Frequently asked questions about collagen

Frequently Asked Questions about Collagen

Collagen is generally described as the “glue that keeps the body together”.

Collagen is tissue fibres with high tensile strength due to their unique triple helix structure and the cross-linking between the fibrils.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Collagen is a specialised protein, 25-30% of the protein in the body consists of collagen.

Collagen has many functions in the body but could be described as giving structure to the tissue in the body, keeping the body intact and functional.

75% of the skin consists of collagen. Collagen keeps the skin, firm, elastic, hydrated and smooth.

90% of organic bone consists of collagen. Collagen acts as the structure of the bone for minerals to bind upon. Collagen gives the bone strength and flexibility.

85% of Tendons consist of collage. Collagen gives connective tissue its strength and elasticity.

70% of Cartilage, (Type I Fibro-cartilage and Type II elastic and hyaline cartilage). Mostly elastic and hyaline collagen for healthy cartilage.

70% of Ligaments – Connective Tissue consists of collagen for strength and flexibility.

Collagen is derived from animal tissue. all animals have collagen to keep their body structure and form.

Commercial collage is primarily sourced from cowhide and is called “bovine-derived collagen”.

The second most common source of commercially sold collagen is fish, also known as “marine collagen” but contrary to the term “marine” which implies sea fish, most fish collagens are derived from freshwater fish like tilapia, using the skin or in some cases the scales or both.

The third source is derived from pigs called “porcine-derived collagen”. Porcine collagen is only sold in certain countries; not many health and fitness collagen supplements contain porcine.

Another source of commercial collagen is derived from chicken cartilage. This is mainly collagen Type II and is predominantly used in small quantities as denatured Type II Collage sold in the joint health market.

All of these collagens are sourced as native intact collagen and have to be hydrolysed and enzymatically pre-digested before they could be used as edible collagen for humans.

Hydrolysed collagen is called “collagen peptides” and is only bioavailable in this form.

 

Collagen consists of amino acids bound together to form a triple helix of elongated fibril known as a collagen helix. The collagen fibres are made of coiled, stacked ropes of protein. The structure is a triple helix, of protein strands bundled into microfibrils that are packed and connected together in strong, long collagen fibres.

Collagen peptides are small collagen molecules created through hydrolysis. The hydrolysed collagen strands are then further digested by using an enzymatic process resulting in collagen peptides.

The peptides are amino acid structures bonded in a specific sequence and are the building block of collagen fibrils.

Mono-, di- and tripeptides are formed by the process. The tripeptides and dipeptides are the most significant.

 

Hydrolysis occurs when the native collagen is treated with water and heat to denature the collagen into individual collagen strands. These stands are not bioavailable and have to be broken down into smaller pieces to be bioavailable.

A specific enzyme is used to target specific amino acid bonds. The enzyme cleaves the bond to form the smaller peptide particles.

Bioavailability refers to the intrinsic properties of a substance essential to pass through the gastrointestinal tract and be delivered intact to the target tissue site.

General Health:
  • Stimulation of hyaluronic acid (GAG) synthesis
  • Stimulates endogenous production of collagen
  • Decreases collagen fragmentation SKIN Health
  • Source of Protein
Skin Health:
  • Improve skin moisture level
  • Improves smoothness of the skin
  • Reducing the number of micro furrows
  • Prevent the formation of deep-wrinkles
Bone Health:
  • Increase bone density
  • Improve bone flexibility
  • Reduces risk of fractures
Joint Health:
  • Decreases Joint pain
  • Improve joint flexibility
  • Improves mobility
Muscle Health:
  • Muscle Recovery
  • Tendon integrity
  • Ligament strength
Recovery and prevention
  • Injury recovery
  • Surgery recovery
  • Injury prevention

 

 Your Skin

The most noticeable will be the loss of the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Fine lines and wrinkles will start to appear due to contributing factors such as exposure to UV, pollution, and lifestyle choices.

Collagen provides the structure in the skin, elastin binds to the collagen to give your skin natural elasticity, it creates the environment for hyaluronic acid to bind to the collagen fibres and provides the skin with moisture.

By losing collagen the skin losses structure, firmness, elasticity and moisture.

                Your Bones

Less noticeable signs will be the loss of bone density and the natural flexibility of the bones. Most of the time you will incur a fracture before you are aware of the problem.

Collagen is the structure of all the bone in your body. It provides a flexible framework for organic minerals like Calcium to bind to. The combination of collagen and minerals ensure strong, dense and flexible bones to reduce the chances of fractures.

By losing collagen the bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

                Your Joints

The demands of day to day life causes wear and tear on joints cartilage. This impairs the joints and causes restricted mobility and inhibit normal movement.

Damage to the cartilage and joints causes pain and discomfort. You become less active and lose even more muscle and connective tissue.

