Collagen is an important component for building and maintaining muscle tissues and muscle mass. It is the most abundant protein in the human body and is therefore responsible for the structural integrity of the tissues inside the body. It is the primary building block for the various connective tissues like tendons, cartilage, ligaments, skin, muscles, blood vessels, and bones.
Collagen has a large number of benefits. Since collagen is not naturally produced by our bodies, it has to be consumed in the form of either foods that are rich in collagen or in the form of supplements. Collagen helps to improve the overall health of hair, nails, and skin as well as joints. Collagen also helps with muscle recovery after strenuous exercise, helping to reduce muscle fatigue and restoring muscle mass. As we age our body stops producing collagen, with some studies suggesting that collagen levels reduce by about 1-2% each year after the age of 25. This means that, by the age of 50, we have potentially lost between 25-50% of our collagen levels. To replenish these depleting levels of collagen, it’s necessary to take collagen supplements and to also supplement our diets with foods rich in collagen.
Sportspersons, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts prefer to take collagen supplements to improve their muscle mass and to maintain the strength and flexibility of their joints. In fact, there is one study that found that men who took collagen supplements during a 12-week strength training program saw an increase in muscle mass than others who didn’t consume collagen (see the index for more details). While more investigation and conclusive results are needed, consuming collagen for joint health and muscle recovery may yield some benefits. Let’s explore more in this blog.
Collagen For Maintaining Muscle Mass and Faster Recovery
Collagen is a protein and proteins are the building blocks of muscles. Most collagen supplements contain close to 10g to 20g of protein. However, this protein is incomplete, meaning it does not have all the essential amino acids necessary to help in muscle recovery or build new muscle. In order to repair damaged muscle fibres or build new muscle, the body needs all 9 essential amino acids.
However, taking collagen for muscle recovery may yield benefits if it comes infused with all the essential amino acids as well as Vitamin C, which helps to build collagen.
In case you are recovering from a connective tissue injury like a sprain or are struggling with joint pain, collagen supplementation may help you heal faster. However, you cannot expect collagen to heal such injuries without proper rehab or physical therapy.
Collagen For Joint Health
There are some studies that state that collagen may help to improve joint health (see the index for more details). As a person ages, the amount of collagen in their body decreases putting them at risk for joint disorders like osteoarthritis. While there are studies that seem to suggest that consuming collagen for joint health is effective and may help to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce pain around the joints, most of the research indicates that collagen helps to alleviate joint stiffness.
There is also research that states that supplemental collagen may accumulate in cartilage, eventually stimulating tissues to make collagen which could lead to lower inflammation, better joint support, as well as reduced pain (see the index for more details). However, more conclusive research is required to establish this and recommend collagen for osteoarthritis.
Top Joint And Muscle Support Supplements From Nutrabytes
Premium Marine Collagen (Powder)
Our Premium Marine Collagen (Powder) is a pure fish collagen supplement crafted for those who seek a simple, no-fuss boost to their wellness routine. This unflavoured, 100% natural powder, contains both types 1 and 3 collagen, blends effortlessly into tea, coffee, soup, or any drink, making it easy to incorporate into our daily diets. Sourced from wild-caught fish and infused with 19 amino acids—including 8 essential amino acids—this collagen powder is not only high in quality but also in bioavailability due to the collagen being hydrolysed into peptide form and having a lower molecular weight as compared to others in the market, ensuring faster absorption and more effective results to support skin, hair, gut and joint health naturally. This does not contain any artificial binders, fillers or chemical agents. This is a 100% natural product sourced directly from nature.
Advanced Marine Collagen (Liquid)
Our Advanced Marine Collagen (Liquid) is a naturally flavoured drink, convenient collagen supplement, infused with natural sweeteners from citrus fruits, berries, sugarcane and stevia for an enjoyable taste. This liquid formula combines Type 1 and 3 collagen with a powerful blend of nourishing ingredients, including Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, Silica, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5, Aloe Vera Powder, Grape Seed Powder, and Green Tea Powder. This unique combination of 12 powerful active ingredients helps support normal collagen formation making it a simple, refreshing addition to your daily wellness routine. This is the perfect collagen supplement for athletes.
