Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides: What Are They Good For?

Collagen has become a popular supplement that people add to:

• Coffee
• Smoothies
• Tea
• Juice
• Protein Shakes
• Soup
• Yogurt 
• Baked Goods 

As the most abundant protein in the human body, collagen is exceptional in helping you achieve your health goals by boosting your immunity and improving brain function.

Keep reading to learn about hydrolyzed collagen peptides, what it is, and how they can benefit you.

WHAT ARE HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN PEPTIDES?

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are derived from collagen that has had its amino acids broken down to make it digestible.

This process is called Hydrolysis and its breakdown is necessary to ease its absorption since it’s not as readily absorbable as the natural collagen in your body.

It’s then delivered to you in the form of supplements.

When shopping for collagen supplements, note that hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides are used interchangeably.

There are 28 types of collagen but there are three that are used most commonly. The table below summarizes their sources and benefits.

At ATH Sport, we use Type I and III collagen for stronger bones, skin, nails, hair, and improved gut health. 

BENEFITS OF HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN

• Increases Muscle Mass
• Promotes Skin Elasticity and Hydration
• Supports Bone Health
• Maintains and Supports a Healthy Gut

Collagen makes up your skin, bones, and cartilage. It constitutes 70% of your skin and 90% of your bone mass and connective tissue.

Therefore, its benefits can be found all over the body.

INCREASES MUSCLE MASS

During training, muscles are torn due to the tension and stress that naturally occurs from resistance.

(These tears are a natural part of exercise.)

During rest and recovery, the muscles begin to repair by increasing muscle fibers to treat the tears - which in turn grows muscle mass and strength.

Supplementing your training and recovery with collagen supplements will give your muscles the amino acids they need to recover and repair in order to build this mass and strength.

It will also shorten your recovery time and relieve the soreness that comes with training.

Remember, recovery is a part of training. Prioritize your recovery and use collagen supplements to improve it.

PROMOTES SKIN ELASTICITY AND HYDRATION

Collagen strengthens skin cells by holding them together and lessens wrinkles by increasing hydration and elasticity.

It works by targeting the middle layer of your skin and forms a network of cells where new cells grow. Apart from new cells formation, dead ones are also restored.

By the age of twenty-five, collagen production falls by 1% each year and continues to decrease. Unfortunately for your skin, this means:

• Your cheeks will lose their fullness
• Your under-eye area will become hollow
• Your skin will develop wrinkles and fine lines

However, a study of 1,125 participants aged between 20 and 70 years was conducted to find out what effect collagen supplements would have on the skin. 95% of the participants were women.

The results were impressive in terms of hydration and elasticity.

The outcome proved that ingesting hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days reduced wrinkles through improved skin elasticity and hydration.

“Quality product with no fillers. We have seen amazing results in our skin and our faces are looking younger.”

Jennifer F. | Customer Review

SUPPORTS BONE HEALTH

Calcium and collagen combine to form a powerful team that creates and maintains strong bones. As you train, a daily intake of collagen will strengthen your bones to withstand tough training. 

Collagen will promote your bone health in several ways:

• It improves bone mineral density which prevents bones from breaking easily.
• It stimulates cartilage which covers the ends of bones and prevents pain caused by the bones rubbing together.
• It inhibits bone loss.

Poor bone health will lead to these conditions;

• Osteoarthritis: Weak and brittle bones susceptible to fractures
• Osteoporosis: Stiff and painful joints
• Autoimmune joint conditions

Weak bones can fracture easily, even from a slight fall, as seen in the case of osteoarthritis. Another condition, osteoporosis, causes stiff and painful joints that cannot move.

Hydrolyzed collagen will make your bones denser, less brittle, and help your body to produce new bone matter.

It will also lubricate your joints, including your elbows, hips, and knees, therefore, allowing them to move more fluidly.

MAINTAINS AND SUPPORTS A HEALTHY GUT

Hydrolyzed collagen builds and maintains the strong connective tissues in your digestive tract. The high amount of amino acids, like glutamine, proline, and glycine, highly benefit the stomach and intestinal tract.

Here’s how collagen sorts out your digestive issues:

• Aids in digestion: It moves through the gastrointestinal tract, breaking down proteins and carbohydrates, therefore, accelerating digestion.

• Repairs the gut lining: If the gut is damaged, collagen spikes its production level and new cells are generated to repair the damage.

• The glutamine in collagen heals “leaky gut syndrome.”

“Leaky gut syndrome” is the result of damage to the barrier that lines your intestines. Food particles will leak out, move to the bloodstream and cause inflammation. The result is stomach cramps, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Pro Tip: Consume bone broth to promote gut health.

To do this, boil chicken or cow bones for a long time. The collagen from the bones will be extracted in this process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING COLLAGEN?

• Increases Muscle Mass
• Promotes Skin Elasticity and Hydration
• Supports Bone Health
• Maintains and Supports a Healthy Gut
• Rebuilds and Repairs Connective Tissues
• Strengthens Skin, Hair, and Nails

HOW DO I USE COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS?

Collagen supplements are very versatile and can be added to your favorite:

• Coffee
• Protein shakes
• Smoothies
• Baked goods, or other foods of your choice

You can use 1-2 scoops of collagen in each of the above.

PRO TIP: To avoid clumping in cold drinks, mix 1-2 scoops of collagen with a small amount of hot water until all collagen powder is dissolved. Top off with your cold drink of choice and add the ice last.

HOW MANY TIMES A DAY CAN I USE COLLAGEN?

We recommend using 1-2 servings of collagen each day to support your overall health and wellness.

WHAT OTHER ATH SUPPLEMENTS CAN I USE WITH COLLAGEN?

We recommend stacking collagen with these supplements:

• JOINT: A powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties to fight inflammation, improve joint integrity, and increase joint mobility.
• Krill Oil: An omega-3 supplement that reduces harmful substances in the body and slows down aging.
• BCAA: Plant-based amino acids that shorten your recovery time, prevent loss of muscle, and boost protein synthesis.