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Collagen has become increasingly popular in the world of nutrition and health. It is mainly touted for its cosmetic benefits, but collagen is not just for cosmetic purposes… it is essential to the human body’s structure and function. So if you’ve been wondering, what is the best time to take collagen to get the most out of it? Do you even need to consume collagen protein? Let’s start by diving into some context:
There are 28 (known) types of collagen in the body that play important roles in structure and function. Let’s take a look at where to find the top five most common types in the body:
*Type I is by far the most common form, making up 90% of all collagen in the body.
Collagens are a family of three-stranded proteins that are essential to the structure and integrity of multiple organs, blood vessels/veins, and hair/nails. Collagen molecules are a combination of one or more of three amino acids: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. The different types of collagen are different sequences and combinations of these amino acids with various other types of amino acids found in the body.
Collagen proteins are a vital part of your body composition due to their long, stable chains of amino acids and woven strands. This durable structure makes it tensile and strong: ideal for providing structure and shape to various body tissues. This structure also supports mechanical properties and functions such as skin elasticity, organ protection, and resistance in the joints. So, where can we get collagen in our diet and is there a best time to take collagen to maximize its impact?
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Did you know that collagen protein is only produced in animals (including humans)? Since collagen proteins are exclusive to animals and such a large part of animal body composition, many believe that the only (or even the ‘best’) way to increase the amount of collagen in your body is to consume collagen-rich animal products: beef, poultry, eggs, dairy, seafood.
I have good news for my fellow plant-based friends! You do not need to eat collagen in order to increase the amount of collagen in your body. All you need to do is focus on consuming a balanced plant-based diet!
To understand this, it’s important to know how collagen is digested and used by the body when eaten or taken as a supplement. Proteins, including collagen, are too large to be absorbed by the body as they are. Proteins must be digested using enzymes to break the bonds and separate the amino acids to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body as needed. A healthy gut that is functioning properly can digest and absorb these proteins effectively, making mealtimes some of the best time to take collagen.
The body has efficient pathways in place for producing its own collagen from available amino acids. Collagen can be produced intracellularly (within the cell) or extracellularly (outside the cell) and the creation process is dependent on enzymes and micronutrients like copper, manganese, vitamin C, and zinc. By supplying the body with amino acids and these nutrients, you can give it the necessary pieces to create collagen.
While it is important to focus on consuming the main three amino acids in collagen (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline), they are non-essential amino acids meaning the body is able to form them out of other amino acids. In this case, there are four more amino acids to consider as ‘sources’ of the main three: glycine can be synthesized from threonine, serine, and choline, and proline/hydroxyproline from glutamate.
The best way to increase your collagen is to focus on foods rich in these amino acids and nutrients so that your body has the necessary supplies to create its own collagen. While consuming collagen protein (animal products) may be one way to supply your body with these amino acids, there are more than enough plant-foods full of the same amino acids – just not in the form of collagen. Plant-foods are also more nutrient-rich, containing the vitamins and minerals necessary for this process in addition to amino acids.
Beans and Legumes: Chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, soybeans, tofu
Fruits: Blueberries, guava, kiwi, mangos, melon, oranges, pineapples, pomegranate
Grains: Fortified cereals, oats, rice, whole wheat
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, flaxseeds, peanuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts
Vegetables: Asparagus, avocado, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, corn, mushrooms, peas, red potatoes, seaweed, spinach, tomatoes, watercress
Other: Black pepper, cocoa, coffee
Collagen supplements are a quick and easy way to consume the amino acids necessary to support the body’s own collagen production. It is, however, important to note that since collagen can only be made by animals, all supplements containing actual collagen molecules come from animal sources (typically bones, connective tissues, shells from marine life) and are not suitable for a vegan lifestyle.
Yes, there are “plant-based collagen” supplements, but be aware, these do not contain collagen. Vegan or vegetarian (non-fish/non-animal-based) supplements instead apply the same principles discussed above by supplying you with amino acids and micronutrients that promote collagen synthesis extracted from plant-based sources.
It is important to remember that a plant-based diet is missing a few other key nutrients that are more commonly found in animal products like vitamin B12. Many plant-based eaters elect to take supplements to ensure they are getting adequate amounts of these vital nutrients. Ultimately, taking supplements is the choice of the consumer, and can be incorporated into a plant-based diet.
There is mixed research and scientific data available about what time of day is best to take collagen, but there are a few things to consider based on known principles of nutrition and digestion:
There is another approach to thinking about the “timing” of collagen intake. As you age, the collagen in the body begins to degrade and synthesis of new collagen may slow. Perhaps the question of timing is rather at what age is it best to think about adding foods into your diet to help maintain collagen synthesis.
There is no better time to start taking care of your body than right now.
Here are some of my favorite recipes full of these collagen promoting nutrients:
Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk and Tomatoes
Wild Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie
Anti-Inflammatory Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Chocolate Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk
GINGER HULTIN NUTRITION SEATTLE
158 SW 148th St #1012
Burien, WA 98166
Phone: 509-557-0545
Fax: 206-539-0062
Ginger@gingerhultinnutrition.com