Debunking Collagen Myths: Protein, Dose & Collagen Synthesis

Collagen is a protein, so it would seem logical that eating more should automatically give your body everything it needs to product more collagen. And if, collagen supplementation is already a part of your daily regimen, you may wonder if the amount you take really makes a difference. 

These are two assumptions about collagen, but neither tells the whole story. 

When it comes to collagen synthesis, the source of collagen and the amount consumed matter. Clinical research has investigated different collagen quantities and formulations helping us to better understand how targeted collagen supplementation fits into a balanced diet. 

Here's a closer look at two of the most common assumptions. 

Myth 3: A high protein diet is enough to stimulate collagen synthesis

A high protein diet will give you collagen but an inconsistent amount of collagen. A protein size that is far beyond effective and digestible for targeted benefits. Taking hydrolysed collagen through supplements, offers a bioavailable consistent dose for targeted benefits.

Protein is an essential part of the diet and provides the body with amino acids it needs for many processes, including collagen synthesis.

However, simply increasing overall protein intake, does not mean you are consuming a consistent amount of collagen.  This is where hydrolysed collagen supplementation offers a different approach. 

A Targeted Source of Collagen 

Hydrolysed collagen has been broken down into smaller peptides, providing a form of collagen designed to be readily digestible and absorbed. 

A collagen supplement also provides something that is much harder to achieve through diet alone - a defined and consistent daily quantity. 

A high protein diet provides protein that the body can use for a range of functions, whilst hydrolysed collagen supplementation offers a consistent, bioavailable source of collagen when collagen support is the goal. 

Myth 4: Low an high quantities of collagen have the same results 

This is not true. The best way to understand the effectiveness of different collagen amounts is by looking at the clinical research. The data shows that the best benefits range between a minimum of 5g per day and 15g per day. These results will vary from person to person but as long as your body can digest the collagen with no issues, higher collagen quantities offer a higher success rate of collagen production.

Why Does the Amount Matter? 

 A consistent daily dose makes it possible to provide the body with a defined quantity of collagen rather than relying on a variable amount obtain from dietary protein. And as noted above, results will vary from person to person. 

Individual digestion and tolerance are also important considerations. As long as your body can digest the collagen without issues, higher collagen quantities offer a higher success rate of collagen production. 

Collagen is About Consistency and Quantity

A high protein diet can provide collagen, but the amount will be inconsistent. Hydrolysed collagen supplementation provides a bioavailable, consistent dose for targeted benefits. 

And when it comes to how much collagen you take, remember low and high quantities of collagen don't necessarily provide the same results.  So when choosing a collagen supplement, don't just look at whether it contains collagen. 

Look at how much collagen it provides and whether the amount is meaningful in the context of the clinical research.