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Many people associate protein's role with post-workout recovery. It helps muscle growth and improves overall condition after physical exertion. However, more and more athletes are replacing standard protein, such as whey or casein, and starting to include collagen in their routine. It's the most abundant protein in the human body, having a positive effect on the strength of joints, bones, skin, cartilage, and connective tissue. But how exactly does collagen take care of athletes' health?
The benefits of taking collagen for active people
Dr. Amy Myers, a functional medicine specialist and author of two bestsellers, shares that she advises her patients to take several dietary supplements daily – a multivitamin, Omega-3, probiotics, vitamin D, and collagen. Active people who take collagen most often report the following benefits of the protein:
Collagen improves athletic performance
Some of the amino acids found in collagen maintain muscle efficiency, and accordingly improve endurance and athletic performance.
Glycine and arginine are essential for producing creatine – which is stored in the muscles and is responsible for energy production. It also increases lean muscle mass and supports recovery both during and after training.
Supports the health of bones and joints
Practicing any kind of sport usually puts significant strain on the joints, and this can lead to inflammation, intense pain, and discomfort, even with the smallest movement.
One of the main benefits of collagen is precisely maintaining healthy joints, ligaments, and tendons. The effect can be noticed with regular intake over an extended period of time.
Encourages muscle mass growth
As we age, the body's natural collagen production decreases, which also makes it harder to keep muscles in top shape. The supplement is an excellent choice for people whose goal is to build lean muscle mass, since besides encouraging growth, it also has a positive effect on recovery after physical activity.
Supports the building of connective tissue
Connective tissue throughout our body needs collagen, since it plays a key role in the recovery of our muscles and tendons after injuries. Collagen supports its growth and is especially important for active people and those who frequently suffer sports injuries.
A great source of amino acids
Active athletes take collagen because it's the ideal protein after a workout. It has a high amino acid profile, which supports the body's protein synthesis before and after training and improves the overall well-being of the muscles and joints.
In addition, as mentioned above, collagen also contains valuable amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. These include:
- Histidine – supports the repair of damaged tissue;
- Isoleucine – regulates energy levels and eases the wound-healing process;
- Leucine – promotes the production of human growth hormone, one of the hormones released during exercise;
- Lysine – supports the building of muscle mass and strengthens bones;
- Methionine – supports the health of hair, skin, and nails;
- Phenylalanine – promotes the production of hormones released during exercise (such as endorphins);
- Threonine – needed for the production of glycine and serine;
- Valine – promotes tissue repair.
What is the best form of collagen?
Numerous studies show that when collagen is hydrolyzed (broken down into smaller particles – peptides), it dissolves significantly faster in food and drinks and is, therefore, more easily absorbed by our bodies.
It's also important to pay attention to whether the peptides we're taking come from pasture-raised, free-range animals. This guarantees the purity of the supplement and the safety of its use. If the animals were not raised in an ecologically clean environment, this can lead to the collagen being «contaminated» with pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and GMOs.
RealFood Hydrolyzed Collagen is a natural product, sourced from pasture-raised calves in the ecologically clean regions of Brazil. With no added colorings, preservatives, or gluten, it contains only pure type 1 and 3 collagen, suitable for daily use. RealFood's peptides take care of the health of your hair, skin, and nails, while also supporting good joint and muscle condition.
When should collagen be taken?
Collagen can be taken at any time of day, regardless of whether someone is an active athlete or not. However, most fitness trainers and nutrition specialists advise athletes to take it within an hour after training, since this is when the body can extract the most benefit from its properties.
Muscle recovery begins immediately after exertion and continues for up to 72 hours. Collagen supports this process, strengthens connective tissue, and maintains joint health, so it's good practice to include the supplement in an active person's routine.
Conclusion
Whether someone exercises actively or doesn't pay much attention to physical activity, collagen has a significant number of beneficial properties for overall health. Adding it to your routine benefits the muscles and joints, stimulates the building of connective tissue, and has an overall revitalizing effect when taken after training. It's one of the supplements that plays a meaningful role for the body when it comes to staying active.
