Everything you need to know about Collagen Peptides

Collagen Peptides are a popular dietary supplement known for its benefits for skin health, joint support and overall health and longevity. Here’s what you need to know before adding them to your supplement regime.

Collagen is a vital protein reaching 30% of the total protein in the human body, it is responsible for providing structure and strength to various tissues such as skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Collagen peptides are also known as hydrolysed collagen- small bioavailable fragments of collagen protein that have been through the hydrolysis process breaking them down into smaller peptides that are easier for the body to absorb.

It is important to note that we lose 1% of our collagen per year from the age of 20. It is not easy to find collagen through our diet alone so most people are not getting enough of it. 

1. Skin health - first and foremost Collagen is well renowned for its skin benefits improving skin elasticity, hydration and overall appearance. Regular use has been proven to reduce wrinkles and create a youthful appearance by supporting and stimulating the skin's natural collagen.

1. Joint health- collagen is an important part of cartilage therefore supplementing with collagen can help with joint pain, improve mobility and support joint health especially for those suffering from osteoarthritis or have joint pain.

1. Bone health - collagen is particularly helpful to women during the postmenopausal stage by reducing the risk factor for osteoporosis as it contributes to bone density and strength.

1. Muscle Mass - collagen, as a source of protein, is hugely beneficial for muscle growth and maintenance making it very helpful for older adults looking to maintain muscle mass.

1. Gut Health - collagen peptides contain an amino acid called glycine which is known to promote gut health by strengthening the gut lining and supporting digestive health. 

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again. There is no such thing as vegan collagen. However, there are various sources of collagen that are all animal sourced including:

• Bovine (cow) - Sourced mainly from bones, hides, and the muscles.
• Marine (Fish) - Obtained from the scales, bones and skin of the fish.
• Porcine (Pig) - Derived from bones and the skin of the pig.
• Chicken from the cartilage and bones. 

There are 28 different types of collagen but the majority of the collagen in the body are types 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. They all have different properties and functions:

• Type 1-Makes up around 90% of the body's total collagen in the human body and is responsible mainly for tensile strength and would healing.

• Type 2-is essential for joint health and alleviating symptoms of arthritis.

• Type 3-is aimed at skin health and elasticity similar to Type 1.

• Type 4-Is essential for filtration of the kidneys and other organs and is less readily available in supplement form as opposed to types 1/2/3.

• Type 5-It plays a role in the regulation of collagen formation and is necessary for the creation of cell surfaces, hair, and placenta tissue.

When choosing a collagen peptide it is important to consider the right collagen to suit your specific needs. For example, those looking to improve skin health might opt for a supplement rich in Type I and III collagen, while those seeking joint support might benefit more from Type II collagen.

Often most Collagen Peptides are Type 1 and 3. Momentous Collagen Peptides is a bovine derived collagen with added vitamin C delivering 16.8g of collagen. It is a very complete form of collagen peptides as it covers Types I, II, and III making sure I support my skin health and elasticity as well as addressing joint health which is essential for longevity. It is in powder form and is tasteless making it easy to incorporate into ones routine. The simple formulation of the peptides make it easy to stir into your morning smoothie or coffee.

Momentous stands out amongst its competitors for its high standards in its commitment to quality, sourcing and manufacturing with an athlete driven approach focused on innovation.

Collagen peptides have a multitude of benefits ranging from improving skin health to joint support, muscle mass and gut health. It is derived from various animal sources and it is important to make sure it is of high quality. It is a key component in the pursuit of health and longevity. It is important to always consult a healthcare provider when starting a new supplement especially for those with underlying health concerns or are taking other medications.

Collagen is super versatile and comes in a multitude of forms such as powder, capsules, gummies, protein bars and snacks. It is tasteless and very easy to incorporate into beverages without affecting taste or texture. Most research supports the use of 2.5-15g per day for noticeable benefits.

Collagen Peptides usually are safe and well tolerated by most people. In rare cases there has been mild discomfort, bloating and gas.

It is important to remember that collagen supplements are often made from food allergens like fish, shellfish, and eggs. If you have an allergy to any of these foods, you should avoid supplements containing these ingredients.