Collagen is a protein found naturally in the body and is the main component of connective tissues ^[1]. It provides structure, support, and strength to muscles, skin, bones, and connective tissue ^[1]. Collagen is found virtually everywhere in the body, including your organs, blood vessels, and intestinal lining ^[1]. Since collagen is a protein, like other proteins, it is composed of amino acids. The amino acids that primarily compose collagen are proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline ^[1]. These amino acids help to maintain the structure of collagen.

There are 28 different kinds of collagen that can be found in the body ^[2]. However, there are 4 kinds that are most prominent: Type I is the most common type that is found in all connective tissues, Type II is found in joints and intervertebral discs, Type III is the main component of reticular fibers found in the skin and blood vessels, and Type IV is a component of your kidneys, inner ear, and eye lens ^[2].

Collagen plays many important roles in the body and taking it as a supplement could provide a wide variety of health benefits.

1. Skin Health – Collagen is a major component of the skin, and several studies have evaluated its effects on helping skin elasticity and hydration ^[3].
2. Joint Pain – As you age, the cartilage within your joints starts to degrade, which can cause pain and inflammation. Collagen is a natural component of this cartilage and can help to prevent this pain ^[4][5].
3. Bone Health – Collagen is a structural component of the bone and helps keep bone strength. Several studies have evaluated how collagen can impact bone health, and several have found that collagen can help improve bone mineral density ^[6][7].

There are many collagen supplements on the market, which can make it difficult to decide which may be best for you. There are two different kinds of collagen supplements: marine and bovine. Both are similar and have nearly identical benefits. However, when it comes to where the ingredients are sourced from, Genuine Health offers both marine clean collagen and bovine clean collagen! Its collagens are effective, taste great, and provide a therapeutic dose of collagen per serving. Genuine Health ensures that its bovine collagen is not sourced in the Amazon so that it does not contribute to deforestation of the rainforests, and that marine collagen is wild-caught and from deep waters. These powerful products come in a variety of flavours, including pineapple berry, lemon lime, and unflavoured!

Try this recipe below for an easy on-the-go snack!

One Bowl Collagen Cookie Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup almond flour
• 2 scoops clean collagen marine unflavored or clean collagen bovine unflavored
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 3 tbsp cup mini dairy-free chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Combine the almond flour, shredded coconut, and collagen in a medium bowl and mix.
2. Stir in the maple syrup and coconut oil and stir until well combined.
3. Mix in the mini chocolate chips.
4. Roll the mixture into balls around one tablespoon in size.
5. Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until the desired texture.

References:
[1] Cleveland Clinic. Collagen. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
[2] National Library of Medicine. Physiology, Connective Tissue. September 19, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542226/
[3] Choi, F. D. et al. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systemic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol 2019 January;18(1):9-16.
[4] Li, Y-S. et al. Cellular aging towards osteoarthritis. Mech Ageing Dev 2017 March;162:80-84.
[5] Honvo, G. et al. Role of Collagen Derivatives in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Repair: A Systemic Scoping Review With Evidence Mapping. Rheumatology and Therapy 2020 October;7:703-740.
[6] Elam, M. L. et al. A calcium-collagen chelate dietary supplement attenuates bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized controlled trial. J Med Food; 2015 March;18(3):324-331.
[7] Konig, D. et al. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women – A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients 2018 January;10(1):97.

About the Author: Genuine Health Team

Genuine Health is a Canadian company that makes all natural, non-GMO supplements and is one of the original vendors to partner with HFN back in 1999. Genuine Health has a history of firsts, including: First superfood formula and first to launch a superfood designed for the gut, First with fermented supplements and the first complete fermented protein, and the First natural health supplement company to become a B Corporation worldwide.