High Strength Marine Collagen Capsules
High Strength Marine Collagen Capsules are designed for convenience and potent results, containing Hydrolysed Type 1 Collagen sourced from premium-quality Naticol® fish collagen peptides. Each capsule is enriched with a powerful blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, Silica, and essential vitamins like C, D3, B6, and B12, all working to support your skin, hair, and nails. Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C help rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin, enhancing tone and texture, while Biotin strengthens hair at the root, and Silica fortifies nails. Naticol® collagen, renowned for its lower atomic weight of 4kDa and produced through enzymatic hydrolysis, offers enhanced biological benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and improved collagen synthesis, making these capsules an ideal choice for wellness. This offers one of the highest amounts of collagen per serving in capsule form.
Pure Marine Collagen
The 100% Pure Marine Collagen Capsules deliver sustainably sourced, wild-caught fish collagen through Nutrabytes' collaboration with Naticol®, a trusted leader in high-quality collagen. Made with Type 1 hydrolysed collagen peptides, this supplement features Naticol®’s refined fish collagen with a low atomic weight of 4kDa, ensuring excellent absorption and bioavailability. Produced via a unique enzymatic hydrolysis process, Naticol® collagen supports collagen production, reduces inflammation, and offers extensive health benefits. This scientifically supported formula brings an advanced, pure collagen solution to your wellness routine, setting a new standard for quality and effectiveness.
Ultimate Marine Collagen Capsules
Our Ultimate Marine Collagen Capsules is our class leading product for those who demand a higher level of Hyaluronic Acid combined with Collagen and Vitamin C. Therefore, we created a first of its kind formula that offers 100 mg of Hyaluronic Acid and 200 mg of Vitamin C along with 900 mg of Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides per serving. This is a class leading product which is also offered as a versatile approach to overall wellness, available in 60, 120, and 180-capsule options to fit your budget and requirements. Each serving of 2 capsules is packed with Hyaluronic Acid (100 mg), Vitamin A (1000 mcg), and Vitamin C (200 mg). Enhanced with 18 amino acids including all 9 essential amino acids, this powerful blend nourishes from within, promoting a healthy, radiant complexion with consistent use.
Premium Bovine Collagen (Powder)
The Premium Bovine Collagen (Powder) is a simple, effective option for those seeking collagen benefits sourced from bovine ingredients, ideal for individuals with marine allergies. This high-quality collagen powder contains both Type 1 and Type 3 collagen, enriched with 19 amino acids that work together to support muscle and joint health, skin, hair, nails and overall vitality. Known for its strong anti-ageing properties, this bovine collagen helps to rejuvenate skin and promote a youthful appearance, making it an easy addition to your daily wellness routine.
High Strength Bovine Collagen (Liquid)
The High Strength Bovine Collagen (Liquid) combines the benefits of Type 1 and Type 3 collagen with a delicious berry flavour, enhanced by a natural fruit juice blend for a refreshing taste. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Silica, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Biotin, and 19 essential amino acids, this formula is designed to support skin hydration, hair strength, and overall vitality. With its fruity flavour and powerful nutrients, this liquid collagen makes it easy and enjoyable to incorporate collagen into your daily wellness routine.
Advanced Vegan Collagen Capsules
The Advanced Vegan Collagen Capsules is a revolutionary product which has used breakthrough scientific research and technology to extract 11 amino acids from 100% plant-based ingredients including all 9 essential amino acids. In addition to the 11 amino acids, this product also contains Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, Vitamins C, D3, B12, Biotin, Silica (from Bamboo) and a multitude of Superfoods like Pomegranate, Goji Berry, Blackberry, Acerola Cherry and many more. This is a viable alternative to traditional for those who adhere to a Vegan and Vegetarian diet. This product is offered as a 1-month dosage with 90 capsules packed with essential nutrients for the natural production of collagen in the body. This unique formula includes Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Copper, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Silica, and Vitamin B6, alongside amino acids derived from superfoods, plant extracts, and fruits—all known to enhance natural collagen production. Carefully crafted for those seeking a vegan and vegetarian option, this breakthrough supplement is designed to support overall vitality without animal-derived ingredients.
In Summary
Collagen plays a key role in promoting joint health and aiding muscle recovery, making it an essential addition to your wellness routine. By providing the necessary support for cartilage and connective tissues, collagen helps maintain joint function and reduce discomfort, especially for those with active lifestyles or age-related concerns.
Additionally, its contribution to muscle recovery enhances performance and reduces soreness after workouts, allowing for efficient training and improved overall fitness.
Whether you opt for marine, bovine, or vegan collagen options, incorporating this powerful protein into your diet can lead to significant benefits for both joint support and muscle recovery.
References (Index)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits#benefits
https://www.webmd.com/diet/collagen-health-benefits
https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/athlete-need-know-collagen/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
