Collagen or Protein Powder?

Have you ever wondered whether collagen peptides and protein powders are interchangeable?

Whilst they both contain amino acids, they work quite differently in your body. So really, which one is right for you depends both on your goals, your digestion and your preference.

For many people, traditional whey protein and plant-based protein powders produce uncomfortable digestive issues. For example, a whey protein often won't sit well if you are lactose intolerant, and even certain plant-based protein powders may not sit well if you have other food intolerances such as irritable bowel.

Taste and texture may well also influence your decision. As a Nutritionist, I've tried many and have yet to find one that hasn't ended up in the bin a week later.

Preferences aside, collagen is the most abundant protein in your body so from a total support perspective it is a far better choice. Collagen Straight Up has also been deliberately formulated as a flavourless product so that you can add it to your existing supplement stack or daily routine (like your morning tea or coffee) without having to specially make up an extra meal.

Collagen can also promote muscle protein synthesis, and importantly it promotes protein synthesis within the extracellular matrix, which standard protein powders do not. This vital structure within every muscle provides the structure but also muscular strength.

Collagen also really comes into it's own from a joint protection and joint care perspective. It is highly anti-inflammatory due to its high glycine content. It has also been shown to help maintain bone density. Further benefits above and beyond that of protein powder include its ability to help your body regenerate connective tissues which are important in injury prevention. As much as 30% of your muscle power comes from your connective tissue.

So if you're strictly looking for significant muscle gains, then by all means consider a protein powder. However, you'll get better returns if you add collagen. And overall, a hydrolysed collagen supplement will support those muscle gains as well as total body health.