Three misunderstandings about collagen

First of all, people often say: “Collagen is not the best source of protein for sports nutrition.”

In terms of basic nutrition, collagen is sometimes classified as an incomplete source of protein due to its low content of essential amino acids. However, the biological activity of collagen goes beyond the basic nutritional function of protein, which is to provide essential amino acids to meet daily needs. Due to its unique peptide structure, bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) bind to specific cell surface receptors and stimulate the production of extracellular matrix proteins. Its effect has nothing to do with the essential amino acid profile of collagen or the protein quality score.

Second, consumers are confused about the classification of collagen peptides.

The distribution of collagen in the body is complicated. But no matter where they are, the classification of collagen types (28 types have been identified so far) does not affect the biological activity of collagen peptides as a source of nutrition. For example, according to various pre-clinical tests, type I and type II collagen show almost the same protein sequence (about 85%). When type I and type II collagen are hydrolyzed into peptides, their difference has a significant effect on the collagen peptides. No effect on biological activity or cell stimulation.

Third, bio-collagen peptides cannot be immune to digestion by enzymes in the intestine.

Compared with other proteins, collagen has a unique amino acid chain structure, which facilitates the transportation of biologically active peptides through the intestinal wall. Compared with the alpha helix structure of other proteins, bio-collagen peptides have a longer and narrower structure and are more resistant to intestinal hydrolysis. This feature makes it conducive to good intestinal absorption and stability.

Nowadays, people’s consumption has surpassed basic needs, and more attention is paid to conditional essential amino acids and bioactive food compounds as metabolic regulators, which can bring the best and long-term health benefits to the body and meet specific physiological needs , Such as anti-aging and reducing sports injuries. In consumer perception, collagen has become one of the main sources of functional peptides.