Do Collagen And Protein Powder Differ?

Protein powder and collagen powder are frequently discussed together. However, it is easy to become confused about the distinction between the two:

• They both include amino acids.
• They both support protein levels.
• They are both staples in the wellness sector.

With prior experience, it can be easier to determine if collagen or protein powder is the superior alternative. Here, we detail the specific benefits of each option.

What Exactly Are Proteins?

Proteins are essential macronutrients for growing muscle mass. They are composed of lengthy chains of amino acids that, when broken down by the body, provide a variety of functions, including muscle growth and repair, speedier recovery, energy production, and immune system support.

While collagen synthesis depends on fewer amino acids, other proteins have longer chains, including various amino acid combinations that play an excellent range of roles in the body. For example, they can be used for energy, forming hormones and digestive enzymes, maintaining and regulating different body activities and processes, and synthesizing muscle protein.

Protein powders are designed to aid in the healthy growth of lean muscle tissue, so those who exercise intensely to gain muscle frequently consume a high-protein diet that includes protein shakes. They may contain varying amounts of protein per serving, depending on whether they are designed for athletes, people who exercise moderately, or those who wish to increase their protein intake.

The addition of Branched Chain Amino Acids to protein powders to aid in more significant muscle growth and faster recovery, or turmeric powder to aid in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, are examples of protein powders that may have diverse amino acid profiles to help achieve specific goals. These are developed with the healing of the entire body in mind, unlike collagen powders, which are focused on one protein.

What Is The Collagen?

Collagen is an abundant fibrous structural protein found in all mammals, including humans. Collagen derives from the Greek word meaning adhesive. It was given this name due to its ability to dissolve in water when heated.

Collagen is an essential structural component of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. As a result, it has a significant role in hair, skin, and nail health. Collagen, like all protein structures, is composed of amino acids. Collagen comprises 19 amino acids and eight essential amino acids. Collagen is mainly composed of glycine, proline, Hydroxyproline, and arginine.

• Glycine is a non-essential amino acid regarded as the "most important and simple non-essential amino acid in humans" and has been shown to enhance people's and animals' health and wellness.
• Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This means that, although it is created and synthesized by the body, a supplement may be necessary (especially when the body is under regular stress, such as in athletics and bodybuilding). As a result, it is a common dietary supplement among fitness professionals. In addition, arginine is the substrate for nitric oxide, which is crucial for regulating blood pressure and ensuring adequate blood flow to active muscles. It also contributes to the healing of wounds and injuries.
• Proline & Hydroxyproline are essential amino acids for protein synthesis in the entire body. This indicates that proline must be present for the body to utilize protein correctly for muscle development and repair. In addition, proline plays an essential function in wound and damage healing. Therefore, proline is considered a semi-essential amino acid.

These three amino acids, along with eight necessary amino acids and seven non-essential amino acids, form the intricate triple-helical structure of collagen protein. A collagen molecule has around 1000 of this amino in total.

Collagen molecules in the human body comprise:

• 30% of the total amount of protein in the human body.
• 60% of bone proteins are collagen.
• 65-80 percent of a ligament's proteins.
• 70% of the proteins in a tendon are collagen.

If Collagen Is Another Protein Type, Why Do I Need Collagen Supplement?

The primary distinction between protein powders and collagen-building supplements is their amino acid compositions. Collagen is created in the body needing certain amino acids; glycine, proline, and Hydroxyproline are insufficient in protein powders.

These amino acid compositions confer distinct bodily effects on collagen builders and protein powders. During collagen formation, the body also requires other nutrients, including copper, zinc, and vitamin C. Again, most protein powders do not contain these nutrients because they are not necessary for large amounts of protein powders to be effective. If they do, they do so at lower levels, which inhibits collagen formation.

Additionally, collagen is generated differently than protein powders. Collagen is typically extracted from the connective tissues and organs of animals and fish, such as the skin and scales of fish and the boiling bones of animals. These proteins transform into gelatin upon processing, which can then be treated, dried, and pulverized. Protein powders are manufactured by drying, processing, and powdering protein sources such as whey, pea, and hemp. This process is more similar to the production of plant-based collagen builders.

Bovine and marine collagens have been around longer than their plant-based counterparts, but it does not make them superior. When you consume collagen derived from animals, it gets broken down into various amino acids. Then your body rebuilds it into its collagen, which is inefficient. In addition, collagen supplements derived from animals may need more critical components and so need to deliver the same outcomes.

The scales, bones, skins, and other animal parts required to manufacture animal-based collagens are typically obtained from factory farms, which are harmful to the animals and the environment.

The Takeaway

YourHappy Collagen (Advanced)

Due to their different amino acid compositions, protein powder and collagen powder cannot be substituted. Those who adhere to a vegan diet or are primarily interested in gaining muscle tend to benefit more from protein powders. However, collagen may be a good choice if you seek a supplement with more whole-body advantages. Add on YourHappy Collagen (Advanced) with your protein shake to get maximum benefits.

FAQ

Can collagen be compared to protein?

Compared to whey protein, collagen is not better for building muscle and strength. One reason for this is that collagen is not optimal for building muscle because it lacks branched-chain amino acids. These amino acids are found in more significant quantities in whey protein.

How is collagen & protein powder different?

Amino acid composition is the primary determinant of protein type.

Compared to protein powders made from animals or plants, collagen has a very different amino acid profile.

Can I replace whey protein powder with collagen powder?

No. Unlike whey protein, which comes from milk, collagen is made from animal bone (referred to as bovine collagen or marine collagen). 

Can whey protein powder and collagen be taken together?

Without a doubt, yes! Consuming collagen and whey concentrate protein at the optimal times and in the right quantities is essential for achieving the best possible results.