                Your Muscle and Connective Tissue

Your muscles and connective tissue (ligaments and tendons) makes up the unit that keeps all your bones in place, it provides movement, stability and balance.

85% of tendons and 70% of ligaments consists of collagen.

The loss of collagen has a dramatic impact on body posture, overall muscle strength, mobility and balance. This will increase the risk of injury, fractures and pain due to poor posture and balance and mobility.

Yes! Most definitely!

Collagen is as important for men as it is for women.

Men have the same collagen life cycle as women.

Yes, collagen is 97% protein and has 0% Sugars and Carbohydrates and 0% Fat.

Collagen does not contain any glycaemic sugars or any fat.

Yes, the product is 97% protein and has 0% Sugars and Carbohydrates.

It is never too late to start using collagen powder.

Your body will always be able to use collagen peptides to repair and replenish your body.

We have customers in their 90s still using the SONTAL Collagen daily.

In simple terms, collagen peptides consist of proteins familiar to the body. Your body produces the same collagen endogenously.

It is not necessary to take collagen earlier than the age of 25, until then your body produces its own collagen, and your collagen stores should be normal.

Collagen peptides are not a medicine but rather a functional food.

You may use collagen peptides from a younger age under special circumstances, you might be an athlete who wants to reduce the risk of injury or you might be recovering from an injury or surgery.

You can also ask your doctor or healthcare professional for advice if you feel you may benefit from collagen peptide supplementation.

Results will start soon after but you might only notice visible results between 8 and 12 weeks.

 Keep in mind;

  1. Collagen peptides are not medicine.
  2. Collagen powder consists of unique amino-acid structures called peptides. It is a protein, recognised by the body to be unique and the same as the endogenous collagen produced by your own body.
  3. Your body will use the collagen peptides as needed and determined by your body’s metabolic pathways. It can’t be forced.
  4. Your results will be unique to your body but will surely benefit you in many ways.
  5. Your health, diet, age, gender and medication will also play a determining role.

Studies show Peptan peptide absorption within 24 h.

Results will start soon after but you might only notice visible results between 8 and 12 weeks.

You might experience the results you expected but you will also receive all the benefits of taking collagen powder supplementation.

We would love to hear about your experience. Send a testimonial to info@sontal.co.za

SONTAL PURE Collagen Powder:

Add one (1) level scoop of 10 g of SONTAL PURE Collagen powder to 250 ml of water and stir until fully dissolved. Although most premium collagen powders are nearly tasteless and odourless, the subliminal gelatin-like taste and smell might not be for everyone.

Pure collagen powder is extremely versatile:

Most people add the PURE collagen powder to their coffee or other hot or cold beverage like hot chocolate, smoothies, protein shakes, diet shakes, ketone diet meals, milkshakes, cereals, porridge, pancakes, flapjacks, scones, muffins or other food you may prefer.

Sontal Peptan collagen powder is heat stable and can be added to your cooking before or after preparation.

You can also use the PURE collagen powder to increase the dosage of your other flavoured collagen supplements.

SONTAL Flavoured Collagen: Berry & Cherry

You only have to mix your flavoured collagen with water and drink it or chill it in the fridge or by adding ice.

You can also experiment by adding mint or other aromatic herbs to the cold drink, it is a very refreshing way to take the flavoured collagen powder.

You can also add the flavoured collagen powder to any shake, smoothie or food to increase the protein content and by the same means increase your collagen intake. Add to either vanilla or berry-flavoured shake to complement the flavour. You can experiment with different options.

For best results

  • Use the collagen peptide powder consistently every day.
  • Use between 5 g – 10 g per day depending on your need. (See dosage recommendations).
  • Studies have shown that measurable results can occur after 24 hours with a 10 g daily dosage.
  • Noticeable results after +/- 12 weeks of consistent usage.

Collagen peptides are proteins and form part of your protein macronutrient intake.

You can start with a sensible collagen supplementation program.

Sensible means that you should;

  1. Investigate the brand you want to use.
  2. Not all collagens are created equal.
    1. Use a credible collagen peptide brand.
    2. It must be “hydrolysed collagen” also referred to as “collagen peptides”.
    3. It should have proven bio-availability of at least 90%.
    4. Use well-researched collagen.
    5. Use a brand with many years of research and peer-review studies.
    6. Use “collagen peptides” with proven;
      1. Quality,
      2. Safety,
      3. Efficacy,
      4. Purity
      5. Use a brand with vast and credible knowledge pertaining to collagen, collagen peptides, collagen science, collagen production, collagen benefits and efficacy etc.

Peptan is the globally leading collagen peptide brand* under Rousselot’s Health and Nutrition segment. Peptan is a bioactive collagen peptide that has been specifically developed to deliver multiple health benefits and functional properties. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated Peptan’s ability to promote healthy living.

How should I use the collagen powder?