Collagen is simply a protein found in your body that serves as a building block. It is actually the most abundant protein in your body, and it helps build your skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.
But not all Collagen is one and the same. In fact, there are more than 20 types of Collagen that have been found. And the source of your Collagen powder will contain varying amounts of these different types.
The 3 primary types that have been studied and are known to have beneficial effects in humans are Type I, Type II, and Type III. So which types should you want to find in your Collagen powder?
That depends on what you are trying to accomplish by supplementing with Collagen powder. Types I and III are the main ones found within your hair, skin, nails, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Whereas Type II is the main type for your cartilage.
This is where Collagen powder sourcing becomes important. Bovine Collagen is famous for having high quantities of Types I and III. Whereas Chicken or Marine Collagen have a lot more Type II Collagen than Bovine does.
Since a vast majority of people are looking to improve their hair, skin, nails, tendons, ligaments, or bones when supplementing with Collagen, we have chosen to offer Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen.
We have our powder Hydrolyzed because this makes the collagen more easily digestible and usable by your body. But again if you are trying to improve any cartilage issues, then we would actually recommend a Chicken or Marine based Collagen over our Bovine Collagen.
Now what if you're asking, "What is the best type as a protein source, or to help me build me muscle?" The answer is NONE OF THEM. It is very important to us to stress that Collagen powder is NOT the same as buying regular protein powder.
Although Collagen is a protein, it's an INCOMPLETE protein because it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan. This makes it impossible for you to build muscle, or even live, if Collagen was your only protein source. Consuming high quality protein that contains ALL of the essential amino acids, like our Pinnacle Protein Powder, is how you should be ensuring you are meeting your protein goals for a healthy lifestyle and muscle building.
However, Collagen does have a lot of of other benefits. It has been shown in several human clinical studies to improve your skin and joints. (1,2) How does it work?
Well in your skin, it will decrease wrinkles and dryness, while improving elasticity. And in your joints, it will decrease pain and stiffness, while helping with stability, strength, and overall healthiness.
It may also help your hair and nails as well. Collagen powder contains high quantities of the amino acid proline, which is the primary amino acid in keratin. And keratin is the main protein that makes up your hair and nails, so increasing keratin could potentially improve your hair and nail quality.
If any of these benefits sound intriguing to you, then 1-2 scoops per day of our Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen could be what you need. You can take a scoop right out of the container and drink it with some water, or you can mix it with any of your favorite beverages. You could even have it with a Pre-Workout drink to help your joints before a workout :)