whether it’s hydrolyzed or not. Hydrolyzed means the collagen has undergone the process discussed earlier in this article that breaks the peptides into ever smaller peptides—making it more bio-available (easily absorbed) to your body.

How to Increase Your Collagen Levels

Obviously, supplementation with collagen peptides is a great place to start.
Also remember that there are lots of natural ways to get more collagen into your diet. For example, you can eat lots of bone broth, organ meat, eggs and fish with the skin still on. Consuming foods with high levels of proline and glycine is also important, as these nutrients are necessary for your body to make collagen and thus support collagen in your body. Vitamin C is also critical to collagen production, so be sure to get this important vitamin into your diet daily!

Collagen

What Does Collagen Do?

Posted on by Köll Marine Collagen
What-does-collagen-do

Collagen is a big buzz word of late. Why is everyone talking about and supplementing with this protein? Wat does collagen do? And when there are so many different types of collagen on the market, how do you know what type to take? Like, what is better between bovine and marine collagen—and what are collagen peptides? And how does collagen work when we supplement with it?

We’ll get to all these questions below, but first, let’s come to a solid understanding of what exactly collagen is—and why it’s so important for the human body.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein. In fact, it’s the most abundant protein in the human body, creating the bulk of our physical bodies. It’s found in our bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, blood and skin.

Specifically, collagen makes up the connective tissue. Connective tissue connects all the other tissues, holding all of our cells together and giving our tissues strength and flexibility. It’s the support system or the structure that holds the rest of our bodies together.

There are in fact 28 different types of collagen in the body. However, Type I collagen is by far the most prevalent, making up about 90% of all the collagen in our bodies. Types II, III and IV are also found in high quantities, and are also essential for overall health.

Collagen is found in all animals, not just humans. Mammals and sea creatures—such as fish and sharks—produce collagen. That’s why most collagen supplements are bovine (beef) or aquatic.

Although our bodies create collagen naturally, it begins to break down and is not produced in as great of quantities as we age. That’s why people supplement. But we’ll get more into the supplements in a minute. First let’s review how our bodies make collagen and how we can support this natural process.

How Do Our Bodies Create Collagen?

Our bodies create collagen by combining amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.  And where do we get these amino acids? From eating proteins, such as fish, dairy and beans.

Our bodies also need zinc, vitamin C, and copper to produce collagen. If you want your body to produce healthy amounts of collagen, it’s important to get a well-rounded diet that includes all of these nutrients.

Following is a breakdown of some of the foods that contain large amounts of the amino acids and nutrients essential for collagen production:

  • Proline: Is an essential amino acid with high sources of Proline found in animal products and other high-protein foods, such as organ meats like liver, bone broth, beef, chicken, and fish.
  • Glycine: Another essential amino acid. Glycine is found in gelatin powder, bone broth, poultry skin, seafood and meat, dairy products, legumes, spinach, dried seaweed, watercress, asparagus and cabbage
  • Vitamin C: We all know we need Vitamin C for our immune systems, but we also need it for collagen production. It is found in high quantities in citrus fruit, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and more.
  • Zinc: One of the minerals essential for collagen production, zinc is found in whole grains, nuts such as cashews, shell fish, eggs, dairy and more.
  • Copper: Another critical mineral, copper is found in organ meat (especially liver), shellfish, beans (such as kidney beans and chickpeas), pumpkin seeds, spinach and more.

It’s always important to eat a diet high in the nutrients our bodies need to be healthy, strong and flexible. And, while it’s important to eat a diet rich in the nutrients listed above for efficient collagen production, we can also support our bodies by supplementing with collagen to ensure our bodies are getting as much as needed.

Why Supplement With Collagen?

Collagen is responsible for keeping our bodies strong and healthy. For example, it’s essential for healthy, strong nails, full hair, muscle mass, strong bones and supple skin. Collagen supports digestive health, eye health, heart health and kidney health.

Collagen also keeps our joints healthy and can ease the pain of osteoarthritis. There’s even evidence that supplementing with collagen can help build muscle mass, when taken alongside resistance training.  

However, we know that as we age our bodies produce less collagen. We also know that certain things such as sun exposure, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption and cigarettes will lead to collagen breaking down at a greater rate.

So, why supplement with collagen?

Well, many people take collagen to keep their skin hydrated and elastic. Afterall, collagen makes up roughly 70-80% of the entire skin surface. People take collagen to keep their skin looking young and healthy. Others take collagen to keep their joints and tendons flexible, strong and pain free. Others take collagen to assist in building muscle mass.

