Amino Complex

Do Collagen Supplements Support Weight Management and Fitness Goals? Collagen has exploded on the wellness scene, and not just as a beauty trend. From supporting healthy skin elasticity to strengthening joints, muscles, and the gut lining, collagen plays a role in many of the body’s essential functions. But as collagen powder and collagen supplements become more popular, a common question keeps coming up: Can collagen support weight management or fitness goals? The short answer: collagen isn’t a fat burner, but it may support weight management in several important ways, especially when paired with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Let’s break down how collagen works in the body and why it’s often included in routines focused on health, movement, and overall wellness. Why collagen matters more than you think Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of total body protein. It’s found in the skin, joints, muscles, bones, connective tissues, and digestive tract. There are many types of collagen, but most collagen supplements contain hydrolyzed collagen peptides powder, which allows the body to absorb and use it more efficiently. Common sources include: • Grass-fed collagen powder (bovine-based)• Marine collagen (fish-based) Both provide amino acids that support tissue repair, mobility, digestion, and structural strength. How collagen may support weight management Supporting fullness and steady energy As a source of protein and amino acids, collagen may help increase satiety, the feeling of fullness after eating. When you feel fuller for longer and blood sugar levels stay more stable, it often becomes easier to: • Reduce unnecessary snacking• Manage portions• Curb sugar cravings Many people incorporate protein-rich collagen powders like Enhanced Collagen Protein Original into smoothies or coffee as a simple way to boost daily protein intake while supporting joints and skin:   Helping maintain muscle and metabolism While collagen isn’t a complete protein on its own, it can still support muscle repair and recovery when paired with resistance training. Maintaining muscle mass is important for metabolism, the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns at rest. Over time, this can play a helpful role in body composition and long-term weight management. Supporting joint comfort for movement Joint discomfort is one of the biggest barriers to staying active. Collagen for joints helps support healthy connective tissue in tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. For people dealing with stiffness, overuse, or osteoarthritis, collagen supplementation may help improve comfort and mobility. Better joint support often means: • More consistent workouts• Easier daily movement• Less exercise avoidance due to pain Which naturally supports an active lifestyle. Promoting gut health Collagen also plays a role in strengthening the lining of the digestive tract. A healthy gut supports: • Efficient digestion• Better nutrient absorption• Balanced bacteria levels When digestion works well, the body is better equipped to regulate hunger, energy, and immune function, all factors that influence overall wellness and weight balance. Taking collagen a step further Some collagen blends include functional ingredients designed to support metabolism and energy. For example, Enhanced Collagen Boost combines hydrolyzed collagen peptides with ingredients like MCT oil to help promote fullness and support active weight management routines. These types of formulas are often used by people looking to support both protein intake and metabolic health in one simple step. Collagen and hydration for active days Staying hydrated is essential for workout performance, recovery, and energy levels. Collagen combined with electrolytes, like Organika’s Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen blends, can help support hydration while delivering collagen’s benefits for joints and connective tissue. This can be especially helpful during workouts, warm weather, or busy days with lots of movement. Collagen vs whey protein Many people wonder whether collagen supplements can replace traditional protein powders like whey. Both have different strengths: Whey protein is a complete protein ideal for muscle building.Collagen supplements support joints, skin, gut health, and connective tissue. For many active individuals, using both together provides a more well-rounded approach to fitness and recovery. How much collagen should you take per day? A common collagen dosage per day falls between: 10–20 grams daily This amount is often used in studies supporting joint health, skin benefits, muscle recovery, and gut support. Always follow product directions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. The bottom line Collagen supplements aren’t a quick fix for weight loss, but they can support key areas that influence fitness and healthy body composition, including: • Fullness and appetite control• Muscle maintenance• Joint mobility• Gut health When combined with movement, balanced nutrition, and consistent habits, collagen powder can be a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle. From collagen for joints and skin to overall structural support, collagen supplements offer benefits that go far beyond the scale.

Are all sports drinks supporting your hydration needs and should you be using them? The terms "sports drinks" and "electrolyte drinks" are often used interchangeably, but there can be some differences in their composition and intended use. Sports Drinks Sports drinks are beverages specifically formulated to replenish fluids, electrolytes, and carbohydrates during or after intense physical activity or prolonged exercise. They are designed to provide hydration, energy, and electrolyte replacement to support athletic performance. Sports drinks typically contain a mix of water, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium), carbohydrates (usually in the form of sugars), and sometimes vitamins. The key thing to note is that there most often is sugars in these drinks, which counteracts them being necessarily “healthy.” This is why many sports drinks are not often recommended by nutritionists, due to added sugar and added calories. Excessive consumption can have negative health effects, especially for individuals who are not engaging in intense physical activity. Electrolyte Drinks Electrolytes, on the other hand, refer to beverages that primarily focus on replenishing electrolytes and maintaining fluid balance. They may or may not contain significant amounts of carbohydrates. Electrolyte drinks can be used in various situations, including rehydration after physical activity, management of dehydration due to illness (such as diarrhea or vomiting), or simply to maintain electrolyte balance in everyday life. Electrolyte drinks typically contain a blend of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and sometimes calcium. They may also include flavours or additional ingredients for taste. What they don’t tell you It's worth noting that the specific composition and effectiveness of sports drinks and electrolyte drinks can vary among brands and products. It's important to read the labels and choose products that align with your specific needs, whether it's supporting athletic performance or replenishing electrolytes in other contexts. Just because a product has one or two ingredients in it which are important after a workout, we must look at the whole product. Look at the amount of sugar and food colouring in sports drinks. Bottom line: Avoid sports drinks because what you really need to replenish are electrolytes – so opt for those! Discussing your needs with a nutritionist is a great start if you are unsure. Your questions about sports drinks vs. electrolytes answered Do you need electrolytes for fitness/athletics? The need for electrolytes for fitness or athletics depends on many factors. However, anyone exercising and sweating even just a little bit needs electrolytes. Most people are already deficient in electrolytes and use only water to hydrate. Organika’s Electrolytes are safe enough for daily hydration no matter the activity level... and they contain 0 g sugar. Are specific electrolytes important? All electrolytes are equally important for maintaining proper electrolyte balance. The primary electrolytes lost through sweat are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Each of these minerals plays a unique role in the body, such as regulating nerve and muscle function, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting energy production. The actual individual electrolytes may depend on the individual’s needs. For example, a long-distance runner or someone participating in hot yoga will need a higher amount of sodium as we lose more sodium by sweating than other electrolytes. When should you consider Electrolytes Extra Strength? The need for Electrolytes Extra Strength depends on the individual needs, activity level, and if they are in a hot or humid environment. Electrolytes Extra Strength would be suitable for those who are going on a hike on a summer day, a long-distance runner, or someone taking a hot yoga class. Every day Electrolytes, are for most people. They are a balanced blend of Electrolytes. These can be great for individuals who are looking to replenish electrolytes and stay hydrated. These may be suitable for those exercising, coming back from an illness or just looking to stay well hydrated. Learn more: The Science of Electrolytes This article has been reviewed and approved by Registered Holistic Nutritionists Stephanie Lannon and Joleen Gruber

