Most athletes are now pretty familiar with the benefits of taking whey protein to supplement their muscle recovery/function. Whey protein provides a great source of the 3 so-called "branched-chain amino acids" (BCAAs) which play an important role in new muscle synthesis. But what about some of the other amino acids that your body needs to function at its best? That's where collagen comes in. Collagen protein is high in 3 other amino acids (Proline, Hydroxyproline, glycine) that are otherwise lacking in whey (and meat) proteins.
For CrossFit athletes, collagen has several benefits including improved overall health and
wellness, while helping athletes feel their best in the gym. Here’s the top four reasons
you should implement collagen into your daily routine:
1. Reduce Joint Pain
If you’re experiencing joint pain in your squats or shoulders during overhead presses,
collagen can help repair any damage in the cartilage of those joints. As we get older and
the cartilage naturally breaks down due to age and wear and tear, joint pain becomes
more common and can develop into osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that as small of
a dose as 12 grams of collagen daily can help improve joint pain. Collagen also
comprises 90% of organic bone mass, meaning that supplementation can improve
overall bone health and density.
2. Promote Skin Health
Collagen is a main component of skin, giving it strength and elasticity. As we age, collagen is produced less naturally by the body, leading to dry skin and wrinkles. Collagen injections are one of those most popular procedures for reducing aging in the skin, but digesting collagen improves skin from the inside out. Collagen peptide supplementation has been shown to improve skin health by stimulating the body to produce more collagen on its own. Many studies site skin aging reversal as the main benefit of collagen, but many also experience improved acne and skin issues.
3. Build Muscle
Collagen is a major component of muscle tissue. Collagen contains glycine, an amino
acid that plays a role in the synthesis of creatine. As creatine is produced, you may
experience better fueling of your muscles, allowing you to work harder and increase
muscle size, strength and power. When combined with a protein powder, collagen can
better aid in recovery and performance improvement.
4. Repair Digestive Tissues
The connective tissue found in our gut is comprised of the amino acids that make up
collagen. When gut mucosal cells become damaged, they are unable to process and
filter food properly, otherwise known as leaky gut syndrome. As this happens, nutrients
and toxins are allowed to permeate the bloodstream without being filter by the intestinal
barrier. This can lead to a host of digestive issues, including chronic inflammation and
increased food sensitivity reactions. Collagen has been shown to improve gut health by
building up the gut and intestinal wall barrier to close the gaps between damaged cells and improve overall digestion. In addition to leaky gut, collagen has been shown to improve other gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
One of the easiest ways to get more collagen in your diet in through the
supplementation of collagen peptides. At Affiliate Supplements, our Collagen Protein contains just hydrolyzed collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed cattle. It dissolves easy in your coffee, water and even in shakes.
Interested in offering your own privately-labeled Collagen Protein to your members? Learn more about what we do or contact us to learn more.
Functional Nutritionist based in Denver, Colorado. Certified L3 CrossFit Trainer who loves working with athletes on performance and health goals.
