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Now that you know you need collagen, get the details about how much you need daily for maximum benefits. Collagen, often hailed as the elixir for youthful skin, has gained extensive popularity in the health and wellness world. If you’ve ever wanted to improve your skin, hair, bones, cartilage, you’ve likely come across collagen as a liquid or powder supplement. Many individuals are eager to incorporate collagen into their daily routines, but a common question prevails: "How much collagen should I take daily?"   Let’s explore the optimal daily intake of collagen and how often you should be taking collagen supplementation to notice its effectiveness and potential benefits to your health.   How Much Collagen Should I Take Per Day?  When it comes to how much you should consume, studies suggest that a daily collagen intake of 2.5 to 15 grams is both safe and effective in promoting skin elasticity, hydration, and overall joint health (Choi et al., 2019). While eating high-collagen foods are great for health, supplementation helps meet your needs with ease.  Is There a Minimum or Maximum Number of Collagen To Show Benefits?   It’s important to recognize that the recommended daily intake of collagen is dependent on an individual’s specific needs and varies from person to person. Again, while there is no established Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for collagen, research indicates that 2.5 to 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen per day may contribute to overall health and well-being, depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and specific health goals. There is currently no documented maximum intake of collagen.  In addition to supplementation, making positive lifestyle changes can significantly impact your body’s natural collagen production. Smoking, neglecting sun protection or not getting enough sleep will work against your body’s ability to make collagen.   Consistency is Key with Collagen  Collagen turnover is a slow process. As such, no matter your goal for using collagen, it will take at least 8 weeks to experience noticeable results (Choi et al, 2019). Most studies use a minimum of 8 weeks to assess collagen’s effects on skin health and joint pain relief, but other studies use longer periods, even up to 12 months, to see an effect for bone health (König et al, 2018).   When it comes to achieving health goals, consistency is key - and that’s no different with taking collagen. Since collagen is a structural protein that forms the building blocks of our skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues, taking it daily can contribute to maintaining these structures and supporting their optimal function over time. For more in depth details on the benefits of taking collagen daily, check out this blog: What is Collagen? Health Benefits & More.  The Bottom Line  The optimal daily intake of collagen varies from person to person, but a range of 2.5 to 15 grams per day is considered effective for many people. While there is no established RDA, having a consistent daily intake of collagen will be most helpful to see tangible results. Whether you're aiming to enhance skin radiance, support joint health, or strengthen hair and nails, incorporating collagen into your daily routine could be a key factor in achieving your wellness goals.   FInd your perfect collagen match with this 2 minute quiz.    References  Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Jan 1;18(1):9-16. PMID: 30681787.  König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018 Jan 16;10(1):97. doi: 10.3390/nu10010097. PMID: 29337906; PMCID: PMC5793325.   

Collagen 101: What is Collagen Protein?   You’ve probably heard all the buzz surrounding collagen, yet may still be asking yourself: what IS collagen really? You’re not alone, and we’re here to make it easy for you to understand.   Collagen is the most plentiful form of protein in your body, and acts like the “glue” that holds it all together. That’s right, our bodies naturally produce collagen. Collagen contributes to elasticity, strength, and tone throughout the body.   Unfortunately, as we age, our collagen production starts to decline. Collagen production declines even faster due to excess sun exposure, smoking, excess alcohol, and lack of sleep and exercise. But fear not, that’s where collagen supplementation comes to play.   What are the benefits of collagen?  Collagen Protein has many benefits, ranging from supporting your hair, skin and nails, to gut health and bone and joint support.   Hair, Skin and Nail Health:  Collagen helps increase the elasticity and moisture of your skin, while also reducing UVB damage and signs of photoaging. You can forgive yourself for many years of not wearing sunscreen outside.  Bone and Joint Health:  Collagen helps maintain healthy cartilage in the joints, improving function and reducing symptoms of joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.   Gut Health:   Collagen provides your body with the amino acid, L-Glutamine, which is essential in supporting your gut lining.   Collagen Protein vs. Protein Powder: Is there a difference?  Although Collagen Protein and Protein Powder are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different. The main difference involves their amino acid breakdown.   Let’s go back to science class, shall we?   Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are required for many critical roles in your body, such as building proteins, hormone function, and neurotransmitters. Amino acids are categorized between essential and non-essential amino acids. This is where collagen gets involved.  There's a total of 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential. This means, our bodies cannot produce them on our own and need to be consumed through either diet or supplementation. Some easy ways to consume these 9 essential amino acids through diet include meat, eggs, poultry, edamame, or tofu.   What about collagen?  Collagen protein only contains 8 out of the 9 essential amino acids, considering it to be an “incomplete protein”. Protein Powders are typically formulated with all 9 essential amino acids, considering them to be a “complete protein”.   While our Enhanced Collagen Original only has 8 of the 9 essential amino acids, our Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein has all 9 essential amino acids, which is a “complete protein”.   Whether you choose to consume Enhanced Collagen Original or Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein depends on what your goals are. You will still reap the benefits collagen has to offer, but Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein is particularly beneficial if you are focused on your protein consumption, or the growth of lean muscle mass.   Is collagen right for you?   Whatever your goals are, we have collagen that’s right for you. It’s simple, just choose the one that fits your lifestyle.  If you’re looking to start off with the basics, try our award-winning, Enhanced Collagen Original (psssst, it’s Canada’s #1 selling Collagen Powder).   OR  Are you looking to combine your collagen with other supplements?   Choose from a variety of our multi-benefit blends like Enhanced Collagen Pure Beauty, Enhanced Collagen Bone and Joint, or Metaboost Fat Metabolizing Complex Powder.   Are you pescatarian or vegetarian? We have options for you too.   Do you want to have ALL sources of collagen in one? We have you covered.   Do you want to make taking collagen fun? Choose from a variety of our flavoured options, from lemon to chocolate.   The bottom line – collagen supplementation is particularly beneficial as you age, to support your hair, skin, nails, bones, joints, and gut health. Whatever your goals are, we have a collagen for you.   References  https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/#:~:text=Collagen%20is%20the%20most%20abundant,muscles%2C%20tendons%2C%20and%20cartilage.   https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/essential-amino-acids 

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.