There’s Different Types of Collagen? Collagen has become one of the most talked-about nutrients in the health, fitness, and beauty industries. Why? Because collagen is an essential protein. In fact, it is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of total protein mass. Collagen is found in our bones, connective tissues such as joints, ligaments, and cartilage, muscles, hair, skin, nails, and even blood vessels. While collagen is important for many reasons, its primary role is providing strength and structure. Think of collagen as the glue that holds your body together. Collagen peptides help give skin its elasticity, shape, and joint structure. This helps explain why there are many different types of collagen, with over 16 identified so far. When it comes to collagen supplements, the most commonly discussed types are Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 collagen. Collagen supplements are available in several forms, including hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides powder, collagen powder, collagen capsules, or liquid form), gelatin, and undenatured collagen. Among these, hydrolyzed collagen peptides are generally the easiest for the body to absorb and use. Type 1 Collagen Where is it found? Type 1 collagen is found in hair, skin, and nails and is the most abundant type of collagen in the body, making up around 90%. It is also present in bones, where it accounts for roughly 40% of the bone matrix, as well as in ligaments. Sources of Type 1 collagen include marine collagen and bovine collagen. What does it do? Type 1 collagen plays a major role in skin elasticity, strength, and anti-aging support. It contributes to the firmness and structure of the skin and may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and loss of elasticity, including cellulite. Products with Type 1 Collagen Peptides All our Enhanced Collagen products contain Type 1 and 3 collagen, sourced from grass-fed bovine with no hormones or antibioticsMarine Collagen Powder made from fish scales containing only Type 1 collagenLiquid Marine Collagen with Biotin and Vitamin C is marine collagen in liquid form with beauty-boosting ingredientsSalmon Collagen Capsules derived from the skin of wild salmon, rich in Type 1 collagen onlyEffervess tablets made with marine collagen and vitamin CBeef Bone Broth rich in Types 1 & 3 collagen Type 2 Collagen Where is it found? Type 2 collagen is found in connective tissues such as joints, ligaments, and cartilage. Chicken is known to be particularly high in Type 2 collagen. What does it do? Type 2 collagen helps maintain the structure of cartilage and bones. As collagen naturally declines with age and environmental factors like UV exposure or smoking, connective tissues can weaken, which may contribute to joint discomfort and osteoarthritis. Products with Type 2 Collagen Peptides Biocell Collagen derived from chicken cartilage (sternum) rich in Type 2 collagen, with added hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate for joint supportChicken Bone Broth containing Type 2 collagen and essential glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that support connective tissue Type 3 Collagen Where is it found? Type 3 collagen is another abundant form found alongside Type 1 collagen fibers. It appears in reticular fibers throughout the body, including bones, muscles, organs, blood vessels, tendons, and connective tissues. What does it do? Type 3 collagen supports skin elasticity, circulation, healthy bone matrix, nail strength, and hair thickness. Together with Type 1 collagen, it plays a major role in skin structure and anti-aging benefits.  Products with Type 3 Collagen Peptides Enhanced Collagen is the #1 selling Collagen Powder in Canada and is made with grass-fed bovine collagen, antibiotic and hormone free, offering both Type 1 and 3 hydrolyzed collagen peptides. Try any of our products with Enhanced Collagen Beef Bone Broth is also an excellent source of Type 3 collagen and contains essential minerals, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and glucosamine. What Types of Collagen Do You Need? Now that you understand the different types of collagen, you may be wondering which collagen supplement is right for you. Start by choosing hydrolyzed collagen peptides for optimal absorption. Select your collagen based on your health goals: a) For beauty, bone, and joint health, Types 1 and 3 are ideal.b) For joint and ligament support, Type 2 collagen from bone broth or cartilage-based sources may be helpful. Choose the format that fits your lifestyle, whether powder, capsules, or liquid. If you would like to supplement with all three types of collagen, that is perfectly acceptable. Collagen also provides 17 additional beneficial amino acids. Have more questions? Talk to our experts about product recommendations.