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Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in the human body. It makes up around 30% of our total protein, 90% of our connective tissue and 70% of our skin.
Like other proteins it is made up of thousands of amino acids joined together. There are at least 16 different types of collagens. However, 80 – 90% of our collagen is Type I, II and III collagen¹.
Collagen is strong structural tissue. Gram for gram some collagen helixes are stronger than steel².
What does Collagen do?
Collagen makes up the structure of organs, joints, hair, skin, nails, gut, blood vessels, teeth, gums, bones and more¹.
Collagen essentially supports the infrastructure of the body.
In our 20’s collagen production becomes slower than collagen breakdown leading to the following signs of ageing³…
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Cellulite
- Joint pain
- Gum recession
- Hair loss
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Etc
What causes Collagen to breakdown?
Age is the number one contributing factor to the breakdown of collagen. However, other lifestyle factors can accelerate collagen degradation.
- Smoking⁴
- Excessive UV (Sun) exposure⁵
- Sugar⁶
- Alcohol
- Lack of Antioxidants and Vitamin C⁷
- Lack of quality protein containing Proline, Glycine and Glutamine⁸
What makes the BEST Collagen Supplement?
- Collagen Peptides
If you are going to consume a collagen drink, make sure it is Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides. Collagen is made up of 1000’s of amino acids joined together. This makes it too complex to absorb. Unless its been hydrolysed (broken down) into peptides.
- Type I,II & III Collagen
Between these 3 forms of collagen, you will provide close to 90 – 95% of the collagen your body needs.
- Get a mix of Grass Fed Bovine & Wild Caught Marine Collagen
By sourcing a combination of grass fed bovine and wild caught marine you are ensuring diverse, high quality, chemical free collagen. Marine has a low molecular weight which allows it to absorb more rapidly. However, Bovine provides high levels of type I collagen for skin health.
- Added digestive enzymes
Digestive enzymes will ensure further breakdown of the complex collagen protein into highly absorbable di and tri peptides.
- Added Tryptophan
Collagen is naturally incomplete. It’s lacking one of the 9 essential amino acids called L-tryptophan. Getting a collagen supplement that contains added L-Tryptophan will ensure you get the best possible results.
- Added Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a critical co-factor that supports the endogenous (internal) production of collagen from the collagen peptides consumed. Smokers have been shown to have 40% less Vitamin C which could contribute to accelerated collagen breakdown.
If you look for the above key features you are sure to find a premium quality collagen product that will support hair, skin, nails, gut, joints, mobility and much more.
For best results be sure to also increase your daily consumption of antioxidants (Vitality Switch) and minimize your consumption of sugar, alcohol while reducing excessive sun exposure.
The last thing to consider is mixability and flavour. Some like unflavoured as they add it into their Coffee Switch, Adrenal Switch, Vitality Switch or Protein Switch smoothies.
Others like delicious flavours they can add to water, milk or soda water for that summer vibe.
