What Are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen accounts for about a third of all proteins in the body, making it the most plentiful protein. It’s found in a person’s bones, muscles, skin, ligaments and tendons. The amino acids in collagen are crucial for the health of all of these body parts.
Although the body naturally produces collagen, its ability to do so begins to decline in a person’s 20s. Collagen can also decrease if a person:
- Smokes
- Eats too much sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Is exposed to the sun too long
Consequently, people turn to collagen supplements as an alternative source, especially to consume enough collagen for muscles to recover from working out.
There are several varieties of collagen. The two most plentiful in a person’s body are:
- Type 1 — found in a person’s skin, eyes, bones, tendons and teeth
- Type 3 — present in a person’s muscles, blood vessels and intestines
Collagen peptides are made of hydrolyzed collagen, which has been carefully processed to make it more easily absorbed by the body when using collagen for muscle repair. The small size of peptides makes them easily digested and transported to the body’s cells through the bloodstream. Collagen peptides are flavorless and tasteless, and they don’t thicken beverages when added as a supplement. They are often used in protein bars and ready-to-drink beverages and powders.
Collagen Benefits for Athletes
Because it contains 18 essential amino acids, there is a wide range of benefits of collagen for athletes.
Collagen peptides can help strengthen ligaments and joints, which in turn can help reduce the likelihood of injury. Collagen can also help repair cartilage tissue, boost mobility and joint flexibility and reduce overall activity related joint pain.
Researchers suggest collagen supplements may gather in a person’s cartilage, stimulating the natural production of collagen, resulting in better support for a person’s joints and less inflammation. Some studies have indicated that collagen peptides can help prevent bone loss since collagen is an essential part of bone structure.
Because collagen can help a person maintain ideal metabolic processes, it may have a role in healthy weight management. There are also indications that collagen supplements can help support healthy arteries because collagen provides the structure for arteries.
What collagen peptides do can depend on the type of collagen consumed. For instance, when taken together, Types 1 and 3 collagen can boost circulation.
Should You Take Collagen Before or After a Workout?
When deciding whether to add collagen before a workout or collagen post workout a person should consider their reasons for using the supplement. Taking collagen peptides before training can help promote the health of a person’s connective tissue, while post-workout consumption can help build muscle mass. Both of these can be helpful in using collagen for muscle repair.
Collagen Benefits During Workouts and Recovery
There are many benefits to taking collagen protein. Muscle building is one example. Supplements that contain Types 1 and 3 collagen can promote glycine production, which builds lean muscle. Collagen peptides also help create a good nitrogen balance, which contributes to a person being in an anabolic state — the ideal condition for the best muscle growth.
Another factor that helps restore and maintain muscle mass is the presence of the amino acid arginine in collagen. Arginine also can help boost athletic performance.
An added benefit of collagen supplements is that they may help reduce muscle soreness. They also may help speed up healing for people undergoing rehab for injuries and improve muscle recovery for women and men. Because of its high levels of amino acids, people often consume collagen for muscle repair.
What to Look for in Wholesale Collagen
When searching for collagen for muscle repair, it’s crucial to find a supplier you can trust. They should provide collagen that’s free of:
- Antibiotics
- Allergens
- Pesticides
- Heavy Metals
- Hormones
- GMO
- Gluten
- MSG
Custom Collagen offers high-quality, affordable collagen products that are free of additives and not derived from GMOs.
Get Collagen for Muscle Repair From Custom Collagen
If you want to offer collagen for muscle repair or other benefits, Custom Collagen should be your provider of choice. Our leadership has a combined 70 years of expertise in the commercial collagen and gelatin industries. We understand your needs and can develop a collagen product that meets your exact specifications. Contact us today to learn more.