Collagen supplements arrived at the field recently and have stirred up much praise for their benefits. Collagen plays a huge role in the body, and supplementing it can keep the body stronger and healthier.
There is more than one way to supplement collagen in the body — read on for more information about integral collagen, and how it works as a supplement.
What is Integral Collagen?
Integral collagen is one of the ways collagen is created as a supplement. Much like collagen peptides, integral collagen often comes in an easy-to-dissolve powder. Integral collagen is a type of hydrolyzed collagen, which is collagen that is broken down into smaller chains of amino acids.
These smaller chains are easier for the body to dissolve and absorb while taking supplements. Collagen supplements help the body stay healthy, contributing to bone, joint, skin, and hair health.
Integral Collagen Versus Gelatin
Gelatin is formed when cooking bone broth, a more natural way of increasing your collagen consumption. Bone broth is created by simmering animal bones and ligaments for several hours, the water working to dissolve the collagen and minerals in the bones.
Bone broth contains gelatin, which is “cooked” collagen. This type of collagen is much less processed than integral collagen. When consuming gelatin, your body may have a harder time absorbing its nutrients in its current form.
On the other hand, integral collagen is hydrolyzed, increasing your body’s chances to dissolve it.
The main item that gelatin brings to the table over hydrolyzed collagen is a lot of other nutrients. There are vitamins and minerals in gelatin besides collagen that mix into it as the bone broth is simmering.
Similarities to Collagen Peptides
Integral collagen and collagen peptides are very similar. They can be used interchangeably to refer to hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen breaks down the amino acid chains, helping your body dissolve them. They are also both available in powder form or pill form.
Integral Collagen Side Effects
Collagen is a relatively new player on the field. Research is still being done about how exactly a collagen supplement works in the body. Research is still coming out about many facets of this supplement, and the preliminary studies are positive.
Looking at collagen’s effects, it maintains skin health, hair and nail health, and can reduce joint pain.
General Side Effects
There are a few known side effects of taking a collagen supplement.
- Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels, can occur. Collagen, especially marine collagen, contains calcium. This can become an issue if you are taking a calcium supplement at the same time.
- Lingering Taste. While most collagen supplements are unflavored, they can leave an unpleasant, lingering aftertaste.
- Collagen supplements can suppress your appetite. Feeling satiated and overall lower hunger levels is a side effect of integral collagen.
- Food Allergies. Collagen is created from animal products. If you have a related food allergy, make sure to check the ingredients to make sure it is safe for you to take it.
How to Avoid Negative Side Effects
When thinking about starting a collagen supplement, be sure to discuss its potential addition with your healthcare provider. They can inform you about any interactions this supplement may have with other supplements, herbal remedies, prescription medications, or over-the-counter medications. Before trying a collagen supplement, make sure to consult with your doctor to make sure a supplement is right for you.
Once you know this supplement will not interact negatively with anything else you are taking, using the correct dosage will help mitigate any side effects you might have.
Starting the supplement at a lower than normal dosage and gradually increasing it gives your body time to get used to your new routine.
Collagen and Heavy Metals
One concern with collagen, and other bone-based dietary supplements, is heavy metal toxicity. Animal bones contain trace amounts of toxic metals like lead and cadmium, and mercury. After thorough investigation, studies found that the quantities of metals found in the collagen batches were so small that the risk was minimal.
Many companies test every batch of collagen for these toxic metals, ensuring the safety of their product.
Is a Collagen Supplement Right for You?
Collagen supplements come with a lot of benefits. Collagen does amazing things in the body. As the body’s most abundant protein, it is the glue that holds the body together.
Collagen is created naturally by the body. Unfortunately, as we age, the body produces less and less. That, alongside many other lifestyle factors, influences our body’s collagen levels. Joint, skin, and bone problems can worsen as the body’s collagen levels drop.
Taking collagen is not only a solution to lower collagen levels in the body — it can benefit anyone!
Benefits Versus Side Effects
There are not many known short or long-term side effects of taking a collagen supplement. It is a safe and easy addition to your routine, and collagen supplements come with a wide variety of benefits.
Since collagen is so widespread throughout the body, it holds a lot of sway in the body’s overall structural health. Taking a collagen supplement can increase your skin health and clarity, as well as strengthen your hair.
Adding it to Your Daily Routine
Integral collagen often comes in either powder or pill form. For best results, consistency is key. If you are interested in a collagen supplement, try our Multi Collagen Peptide Powder. It is great in coffee and smoothies and easy to add to your daily routine.
Collagen Supplementation and Your Lifestyle
Collagen supplementation is not the only way to maintain healthy collagen levels. The body naturally produces collagen, and a healthy lifestyle can boost the body’s natural production. Staying hydrated and eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and other anti-inflammatory foods help the body maintain its collagen production.