Many take collagen for a combination of these reasons. However, pretty much everyone who supplements collagen does so to keep their bodies fit, healthy and youthful.

How Does Collagen Work?

Collagen supplements work by giving your body the necessary proteins it needs to build collagen. When your body absorbs the short chain amino acids through the small intestine, it can then put them to use wherever the body most needs collagen.

Collagen works best when taken in high quantities. In fact, research indicates that 10 grams per day is needed to see results.

Luckily, Köll Marine Collagen powder dissolves easily into water, coffee or juice and is flavorless, so it’s easy to incorporate such a large dose into your routine.

Marine collagen peptides powder

Collagen also works better when you take collagen supplements that are highly bioavailable. Bioavailable means easily absorbed by the body and obviously, if you’re taking collagen, you’ll want maximum absorption to ensure you’re really getting the required amount necessary to see a big difference.

Types of Collagen Supplements

There are primarily two types of collagen supplements on the market: Bovine Collagen (made from beef) and Marine Collagen (also known as fish collagen).

Marine collagen is far more bioavailable than beef collagen. It’s also far higher in Type I collagen—the most abundant type of collagen in the body and essential for that supple skin and strong hair and nails we love.

Collagen supplements come in capsules, gummies, drinks and powders. The powders allow you to get the highest dose, which, as mentioned above, is really important when it comes to collagen supplementation. 

When looking at collagen powders, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting collagen peptides, because these are the most bioavailable. But what are collagen peptides?

What Are Collagen Peptides?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids. So, collagen peptides are simply shorter chain collagen proteins.

Because they’re so short, they are much more bioavailable to the body. And, because they’re more bioavailable, you can take smaller doses to achieve the same results as the longer chain collagen supplements.

Collagen peptides are often called under their full name: hydrolyzed collagen peptides.

This refers to the process through which the peptides are broken down. The process is called hydrolysis and it uses water—not toxic chemicals—to break the chain of amino acids to the smallest and most usable form: hydrolyzed collagen peptides.

Incidentally, it’s also thanks to this process of shortening the amino acid chains that makes powdered collagen so easy to dissolve into any liquid, hot or cold.

In Conclusion…

Now we know how collagen works and why it can be a fantastic supportive supplement!

Just remember to always eat a complete diet that supports collagen production, and avoid things such as stress and sun exposure that will speed collagen degeneration. And when you want to support your body’s natural collagen production, supplement with the highly bioavailable marine collagen peptides.

Collagen

Do Collagen Supplements Work?

Posted on by Köll Marine Collagen
Do-Collagen-Supplements-Work

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that collagen is the protein that binds tissues in all fish and animals, including humans. In fact, it is the basis of our connective tissues—including our skin, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

Sadly for us, however, collagen begins to break down as we age. After about age twenty, our bodies simply don’t replace collagen at the same rate. In fact, our bodies produce an enzyme called collagenase that destroys collagen.

In light of this, it makes intuitive sense that ingesting collagen, such as marine collagen supplements, would help to sustain a higher quantity of collagen within our bodies—thus supporting our bones, tendons, joints and skin.

But do collagen supplements work?

Well, there are a number of studies that say yes—not to mention thousands of personal accounts. But before we get into them, let’s review why you would want to take fish collagen supplements —or any other collagen—to begin with.
Why Supplement With Collagen?

Collagen supplements support the body’s natural process. Collagen is essential for maintaining and repairing our bones, tendons and joints. We also need collagen to maintain youthful, hydrated skin.

Our bodies actually produce collagen on their own, primarily out of the amino acids proline, glycine and lysine. However, as mentioned, our bodies stop producing collagen as efficiently after around age twenty.

That’s where supplementation can make a big difference in supporting our skin health. You see, collagen in concentrated in fish skin and animal ligaments. So, when we eat fish collagen supplements or bovine collagen supplements, we are ingesting a wide variety of amino acids, which our bodies use to make collagen.

The more collagen the better, because it can help plump our skin, diminish wrinkles and lines, and give us an overall fresh skin look. It can also possibly help diminish joint pain and arthritis and support overall healthy aging.

How Do Collagen Supplements Work?

Well we know the more collagen our bodies make, the better—but do collagen supplements work? While there are not a ton of studies looking into the efficacy of collagen supplements as of yet, there are several that show very promising results.

These studies have shown that skin does in fact become more elastic with continued use, bones become denser and the overall hydration of the body is improved.

