Put some pep(tan) in your step with the global standard in hydrolysed collagen

While muscles need protein for optimal recovery, neglecting to support our connective tissues with the right type and amount of collagen can lead to weakness and injury.

The risk is especially high among highly active individuals who engage in high-impact and intense or high-volume and repetitive activities.

Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, and ligaments, which connect bones to other bones to provide joint stability, are primarily made of these tough and durable collagen fibres.

This robust form of tissue can withstand significant force and tension. However, without adequate recovery and continued damage from overloading or chronic repetitive strain, these structures can weaken and degrade over time.

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Collagen to the rescue

One way to support connective tissue health entails increasing your collagen intake to provide the structural elements needed to repair damaged fibres and generate new tissue.

Collagen also contains the amino acids proline and glycine, which are natural anti-inflammatories and powerful immune system boosters.

However, it can be difficult to get sufficient collagen from our diet because the main sources are animal bones, tendons and connective tissues, which few people cook with or eat.

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Supplement support

Powdered supplements offer an ideal solution to meet your collagen intake. Hydrolysed collagen is one of the more effective products because the collagen molecules have already been broken down into smaller peptides for easier absorption by the body.

The highly bioavailable amino acid peptides are easily transported in the blood and absorbed to produce new, healthy tendons (and bone and skin tissue).

With an adequate supplemental supply, hydrolysed collagen also accumulates in cartilage, stimulating natural production by cartilage cells called chondrocytes. This is beneficial because natural collagen production declines with age.

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Setting the global standard

There are numerous brands and types of hydrolysed collagen on the market, with Peptan® widely considered a leading form of collagen peptides.

This premium collagen peptide brand sets the global standard for quality, versatility, and performance, boasting a purity level exceeding 97% protein (on a dry weight basis), which minimises impurities. It also has a neutral taste and odour, and instant solubility.

Peptan® collagen is responsibly sourced from bovine, porcine and fish origins and underpinned by robust research.

In one study¹, participants experienced 28% less muscle soreness at all time points after intense exercise and saw a 13% improvement in muscle recovery. Another study² demonstrated Peptan®’s ability to support bone formation.

Based on its superior qualities, Biogen includes these collagen peptides in premium products in its Platinum range. For instance, Biogen Peptan® Collagen Powder contains 10g Peptan® per serving.

Apart from the other 18 amino acids, the glycine and proline concentration is 10-20 times higher than in other proteins. This very specific composition of amino acids provides Peptan® with nutri-functional properties that you cannot find in other protein sources.

Overall, Peptan® offers a well-researched, high-quality hydrolysed collagen option with potential benefits for skin, joints, and possibly muscles.

It is important to remember that the effectiveness of collagen supplements in general can vary depending on factors like age, individual needs, and lifestyle. It is always beneficial to consult a healthcare professional for individualised advice.

For more information about Peptan, visit the website.

References

1. Robberechts, R., et al. Partly Substituting Whey for Collagen Peptide Supplementation Improves Neither Indices of Muscle Damage Nor Recovery of Functional Capacity During Eccentric Exercise Training in Fit Males. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2023-0070.
2. Clifford, T., et al. The effects of collagen peptides on muscle damage, inflammation
   and bone turnover following exercise: a randomized, controlled trial. Amino Acids. 2019.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-019-02706-5.

Author: Pedro van Gaalen

When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.