Collagen is a type of protein - our most abundant - that is found in bone, muscles, skin and tendons. It is our natural scaffolding - it holds the body together. We make our own collagen, but over time with habits like a high-sugar diet, smoking, excess sun exposure, and the natural act of aging, our collagen depletes faster than we can replenish it. This leads to wrinkles and prematurely aged skin, weak joints and bones and a decreased ability to heal and recover. There are ways to increase our collagen by increasing our intake from food and supplementary sources. Organika’s Bovine Gelatin Powder is a very convenient one!

In the past, we ate many sources of collagen in our diet naturally. We ate animal skins, we simmered our soups and stews with animal bones and joints, we ate gristly pieces of meat. We had collagen naturally in our day to day meals. In our current society, the vast majority of the time we are only eating the muscle meat, which has lots of good benefits but is not a great source of these collagen connective proteins. We are missing these natural dietary sources of collagen.

Collagen and its many forms can be a bit confusing. Here is a primer on the differences. Collagen is the name of the protein itself, found in all animals (including us) to give our bodies structure. When collagen from animal parts are cooked, this is what is referred to a gelatin. Gelatin is easier to digest and more palatable - we would have to gnaw on raw tendons and bones otherwise! When gelatin is added to hot liquids or sauces, it goes ‘gelatinous’ when it cools. That’s how it makes jello jiggly. Bone broth, when we’re making these animal parts in a long-simmered stock, is a fantastic source of gelatin. Gelatin is the stuff that congeals at the top when your broth cools. Hydrolyzed collagen powders, like our Enhanced Collagen products, are a form of collagen proteins that are slightly more processed than gelatin. They can be easier for some to digest, and also dissolve in any temperature of water. They don’t make things all gelatinous like gelatin - they stay fluid. Organika’s Bone Broth Powders, Bovine Gelatin Powder and Enhanced Collagen Powders all contain collagen proteins. They have different uses and flavour profiles, giving you a vast array of ways to increase your collagen intake. 

MEDICINAL INGREDIENT — EACH HEAPING TABLESPOON CONTAINS:

• Gelatin (Bovine Hide) 10 g

Providing the following:

• Alanine 8% (800 mg)
• Arginine 8% (800 mg)
• Aspartic Acid 4.5% (450 mg)
• Glutamic Acid 10% (1,000 mg)
• Glycine 21% (2,100 mg)
• Histidine 0.7% (70 mg)
• Hydroxylysine 0.8% (80 mg)
• Hydroxyproline 12% (1,200 mg)
• Isoleucine 1.5% (150 mg)
• Leucine 3% (300 mg)
• Lysine 3.5% (350 mg)
• Methionine 0.6% (60 mg)
• Phenylalanine 2.2% (220 mg)
• Proline 13.5% (1,350 mg)
• Serine 3.2% (320 mg)
• Threonine 2% (200 mg)
• Tyrosine 0.2% (20 mg)
• Valine 2.2% (220 mg)

RECOMMENDED DOSE — (ORAL) ADULTS ONLY:

Mix 10 g (~1 heaping tablespoon) in cold water or beverage and consume immediately. Take once per day. 

CAUTIONS:

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; have liver or kidney disease; have been instructed to follow a low protein diet; or if you are sensitive to gelatin or other allergens. May cause gastrointestinal disturbances.

Q: What’s the difference between gelatin powder and collagen powder?
A: Organika’s Bovine Gelatin Powder and Enhanced Collagen Powder have the same amino-acid profile but differ slightly in form. Enhanced Collagen goes through full hydrolysis compared to the Gelatin which goes through partial hydrolysis. Hydrolysis is when a water molecule helps to break apart a larger molecule into smaller ones; in this case breaking proteins down into smaller proteins or amino acids. 

Enhanced Collagen is broken down to its smallest components (amino acids), whereas Bovine Gelatin Powder still contains proteins in protein form. As such, gelatin only dissolves in hot water, and then ‘gels’ with cooling. Hydrolyzation allows the Enhanced Collagen to dissolve fully in hot or cold water, and does not gel or congeal. Hydrolyzation also increases digestibility and absorption, especially when digestive function or the gut lining is impaired.

Q: When should I choose gelatin over hydrolyzed collagen or bone broth powder?
A: Gelatin is a great collagen source when you want things to thicken, like with soups, sauces and homemade jello or gummies. When hydrolyzed collagen dissolves into water, it does not have the thickening properties of gelatin - it stays liquid. So it’s great for smoothies, juices, coffee - items that you don’t really want thick. Bone broth powder is dehydrated bone broth, so still has some of the soupy beef or chicken flavour to it. This is great for adding to soups and stews, or hot water to create a cup of broth (excellent with a little extra salt or herbs).

Q: What can I do to keep my own collagen from breaking down so quickly?
A: A healthy diet with few refined sugars and chemicals, plus not smoking and being sun savvy are all important. Adding some specific foods to our diet that help collagen production can also help. This list includes cabbage, broccoli, peppers, oranges, berries, cherries, and other plants high in phytonutrients. Organika’s Plant Based Collagen Booster also helps support the body’s own collagen production. An excellent option for vegan and vegetarians looking to benefit from more collagen in their body.

Q: Do I need to keep gelatin powder refrigerated?
A: Gelatin in dry powder form has an indefinite shelf life when stored in dry, well-ventilated environment. Gelatin contains hydrophilic and hygroscopic properties (it can seek water and absorb it), therefore it needs to stay dry or will clump. Prolonged heat and moisture will degrade gelatin if stored improperly.

Q: I am a baker. Can you let me know what the bloom number is of your gelatin?
A: Organika’s Bovine Gelatin Powder is 220 bloom (medium). Happy baking!