So, what exactly is collagen? Collagen is an essential building block of our bodies and represents almost 30% of all human protein content. It is found not only in your skin, but throughout the body in tendons, muscles, and bones to provide structure and support. Collagen consists of chains of amino acids, predominantly glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, each of which play an important role in keeping your body at its best¹. Unfortunately, our diets may tend to be less collagen rich than they used to be, particularly with the rise of plant-based diets and meat eaters often discarding collagen-rich parts of the animal. In addition, as we age, the body becomes less efficient at producing collagen.

Adding collagen peptides to your daily wellness routine triggers the synthesis of new collagen fibers in the body by supplying the essential amino acid lysine to help in collagen formation. By encouraging collagen formation and providing essential amino acids, collagen supplementation helps to maintain good health, improve flexibility and athletic performance by reducing joint pain associated with osteoarthritis when used for a minimum of 5 months^3,4,5.  Collagen has also shown to be beneficial in suppressing UV-B-induced skin damage and photoaging⁶. Always read and follow label to ensure this product is right for you.

When choosing the right collagen product, it is important to look for hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides – this indicates the collagen has been broken down into small peptides that are easily digested and absorbed by the body. Look for collagen that are free of binders or fillers. Be mindful of the source of the collagen and look for products that are using animal sources free from antibiotics.

Vital Proteins provide easy and convenient ways to bring collagen back to the body with minimally processed, clean label products and simple ingredients. Find the right Vital Protein’s Collagen Product to add to your wellness routine.

Looking for a creamer that will do more for your wellness? Upgrade your morning routine with Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer^®! The perfect solution for individuals seeking an alternative to dairy and looking for the benefits of MTCs and a collagen. Packed with 10g of our bovine collagen peptides per serving and energy-boosting MCTs from organic coconut milk powder.  Our Bovine Collagen Peptides found in these creamers are made from one simple ingredient- 100% hydrolyzed collagen sourced from grass fed and pasture raised cattle, free of antibiotics. Not only that, but our collagen peptides have no added sweeteners, and are gluten free, paleo friendly, and Whole30 approved, making them a perfect fit for any diet!

Consider a new addition to your routine and find wellness from within with Vital Proteins. Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer^® comes in two variety, unflavoured or Vanilla. Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer^® can be added to hot coffee, hot liquid, and recipes.

Simply add 1 scoop to your coffee and stir.  Using a frothing wand will give you the perfect milk consistency to add to your coffee and avoid any natural clumping due to the nature of the coconut milk powder.

Cookies & Cream Cup
Yields 1 serving

Ingredients:
1 C coconut cream
1 C frozen avocado chunks
2 T maple syrup
1 t vanilla extract
2 scoops Vanilla Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer^®
1 C crushed cookies and cream cookies (1/2 C will be blended, 1/2 C sprinkled on top and layered on the bottom)
Coconut whipped cream (for topping) 

Method:

1. Blend together the coconut milk, frozen avocado, maple strip, vanilla extract, vanilla collagen creamer, 1/2 cup cookies and cream cookies.
2. Layer 1/2 cup of crushed cookies and cream cookies on the bottom of a glass or cup, pour over the cookies and cream mixture.
3. Top with coconut whipped cream and extra crushed cookies and cream cookies. Enjoy!

Recipe by @evolvewithtee

References:
1. Yu Fu, Margrethe Therkildsen, Rotimi E. Aluko & René Lametsch (2019) Exploration of collagen recovered from animal by-products as a precursor of bioactive peptides: Successes and challenges, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59:13, 2011-2027.
2. Audrey Daneault, Janne Prawitt, Véronique Fabien Soulé, Véronique Coxam & Yohann Wittrant (2017) Biological effect of hydrolyzed collagen on bone metabolism, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57:9, 1922-1937.
3. Bruyère O, Zegels B, Leonori L. Rabenda V, Janssen A, Bourges C, Reginster JY. Effect of collagen hydrolysate in articular pain: A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2012;20:124-130.
4. Benito-Ruiz P, Camacho-Zambrano MM, Carrillo-Arcentales JN, Mestanza-Peralta MA, Vallejo-Flores CA, Vargas-López SV, Villacís-Tamayo RA, Zurita-Gavilanes LA. A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of a food ingredient, collagen hydrolysate, for improving joint comfort. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 2009;60 Suppl 2:99-113.
5. Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, Millard RL, Deitch JR, Sherbondy PS, Albert A. 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Current Medical Research and Opinions 2008;24(5):1485-1496.
6. Tanaka M, Koyama Y, Nomura Y. Effects of collagen peptide ingestion on UV-B-induced skin damage. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2009 Apr 23;73(4):930-2. doi: 10.1271/bbb.80649. Epub 2009 Apr 7. PMID: 19352014.

About the Author: Vital Proteins

Vital Proteins helps people feel better and live fuller lives through quality collagen products that promote wellness from within. It is their goal to help you feel your best by providing you with a way to easily boost your collagen intake with minimally processed, clean label products.