Custom Collagen offers high-quality collagen and gelatin products for all types of applications. However, we also want to educate our customers on the benefits of collagen and gelatin to show what these products can offer to individuals, businesses and industries. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions we see about the various types of collagen and gelatin available.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that makes up skin, tendons, bones and other connective tissues in the human body, giving it structure and holding everything together. In addition to occurring naturally within the body, collagen can be found in various supplements and foods, particularly those that are animal-based. Food sources that are particularly high in collagen include bone broth and gelatin. This is why so many animal collagen supplements exist, such as bone collagen powder.
What Are the Different Types of Collagen?
The most common types of collagen include the following:
- Type I: The most abundant in the human body.
- Type II: Makes up cartilage to protect bones and joints.
- Type III: Found in various parts of the body, making it the second most abundant type
- Type V: Less abundant but supports the bone matrix, corneal stroma and more.
- Type X: Helps to heal and repair bones and cartilage.
Over time, the body’s collagen production slows down, and the collagen itself is less effective. Different types of collagen supplements also offer various benefits depending on one’s needs.
What Are the Benefits of Collagen Supplements?
There are many benefits of collagen supplements for individuals who take them. When taken as a supplement, collagen can:
- Rejuvenate the look and health of the skin.
- Strengthen joints and relieve joint pain.
- Reduce bone loss.
- Lower hunger to aid in weight loss.
- Promote muscle growth.
- Balance blood sugar.
- Strengthen hair and nails.
- Support heart, brain and gut health.
When added to a diet or supplement routine, the benefits of collagen are innumerable.
Does Collagen Support Weight Loss?
As mentioned above, when collagen is added to food, it can promote a sense of fullness that minimizes the feeling of hunger, which can help as part of an overall healthy diet. Additionally, it has even been suggested that the protein in collagen may boost your metabolism.
How Does Animal Collagen Support Bone and Joint Health?
Collagen derived from animal sources, also known as animal collagen, stimulates the growth of cartilage and supports joints that have weakened due to age or overuse. This benefits anyone suffering from bone or joint discomfort, including athletes and those with arthritis. Animal collagen includes all kinds of beef, chicken, pig and fish collagen.
How Do I Use Bone Collagen?
Beef collagen can be made from the skin, muscle and bone of cows; thus, it is sometimes referred to as “bone collagen.” These beef bone collagen peptides are most often found in powder supplements, which you can use by mixing into anything since they are flavorless and dissolve easily in hot or cold water.
What Is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a clear and flavorless substance and is the only thermal reversible hydrocolloid. It is obtained by the partial hydrolysis of collagen derived from the skin, white connective tissue and bones of animals. While often used in various foods, there are different gelatin grades that serve purposes in all kinds of industries, including pharmaceutical and ballistic gelatin.
What Does It Mean to Bloom Gelatin?
To bloom gelatin means to soften or melt it before adding it to something else. However, gelatin bloom strength refers to how firm gelatin is, with higher numbers indicating a firmer, more viscous substance. While food-grade gelatin is usually 125-250 Bloom, gelatin used for ballistic testing has a standard measurement of 250 Bloom, possibly higher.
What Is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen is the purest and broken-down form of collagen, making it easily absorbed by the body. This is what most supplements contain.
What Is the Difference Between Gelatin and Gelatin Hydrolysate?
The main difference between gelatin and gelatin hydrolysate is in how you use them. Both are derived from collagen. Any type of gelatin is a partially hydrolyzed collagen. Gelatin will only dissolve in a hot liquid and it will form a gel once the mixture cools. Gelatin hydrolysate, also known as collagen hydrolysate or hydrolyzed collagen/gelatin (as previously noted), is simply the most processed form of the substance, forming peptides that the body can absorb. Therefore, gelatin hydrolysate is more appropriate for a supplement, whereas regular gelatin can be used in food and other applications. Gelatin hydrolysate is more user friendly for consumers because it will dissolve in any temperature liquid and it will not form a gel.
Do You Offer Grass-Fed or Pasture-Raised Collagen and Gelatin?
Yes. Our selection contains grass-fed and pasture-raised collagen and gelatin options. Additionally, our products are free of GMOs and MSG.
Reach Out to Custom Collagen to Learn More
If you want to know more about the benefits of collagen or about our products, feel free to contact Custom Collagen today. We want to do our best to give you everything you need to make an informed decision, and we’re excited to work with you!