written by
Brooke Whitman-Roberts
Wellness Manager
As with many trends in the wellness world, there has been a lot of conflicting information circulating around collagen. Does it even work? Can your body absorb it? Let’s explore how your body utilizes collagen and why you may choose to have it as a part of your wellness routine.
Collagen accounts for 30% of the protein in your body. There are 3 types of collagen that can be found in different areas of your body; the skin, the organs, blood vessels and gut lining as well as muscle, tendons, ligaments and bones. Having an abundance of collagen in the body can improve muscle mass, joint pain, bone strength, and heart and digestive health. Collagen is clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Our bodies use amino acids to make collagen, as we age and due to lifestyle factors like sun exposure, dietary habits and smoking our ability to produce collagen declines over time.
Supplements can be used to increase collagen in the body. Collagen supplements come from 3 sources: cow hide, chicken bones and fish scales. These animal products contain protein that is rich in the amino acids your body requires to produce collagen on its own. It is not that taking a collagen supplement is directly giving your body collagen; it is giving your body the nutrients and amino acids it needs to produce it on its own. These amino acids, particularly proline and glycine, can also be found in protein-rich foods like dairy, meat, bone broth, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and protein powders. Other nutrients required for collagen production include vitamin c, zinc, and copper. Consuming a healthy well-balanced diet rich in protein can also give your body the nutrients it needs to produce collagen.
Collagen peptides are a special form of collagen in which the whole collagen protein has been hydrolyzed (broken down) into a more bioavailable, easily absorbable protein. Essentially, these smaller pieces of collagen are fragments of the original, complete protein that is much easier to absorb. All collagen supplements in your wellness department are collagen peptides.
Once mixed with milk or water, collagen powders are light and easy to drink; at around 10g of protein per scoop. It is a convenient, low-carbohydrate way to boost protein and collagen levels without feeling super full and weighed down. Sproos offers sustainably sourced grass-fed bovine, wild-caught marine, and multi-animal sourced collagen peptide supplements to fill your unique needs. Each product is third-party tested for potency and purity.
If you’re interested in learning more about collagen supplements or want advice on which product may be right for you, please come in and speak with our knowledge wellness clerks!
