Collagen For Fitness? Yes! Here’s Why
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With a hydrolyzed collagen supplement market size valued at $928.1 million in 2018, and expected to grow to a whopping $1,466.5 million by 2026, this collagen protein powder supplement has exploded on the beauty, health, fitness and wellness scenes. Let's explore more about how collagen for fitness and improved athletic performance can be of benefit to you.
Also, you'll want to talk to your healthcare provider and your trainer to find out more about how collagen for fitness can benefit you.
With that, let's get started...
Check out our review of the Best Collagen Supplements for Athletes & Fitness for our top picks.
What are collagen supplements, peptides and hydrolysate?
First, although collagen isn't known as a complete protein, it is the most abundant protein in a human body.
Made up of a unique combination of essential amino acids, collagen synthesis of these amino acids, vitamin C, zinc and copper results in a protein that is long, flexible and strong.
As such, it's very useful for holding the human body together including the skin, connective tissue, cartilage, muscles and bone--just to name a few.
Unfortunately, through the aging process, the body stops producing collagen in the same amounts as when you were young.
That's when you may start to notice wrinkles, fine lines on your face and lips, sagging, dry skin, weaker joint health, cranky gut and smaller muscles.
Although the body can make new collagen by eating the right foods (and not participating in collagen-killing activities), millions of people have chosen to take collagen supplements and sip on bone broth to help their body along.
Collagen Supplements
As we mentioned in our opening, the collagen supplementation market is expected to continue to explode.
As a result, manufacturers have created new and innovative collagen products such as powders, pills, drinks and food like protein bars.
In addition, you can get collagen supplements made from cow/cattle (bovine), fish (marine) and egg membrane sources--even an all-in-one multi-collagen supplement.
Hydrolysate
Because the collagen protein is so large, it needs to be broken down into smaller pieces in order the body to use it.
The process of hydrolyzation uses water to break it down into the amino acids that make up the protein.
As a result, the process makes the protein more bio-available.
The process to break down the protein uses water called hydrolysis. Once the water breaks the collagen down, it's then referred to as collagen hydrolysate.
Peptides
The smaller parts and amino acids of the collagen protein after hydrolyzation are called peptides.
To sum up, collagen peptides are the same as collagen protein.
Also, it's the same as hydrolyzed collagen and collagen powder.
4 ways collagen can help your fitness routine
Whether you're a yoga enthusiast, bike rider, gym goer or triathlete, you can benefit from collagen intake.
Here are the ways collagen supplements can work for you:
Muscle repair and growth
During and after long periods of exercise, your body loses protein through oxidation, inflammation and small muscle lesions.
The body, in its amazing wisdom, knows how to repair the body. The first thing it does is increase the production of collagen immediately after a workout.
Adding protein-rich foods into your diet, sipping on bone broth and/or taking a collagen supplement can help with re-building muscle.
Speed up injury recovery time
As part of the healing muscle fibers after a workout, new collagen formation is key.
Actually, a study shows that Type III collagen occurs most often during the first week of wound healing, then Type I formation enters later in the process.
Therefore, adding more collagen protein to your body may help push along the healing process.
Prevent Injuries
You may find that collagen supplements can help you avoid injury by making your joints and ligaments stronger.
In fact, two different studies showed the power of collagen in joint-related and tendon injuries.
The first study used three different types of athletes where collagen peptides, BCAA and arginine help to decrease tendon-ligament and joint-related injuries instances.
The second looked specifically at collagen supplements and the Achilles tendon. They found the increase in collagen supported the improvement of the strength of the tendon.
Reduce joint pain
High-impact activities and sports can put extra stress on joints that can cause pain and injury.
Actually, there was a study including participants who experienced activity-related joint pain.
After sustained collagen supplementation, they showed improved joint function and flexibility.
If a traditional collagen supplement doesn't work for you, all is not lost! You can opt for the best vegan collagen-boosting supplements instead.
Are there side effects of taking collagen?
You may be wondering if there are any side effects of taking collagen supplements and if it's safe.
Generally, most people do not have any side effects or adverse reactions from collagen peptides.
However you may experience the following symptoms and affects:
- An allergy to the ingredients/source of collagen (bovine, marine, eggs)
- An uncomfortable feeling of fullness
- Heartburn
- Bad taste in your mouth
Take collagen before or post-workout?
You may wonder if it's better to take collagen for fitness before or after your workout or sports activity.
The short answer is--it doesn't matter.
As we talked about above, if you take it after your workout, it can help rebuild and repair your muscles.
If you choose to take it before, it can help strengthen your joints and ligaments to avoid injury.
Either way, the key to get the most benefits from collagen supplements is to take them consistently.
FINAL VERDICT
If you maintain an active, physical lifestyle, then you'll want to consider adding collagen protein to your daily routine.
You can take collagen protein supplements to help with your muscles, joints and tendons during and after exercise.
As an added benefit, you can also experience improved hair, nails and skin health.
Discover the best supplements for fitness and start using this amazing protein to make your workouts the best they can be!