Collagen Comparison: Vital Proteins Vs. Orgain Keto

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein, found in the skin, bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to decreased skin elasticity and wrinkles. Consuming collagen supplements may improve skin appearance, joint health, hair and nail strength, and digestion.

When choosing a collagen supplement, it is important to consider the form, type of collagen, source, dose, flavour, and budget. Collagen supplements are available as powders, capsules, tablets, chews, and liquids. The most common types of collagen used in supplements are types I, II, and III, with type I being the most abundant in the human body.

Vital Proteins and Orgain are two popular brands offering collagen supplements. Vital Proteins' Collagen Peptides is their bestselling product, providing 20 grams of collagen and 18 grams of protein per serving. It is derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine and is certified by NSF, a third-party testing company. On the other hand, Orgain offers a hydrolyzed collagen peptide protein powder that is affordable and made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.

Both brands have their strengths, but which collagen is the best between Vital Proteins and Orgain Keto? Let's delve into the details of each brand's collagen offerings to determine which one might be the superior choice.

Collagen and the keto diet

Collagen supplements are a great addition to a keto diet. Collagen is a pure bovine protein that comes in two forms: gelatin and hydrolyzed (also known as peptides). Collagen peptides are the most easily absorbed form of collagen, and they offer a range of health benefits.

Benefits of Collagen Peptides

• Repairs bones and joints, reducing the risk of injury, which is great for athletes.
• Reduces inflammation and helps with arthritis.
• Keeps the gut lining healthy and regulates digestion, reducing the chances of getting sick.
• Prevents heartburn and ulcers.
• Improves skin health by filling in fine lines, wrinkles, and cellulite.
• Strengthens hair, skin, and nails.
• Hydrates the skin by reaching the dermal layer.

Collagen and Ketosis

Collagen is a protein, and too much protein can cause the body to revert from a fat-burning state (ketosis) to a glucose-burning state. However, the amount of protein in a serving of collagen peptides is probably not enough to kick you out of ketosis. Additionally, collagen is rich in amino acids that are often lacking in modern diets.

How to Take Collagen on Keto

Most of the time, you'll find collagen in powder form. You can add it to coffee, tea, or water, as long as the beverage is not ice-cold (collagen dissolves best in room-temperature and warmer liquids). You can also incorporate collagen into baked goods, sauces, or meals.

On a keto diet, it is recommended to consume 60-75 grams of protein daily, and up to 20 grams of your daily protein intake can come from collagen supplements.

Best Collagen Products for Keto

When choosing a collagen product for a keto diet, look for one that contains healthy fats in addition to collagen. Some recommended products include:

• Vital Proteins Collagen Creamers™ supplement (in Coconut, Vanilla, and Mocha flavors)
• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
• Further Food Premium Marine Collagen Peptides
• Healthy Origins UC-II Premium Collagen
• Orgain Collagen Peptides

Collagen's health benefits

Collagen is a distinctive protein that is a key component in bones, skin, muscles, and other body parts. It is responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity. It also gives strength to your skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons. As you age, your body's natural collagen production may decline, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles.

Collagen supplements have become popular, and they come in powder or capsule form. These supplements are made from the tissues of cows, pigs, chickens, or fish. They can also be bought as vegan collagen powder made from bacteria and yeast.

Improve Skin Health

Collagen is a major component of your skin and plays a role in strengthening it, as well as improving elasticity and hydration. Several studies have shown that collagen supplements may help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness.

Relieve Joint Pain

As the amount of collagen in your body decreases with age, your risk of joint disorders such as osteoarthritis increases. Some studies suggest that collagen supplements may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce overall joint pain.

Prevent Bone Loss

Collagen is the main component of your bones. As you age, collagen deteriorates, and your bone mass decreases, which may lead to conditions such as osteoporosis. Research suggests that collagen supplements may help inhibit bone breakdown and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Boost Muscle Mass

Collagen is an important component of skeletal muscle. In a study, older men with sarcopenia who took collagen while participating in an exercise program gained significantly more muscle mass and strength compared to those who only exercised.

Promote Heart Health

Collagen provides structure to your arteries, and without enough collagen, they may become less flexible and elastic, which may lead to atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by the narrowing of your arteries. Collagen supplements may help reduce this risk by maintaining artery health.

Orgain's Keto Collagen Protein Powder is a supplement that supports healthy bones and joints, strong hair, skin, and nails. It is made without soy, dairy, or lactose ingredients and is certified non-GMO and gluten-free.

Vital Proteins' Collagen Peptides is another supplement that supports skin, hair, nail, bone, and joint health. It is made without gluten or dairy and is paleo and keto-friendly.

Collagen powder options

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein, found in the skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can result in decreased skin elasticity and more wrinkles. Consuming collagen in supplement form may improve skin appearance and joint health.

