Collagen And Protein: Benefits Of Collagen And Protein Powder For Sports

We’re always keen to chat about the many benefits of collagen supplementation. Many of our Absoluters take our collagen sachets for cosmetic reasons – who doesn’t want to feel good in their skin? 

But beauty is only skin deep, and we want to help you feel your best on the inside, so you can look your best on the outside. That’s why, in this article, we’re going to delve deeper into the benefits of looking after yourself and how collagen and protein can support a healthy fitness routine. 

Let’s get started!

What is collagen protein?

Absolute Collagen is full of amino acids and vitamin C*, but what many people don’t know is collagen is also high in protein.

Just to explain quickly, collagen is a fibrous protein found in our connective tissues. Often referred to as ‘the glue that sticks us together’, collagen makes up almost one third of the total structural protein in the human body. 

One popular way of getting both collagen and protein into your fitness diet is eating bone broth - but you don’t often see people sipping on bone broth when you’re at the gym!

Instead, you’ll typically notice people sipping on whey protein in between lifting weights or running on the treadmill.

Both collagen and protein are great additions to your workout routine. Protein is a huge buzzword in the world of health and fitness right now because of the training benefits – but did you know collagen can help to support your fitness plan too?

But what exactly is the difference between collagen and whey protein? And is either collagen or protein more beneficial for working out? 

*Each sachet of Absolute Collagen contains 60 mg of Vitamin C, which is 75% of your daily Nutrient Reference Value. Enjoy a daily dose of Absolute Collagen as part of a balanced, healthy diet and active lifestyle.

What is the difference between collagen and whey protein?

Just like collagen, protein’s secret is the amino acids. Whey protein contains all nine essential amino acids – which is why it’s sometimes called a ‘complete protein’! 

Powders and supplements like whey protein work by giving you a boost of amino acids, which are vitally important for the body to support the growth of tissue and muscle. As collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, it is also vital for tissue and muscle growth.

However, there is a difference between collagen and whey protein as they are sourced from different places. Whey protein is a milk by-product, while collagen protein is sourced from the bones, skin, and connective tissues of animals and fish - here at Absolute Collage we use the latter!

What’s more, collagen protein contains eight of the essential amino acids, rather than nine. But collagen, unlike protein, contains several amino acids which aren’t often found in our diets, such as the proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline found in Absolute Collagen. 

Absolute Collagen has the added bonus of being hydrolysed which means our body can efficiently absorb the amino acids faster. Whey proteins are not always hydrolysed and can take up to an hour and a half to be absorbed.

Can you take collagen and whey protein together?

Collagen is a great source of protein and protein is hugely important when exercising - but how does collagen and protein powder work and can you take collagen and whey protein together? 

The amino acids found in protein provide the building blocks of all tissues with the body, so it’s no wonder many high level athletes take protein supplements to help build lean muscle and support bone health and joint health. 

Our Absoluters love taking their daily, easily absorbed, dose of collagen as part of a healthy exercise routine. From yoga to marathons, our Absoluters are an energetic bunch, and we love helping them feel their absolute best!

But if both collagen and protein powder are good additions to a healthy exercise plan, can you not just take collagen and whey protein together? 

Well, for the purposes of optimal absorption of your daily dose of Absolute Collagen, we recommend not taking it alongside a high protein meal (which we class as something with more than 20g of protein)or protein powder supplement.

It won’t cause you any harm if you take collagen with protein powder supplements, but we recommend waiting an hour either side before taking your Absolute Collagen sachet. This just gives the collagen time to work its magic first! 

Since collagen is a protein source containing 8000mg of protein per serving*, and the human body can only process a finite amount of protein in one go, it makes sense to take your dose of collagen then protein powder supplement later on.

*Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Each sachet of Absolute Collagen is high in and a source of protein. Enjoy a daily dose of Absolute Collagen as part of a balanced, healthy diet and active lifestyle.

We know a lot of Absoluters take their collagen sachet with breakfast, for instance with a lovely poached egg on toast. One large poached egg contains around 6000mg (6g) of protein, so this wouldn’t impact the absorption of Absolute Collagen. In fact, you could even have two eggs! 

So, now you know all about collagen and protein, from the difference between collagen and protein to whether you can take collagen and whey protein together. Ready to start your Absolute Collagen journey?

Well, to find out more about collagen and food or to discover some tasty collagen recipes, head over to our helpful blog or start shopping our award-winning marine collagen today.