While muscles need protein for optimal recovery, neglecting to support our connective tissues with the right type and amount of collagen can lead to weakness and injury.
THE The risk is particularly high among highly active individuals who engage in high-impact and vigorous or high-volume and repetitive activities.
Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, and ligaments, which connect bones to other bones to provide joint stability, are primarily composed of these tough and durable collagen fibers.
This robust form of tissue can withstand considerable force and tension. However, without adequate recovery and ongoing damage from overload or chronic repetitive strain, these structures can weaken and degrade over time.
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Collagen to the rescue
One way to support the health of the connective tissue involves increasing collagen intake to provide the building blocks needed to repair damaged fibers and create new tissue.
Collagen also contains the amino acids proline and glycine, which are natural anti-inflammatory and powerful immune system boosters.
However, it can be difficult to get enough collagen from our diet because the main sources are animal bones, tendons and connective tissues, which few people cook or eat with.
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Additional support
Powdered supplements offer an ideal solution to meet your collagen intake. Hydrolyzed collagen is one of the most effective products because the collagen molecules have already been broken down into smaller peptides for easier absorption by the body.
The highly bioavailable amino acid peptides are easily transported into the blood and absorbed to produce new, healthy tendons (and bone and skin tissue).
With adequate supplementary provision, Hydrolyzed collagen also accumulates in cartilage, stimulating natural production by cartilage cells called chondrocytes. This is beneficial because natural collagen production declines with age.
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Setting the global standard
There are many brands and types of hydrolyzed collagen on the market, with Peptan® is widely regarded as the premier form of collagen peptides.
This leading brand of collagen peptide sets the global standard for quality, versatility and performance, boasting a purity level exceeding 97% protein (dry weight), which minimizes impurities. It also has a neutral taste and odor and instant solubility.
Peptan® collagen is responsibly sourced from cattle, pigs and fish and backed by strong research.
In one study1participants experienced 28% less muscle soreness at all time points after vigorous exercise and saw a 13% improvement in muscle recovery. Another study2 demonstrated the ability of Peptan® to support bone formation.
Based on its superior properties, Biogen includes these collagen peptides in premium products in the Platinum line. For example, Biogen Peptan® Collagen Powder contains 10g of Peptan® per serving.
In addition to the other 18 amino acids, the concentration of glycine and proline is 10-20 times higher than in other proteins. This very specific amino acid composition gives Peptan® nutritional-functional properties that you cannot find in other protein sources.
Total, Peptan® offers a well-researched, high-quality hydrolyzed collagen option with potential benefits for skin, joints and possibly muscles.
It is important to remember that the effectiveness of collagen supplements in general can vary depending on factors such as age, individual needs and lifestyle. It is always beneficial to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
For more information on Peptan, please visit website.
References
- Robberechts, R., et al. Partial replacement of collagen peptide supplementation with whey does not improve either indices of muscle damage or recovery of functional capacity during eccentric exercise training in fit males. International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2023-0070.
- Clifford, T., et al. The effects of collagen peptides on muscle damage, inflammation
and bone turnover after exercise: a randomized controlled trial. Amino acids. 2019.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-019-02706-5.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sports or health and fitness, Pedro is most likely out training for his next marathon or ultramarathon. He has worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms specialist. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