For example, in one study, 75 women, aged 35 or older, were split up into two groups. Over the course of 12 weeks, one group was given 2.5 grams of collagen peptides (combined with vitamin C, biotin and several other nutrients), while the other group was given a placebo. The group given the collagen peptides had significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity and skin density as compared to the placebo group.

Similarly, in another study, some participants were given 1000mg of a low molecular weight collagen while others were given a placebo. Skin hydration and elasticity was significantly higher in the group receiving collagen after 12 weeks than in the placebo group.

In yet another study, in which researchers looked specifically at eye wrinkles, 114 women age 45-65 were given either 2.5 g of a bioactive collagen peptide or a placebo. The women who were receiving the collagen once again showed significant reduction in wrinkles as compared to the placebo group.
These studies indicate that collagen can indeed improve skin through plumping and minimizing lines.

There are also several studies, such as this one, that indicate that collagen can also help to ease arthritis and joint pain. Given this evidence, it does seem that collagen supplements do indeed work.

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Collagen Supplement

When choosing a collagen supplement, there are few things to consider to ensure you’re getting the most out of your supplement.

For one thing, you want to find high quality collagen that allows for maximum absorption. Collagen peptides, such as marine collagen peptides powder, work really well with our digestion because they are comprised of shorter chains of amino acids—thus making them more easily absorbed into the body than other types of collagen.

You’ll also want to consider that collagen supplementation is a long game commitment. Remember collagenase? That pesky enzyme that destroys collagen? Well—your body will continue to produce that forever. Therefore, you’ll want to continue taking your marine collagen supplements forever, too, to counteract the effects. Taking collagen supplements can’t hurt you. Just be sure to take the appropriate dose as recommended on your supplements.

What Else Can You Do to Improve Your Collagen?

In addition to supplementing with collagen such as marine collagen peptides powder, there are other things you can do to support healthy skin and joints.
As mentioned before, the body uses amino acids to produce collagen.

These amino acids come from proteins. Therefore, being sure to incorporate plenty of protein from fish, eggs or beans into your diet will be helpful for maintaining beautiful skin and healthy tendons and joints.

Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production, so be sure you get plenty of fruit and vegetables that are high in this nutrient.
Furthermore, you can incorporate natural sources of collagen into your diet! Eat plenty of bone broth, and always eat your fish skin!

Should You Supplement?

Collagen supplementation certainly won’t hurt you and could very well help.
There is evidence that collagen supplementation supports healthy, youthful skin. Supplementing may help your body maintain strong levels of collagen, thus helping to hydrate your entire body and plump your skin.

If you choose to supplement with collagen, just remember that healthy skin and body also requires a healthy diet that includes lots of vegetables and protein.

Collagen

Marine Collagen Supplements: The Secret to Beautiful Skin

Posted on by Köll Marine Collagen
Marine-Collagen-The-Secret-to-Beautiful-Skin

If you’re like most people, you want to have beautiful skin that looks young and healthy.

But as we age, our natural collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, dryness, and a loss of elasticity. Thankfully, there is a way to supplement our collagen levels and keep our skin looking its best: marine collagen supplements! In this article, we will discuss the importance of using marine collagen for the creation of beautiful skin.

What is Collagen?

First, we need to understand what collagen actually is. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, accounting for 25-40% of all protein within the body. Collagen is critical in the formation, strength, elasticity and regeneration of connective tissues in the body, such as skin, nails, tendons, ligaments. After the age of 20, a person produces about 1 percent less collagen in the skin each year. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age.

Marine collagen is especially beneficial for the skin, as it contains high levels of Type I collagen which is known for its anti-aging properties.

Studies have shown, that by supplementing with marine collagen, we can replenish our supply of this important protein, and help to reduce the visible signs of aging. Marine collagen is especially beneficial for the skin, as it contains high levels of Type I collagen which is known for its anti-aging properties. In addition to helping to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, marine collagen can improve the quality of our hair, and nails. It is also very beneficial to our tendons, ligaments, bones and can even help with gut repair.

Why does Marine Collagen work so well?

Marine collagen is the most bioavailable form of collagen, meaning that it is easily absorbed by the body. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to results fast. Marine collagen will also dissolve easily into any liquid or meal, making it super easy to add to your morning routine. Simply add it to your smoothie, coffee or tea and you’re good to go!

If you are looking for a way to improve the quality of your skin, hair and nails, then marine collagen supplements may be the answer. Marine collagen is easily absorbed by the body and can help to reduce the visible signs of aging. Give Köll Marine Collagen it a try today and see the difference for yourself!