Collagen, the main structural protein in our bodies, plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of our cells and tissues.  Collagen acts as the glue that holds our cells together and is found throughout our body. Research has shown that regular consumption of collagen can repair and prevent gut inflammation and associated symptoms. 1

Collagen is composed of some exceptional amino acids like glycine, proline, and arginine, which are not found in significant amounts in typical meat protein sources. This is why many people can benefit from incorporating more collagen into their diets. By doing so, you can support a healthy gut lining, promote joint health, enhance skin health, and experience so many other remarkable benefits.

As the most abundant protein in mammals, collagen constitutes 25% to 35% of the total protein in our bodies. However, as we age, our collagen levels decline. By providing the raw materials needed to produce collagen, supplementing with collagen peptides becomes essential for maintaining its levels in our bodies.  Studies have shown that collagen peptides are highly bioavailable, with 90% of amino acids absorbed within 6 hours. Therefore, having readily available collagen to help support our body's needs, is super beneficial.

In this article, you will discover why supplementing with collagen is crucial to fulfill our body's amino acid needs. By exploring the benefits of the main amino acid profiles found in collagen, you will come to understand just how valuable a food source collagen is. You will also learn the importance of clean collagen. 

Unique Amino Acid Balance

In the fast-paced modern era, we have departed from the nourishing food practices of our ancestors, which included the consumption of organ meats and the preparation of slow-cooked stews and soups with the inclusion of bones for enhanced flavor and nutritional benefits. Unfortunately, this shift has resulted in a deficiency of essential amino acids found in collagen, especially when our main protein sources consist of only muscle meats like chicken and steak.

As a consequence, our diets lack the vital nutrients that were once readily available, making the supplementation of collagen an incredibly effective strategy to reintroduce these important amino acids into our daily routine. With 20 amino acids required for protein synthesis, nine of them are considered essential because our bodies cannot produce them. Collagen is almost a complete protein, containing eight out of nine essential amino acids, with the exception of tryptophan. 

The Power Of Amino Acids

Glycine

Glycine, the star amino acid of collagen, is a true multitasker with a crucial role in various bodily functions. It helps maintain mood, sleep quality, memory enhancement, and supports immune regulation. Acting as an antioxidant, it benefits those with autoimmune diseases and is essential for healthy DNA strands and proper cell function.

Moreover, glycine plays a key role in digestive health, regulating bile acid for fat digestion and contributing to the central nervous system's functioning. It is vital for developing and maintaining skeletal muscles, tissues, and structural integrity. 

This amino acid is a critical player in supporting the repairing of damaged skin and connective tissues, making up nearly one third of collagen responsible for their firmness. In the central nervous system, glycine inhibits neurotransmitters that cause seizure activity, hyperactivity, and bipolar depression. 3

Glutamic Acid

Glutamic acid, also known as glutamate, is a chemical messenger that sends messages between nerve cells in the brain and it has been shown to help improve intelligence.  Being one of the few nutrients able to pass through the blood-brain barrier, this amino acid appears to significantly support brain function. 3

In other words, Glutamic acid turned out to be our brain's primary food. Since it is a messenger in the brain, it is able to support the enhancing of one's clarity, mental alertness, and mood.  

Glutamic acid does more than you might think! During intense exercise, when muscle cells accumulate ammonia, slowing down recovery, this amino acid comes to the rescue. It binds with the ammonia to form Glutamine, helping your muscles detoxify. And that's not all! Glutamic acid also plays a crucial role in the Kreb's cycle and is essential for carbohydrate metabolism. So, it's also a true multitasker for your body!

Proline/ Hydroxyproline 

Collagen is high in Proline and Hydroxyproline, at 11% each.  Hydroxyproline is produced by hydroxylation of the amino acid proline. They are both vital players in maintaining healthy skin, boosting joint and tendon health, and supporting the integrity of blood vessels and heart muscles. These essential amino acid are responsible for collagen production and helps combat arteriosclerosis. Both play a key roles in collagen stability.

Proline aids in collagen creation, ensuring proper tissue health, helps prevent arteriosclerosis by maintaining artery flexibility, and also leaky gut by strengthening the digestive system.  A lack of Proline can lead to soft tissue strains, slower healing, and potential issues with blood pressure and circulation. 4

Alanine

Alanine comprises 8% of collagen and enhances exercise capacity, aids in building lean muscle mass, and improves immunity.  It boosts immunity, provides energy for the brain, central nervous system, and muscle tissue. Additionally, Alanine plays a vital role in the glucose-Alanine cycle between tissues and the liver. 

In essence, Alanine helps convert glucose into much-needed energy while aiding liver detoxification. As an essential component for protein synthesis, it supports muscle building and protects cells during intense physical activity. Due to its presence in prostate gland fluid, Alanine has shown potential in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition characterized by prostate enlargement. 5

Arginine

Arginine, comprising 8% of collagen, is a versatile amino acid involved in cell division, wound healing, hormone release, and immune function. It converts to nitric oxide, promoting healthy circulation and arterial health.

With numerous benefits, Arginine supports the immune system, aids wound healing, and enhances hormone release. It acts as a precursor to nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels and impacting various biological systems. Used for colds, high blood pressure, migraines, and more, Arginine is known for improving athletic performance and aiding bodybuilding. It helps manage bladder inflammation, relieves leg cramping, and enhances kidney function in transplant patients. 6

Aspartic Acid

Aspartic acid, making up 6% of collagen, is a multi-tasking amino acid that plays a vital role in your body's energy cycle.  This amino acid participates in the citric acid and urea cycles, gluconeogenesis, the ornithine cycle, and various other reactions. It is essential for stamina, brain health, boosts the immune system and neural function. 

The reputation of Aspartic acid as a treatment for chronic fatigue stems from its role in generating cellular energy.  Aspartic acid will also keep your mind sharp, as it enhances NADH concentration in the brain, crucial for mental functioning. Moreover, it efficiently removes toxins from cells, including harmful ammonia that can damage the liver, brain, and nervous system. 7

Collagen Peptides vs. Bone Broth

While bone broth is a nutritious superfood, collagen peptides offer a higher concentration of amino acids.  Although bone broth provides some collagen, collagen peptides are specifically designed to provide a more concentrated source of collagen, allowing for greater absorption and utilization in the body. Allowing for greater bioavailability of nutrients.

Yonder Collagen Amino Acid Profile

Summary

• Collagen is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our cells and tissues.
• Collagen peptides support the natural repair process of the gut and calming inflammation.
• Collagen supports bone, joint, and skin health.
• Collagen peptides provide an excellent amino acid profile, with glycine as the star amino acid.
• Supplementing with collagen peptides reintroduces vital amino acids into our diets.
• Collagen peptides offer unique benefits to support sleep, memory, immune health, gut health, and skin rejuvenation.
• Collagen peptides are more concentrated and absorbable than bone broth.
• Yonder's collagen peptides provide an excellent choice for supplementing collagen in our diets.