When choosing a collagen powder, it's important to consider the type of collagen, source, ingredients, and your individual needs and preferences. Here are some recommended collagen powder options:

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder:

Vital Proteins is a well-known brand in the collagen space and offers a range of collagen products. Their Collagen Peptides Powder is their bestseller, providing 20 grams of collagen and 18 grams of protein per serving. It contains collagen types I and III, which are beneficial for skin, hair, and nail health. The product is derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine and is certified kosher. It mixes well in hot and cold liquids and is unflavoured, making it versatile for adding to various beverages and recipes.

Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides:

Garden of Life offers a collagen powder that delivers two types of collagen (Type I and III), supporting skin, hair, and joint health. Their product contains 11.1 grams of collagen and 10 grams of protein per serving. It is unflavoured and can be mixed into hot or cold beverages or sprinkled onto foods. Garden of Life's collagen powder is a good option for those looking for a grass-fed, pasture-raised source.

Bubs Naturals Collagen Peptides:

Bubs Naturals provides a convenient and travel-friendly option with their single-serve stick packs. Each stick contains 20 grams of collagen protein, with bovine collagen as the sole ingredient. It is keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, and Whole30-approved. The collagen dissolves well in cold liquids and is odourless and tasteless, making it easy to add to various drinks and recipes.

Orgain Collagen Peptides:

Orgain offers a budget-friendly option with their Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptide Protein Powder. It is derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine and contains collagen types I and III. The product is non-GMO and free of artificial additives. While it mixes better in hot liquids, it can be added to various recipes to boost your collagen intake.

Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides:

For those looking for a pescatarian-friendly option, Natural Force offers a marine-derived collagen powder. Their Marine Collagen Peptides contain 11.1 grams of collagen from wild-caught cod per scoop, providing 10 grams of protein. This supplement contains type I collagen, supporting skin, hair, and nail health. It mixes well in hot and cold beverages and has a neutral taste with no aftertaste.

These options provide a range of choices depending on your preferences and specific needs. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement to ensure it is suitable for your individual needs.

Collagen for athletes

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structure and support to many tissues, including bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin. It is composed of amino acids, specifically glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, and is essential for maintaining healthy connective tissue.

For athletes, collagen can offer a range of benefits, including:

Repair and Recovery

Collagen supplements may help strengthen and repair tissues, enhancing overall performance and recovery. This is especially important for athletes to minimise time lost due to injuries. Collagen plays a vital role in muscle tissue regeneration, leading to faster recovery times and reduced muscle soreness. Additionally, it aids in the synthesis of new muscle proteins, supporting muscle repair and growth.

Joint Health and Injury Prevention

The intense training routines and repetitive motions performed by athletes can lead to joint issues, discomfort, inflammation, and an increased risk of injury. Collagen supplements have been found to improve the integrity of cartilage and reduce joint pain and stiffness. They can increase joint flexibility and reduce the risk of common injuries, allowing athletes to train with greater intensity and for longer durations.

Bone Health

Collagen provides a structural framework for bones and enhances bone strength and density. It has been shown to stimulate bone cell synthesis, increase bone mineral density, and reduce the risk of fractures. This is particularly beneficial for athletes participating in high-impact sports, as it helps maintain good bone health and prevents injuries.

Endurance Boost

Collagen may also boost endurance, as it can help the body metabolise and burn fat stores, providing more energy for prolonged physical activities.

Digestive Health

Collagen is easy to digest and can aid in healing digestive issues, such as leaky gut syndrome. It is a preferred alternative to whey protein, which can cause digestive discomfort for some individuals.

When choosing a collagen supplement, athletes should look for products that are Informed Sport Approved and batch-tested for banned substances. Hydrolysed collagen, which is broken down into smaller peptides for easier absorption, is also recommended. Additionally, supplements with added vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen synthesis in the body, can be beneficial.

Collagen for skin and nails

Collagen is an important structural protein that makes up our skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, resulting in decreased skin elasticity and more wrinkles. Consuming collagen in whole foods or as a supplement may improve skin appearance and joint pain. Evidence also suggests that collagen supplementation may improve hair and nail strength, although there is limited research in this area.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder is a versatile, high-quality product that is third-party tested. It provides 18 grams of protein per serving and is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. The product is certified kosher and free from gluten, dairy, and sweeteners. It has a slightly unpleasant taste when mixed with plain water, so it is recommended to mix it into flavoured beverages. It is also NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it does not contain any prohibited substances.

Orgain Grass-Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Protein Powder

Orgain's collagen powder is a good option for those following a paleo diet. It is flavourless and odourless, making it easy to mix into any food or drink. The formula is non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and lactose-free, with no added soy or sugar. It helps support joint function, muscle recovery, radiant skin, and strong hair and nails. It can also boost metabolism and improve digestion.

Other Options

For those looking for a pescatarian-friendly option, Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides is a quality product made from wild-caught cod. If you prefer capsules over powders, Trunature Healthy Skin Verisol Collagen provides 2.5 grams of collagen per four capsules and has shown benefits for skin health in several placebo-controlled studies. Momentous Collagen Peptides is a good choice for athletes or active individuals, as it contains FORTIGEL collagen hydrolysate, which may help reduce joint pain.

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