How Do Collagen Supplements Work?

With so many collagen supplements available these days it can be hard to know what to look for and most importantly what works the best for you. Additionally, you may be wondering, "What even happens once I take this supplement?" To answer this question, let's take a look at how a collagen powder or supplement works within the body! 

You may already know that collagen naturally occurs within your body but did you know it's also found in animals? Which is where these collagen supplements are sourced from! For example, "porcine collagen" is sourced from pigs, collagen sourced from cows is called  "bovine collagen" and "marine collagen" is sourced from fish! Regardless of which animal the collagen protein came from, it is processed into a flavorless powder. 

So, you've just started your day with a healthy smoothie or maybe a cup of coffee and you're looking to give it an added beauty boost! But once your beverage is down the hatch, what happens next? Well, your collagen supplement will begin to be broken down through the digestive system starting with your stomach acid and enzymes. This is where the collagen will be broken down into smaller protein particles called peptides!

Moving on to the small intestine! This is where your peptide particles (with the assistance of additional enzymes released by the pancreas) will be broken down further into individual amino acids which are then absorbed by the intestinal lining and enter your blood stream.

So, what are amino acids really?

Well, amino acids are molecules used by all living things to make proteins. In particular, the main amino acids that make collagen in the body are glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Now don't get scared off by all the technical mumbo jumbo! Basically, you're providing your body with necessary amino acids just as you would with a healthy diet so that it has the tools it needs to produce collagen among many other beneficial proteins.

How Can I Get the Most Out of My Collagen Supplement?

At this point, you may be wondering if you can just throw a scoop of collagen powder into your diet to experience a world of health and beauty benefits. Unfortunately, it's not that simple! 

Like with any other health or beauty supplement, it's important to remember that it's just that...a supplement! It's intent is to support and provide additional benefits along your wellness journey. If you're over indulging in sugary processed foods, smoking, staying up late and skipping on sunscreen, you'll definitely be fighting a steep uphill battle. 

So! Here are some quick tips to get the most out of your collagen powder!

1. Consider adding foods rich in vitamin C or taking the vitamin directly as it may enhance collagen absorption due to its role in collagen synthesis

2. Manage that stomach acid! Having enough stomach acid is crucial for the initial breakdown of collagen otherwise it could disrupt collagen digestion and absorption. Avoid using antacids excessively and maintain a healthy diet to make sure you don't trip yourself up at the start of the race! 

3. Consume collagen-rich foods to provide a variety of amino acids. Think, salmon, bone broth, and beef. Or, if you're a vegetarian, reach for things like papaya, almonds, mushrooms and pumpkin seeds! 

4. Remember when we mentioned enzymes helping to break down those proteins? Include foods that support the digestion of your collagen supplement, such as fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, probiotics, or a digestive enzyme!

So! Now that you have a better idea of how collagen is absorbed by the body let's talk a little bit about Teami's Beauty Butterfly Collagen! Our collagen powder is premium-select grade collagen, sourced exclusively from the scales of sustainable, wild-caught codfish. Marine Collagen is amazing on its own for overall beauty support, but we wanted to go a step further. We blended two complementary antioxidant ingredients with our wild-caught marine collagen to make our powerful beauty collagen formula!