Collagen Peptides and the Ketogenic Lifestyle
I first learned about collagen peptides many years ago while attending an American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine (a4m) conference in Vegas. The discovery was fascinating and the results from supplementing with this product are clearly as advertised — at 53 years of age, I can easily pass for 40-something!
My two favorite brands are:
1) Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Type I & III
2) Sports Research Marine Collagen Peptides – Type I & III
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My Collagen Story
In October 2019 I broke my right arm, which is my primary. Because I live alone in a three-story townhome with only shower facilities and no “soaker tub”, I opted out of casting. I felt this was my best option for personal hygiene “mobility” and the “only” option that would allow me some the “ability” to continue working during prime special event season (PS.. I’m a special event coordinator/photojournalist by trade).
Because this caused escalated concern from my physician, I agreed to a second x-ray one week from the date of the initial. I was warned that if the breakage showed further stress, I would be casted without choice. Little did they know that I trusted in the power of collagen peptides!
Immediately after my first x-ray, I consumed marine collagen three times per day. My “smoothie” regime — to which has become an everyday staple — consisted of a clean superfood “potion” complimented with spirulina, turmeric, and L-carnitine. Through no less than excruciating pain, I also prepared my arm each morning for performance with a warm flaxseed oil rub, and pampered it throughout the day with hot and cold packs saturated in tea tree oil to soften the bruising.
And as a result, my x-ray the following week literally “floored” my physician (and me). The comparison of the breakage from x-ray one to x-ray two was so outstandingly positive my physician insisted that I stay put until he could round up a couple of his colleagues for further evaluation.
Needless to say, I left uncasted. My healing process still took a good five months regardless, which resulted in thirty pounds of very frustrating weight gain, hence the pursuit to live the ketogenic lifestyle and to share what I know with you!
What is Collagen?
My personal description of what collagen is would naturally be “the best age avoidance ever!” — however, here is my attempt to dive into more of the technical…
Collagen is a “protein” which provides the body with its structural tissue. This protein makes up approximately 30 percent of the total protein content in our bodies thus playing a vital role in the health and maintenance of our bones, cartilage tendons and, skin.
Collagen provides our bones with the framework for the distribution of calcium and other minerals while supporting our joint cartilage and tendons with structure, strength, and lubrication.
For our skin, collagen is the key ingredient for our skin’s elasticity and hydration, hence the onset of loose skin and wrinkles as we age.
Although naturally produced within our body, collagen production starts to deplete around the age of 30 and this depletion accelerates at 40 and beyond.
Collagen Supplementation
The above description lays out the benefits of supplementing with collagen for our bones, joints and, skin, however, this powerful product also increases the health of our other organs, and has been noted to improve gut health, clarity, mood, and is an anti-inflammatory — just to name a few other findings.
Typically available as a “powder”, the most common collagen products readily available for purchase display an ingredient “type” designation as follows:
Type I: Supports healthy skin
Type II: Promotes joint health
Type III: Improves elasticity
Type V: Promotes the growth of the placenta in pregnant women.
Type X: Promotes bone health and development.
I personally have only used brands that display Type I and III.
The Difference Between Bovine and Marine
Collagen products also are produced from different animal sources: bovine (cow), marine (fish), porcine (pig) and chicken cartilage, and as of recently I have noticed flavored brands popping up on the market. I only have experience with using “bovine” and “marine” in an unflavored format.
Bovine
Bovine collagen is produced from the hides and connective tissues of cows. Both are a perfect source of collagen and, although a bit questionable (coming for a city girl), I commend the meat industry for maximizing the usage of hides and other cow bits in a healthy way as opposed to disposing to our landfills.
PRODUCT REVIEW: In reference to my brand choice, Sports Research Collagen Peptides, this brand is third-party certified by the Paleo & Keto Foundation making it an effortless choice to fit my ketogenic lifestyle. In comparison to other brands that I have used, I find that Sports Research’s actual powder saturates into other liquids quicker and without lumps. The texture is not gritty and I have not noticed any “taste” when added to smoothies, coffee, or other dishes.
Marine
Marine collagen is sourced from fish scales and skin and was first suggested to me through conversation with a nutritionist at a local health expo.
While chatting about the overall digestion of collagen, the nutritionist informed me of the term “bioavailability” — which references how the collagen is absorbed and metabolized once consumed. Fish collagen consists of smaller peptides (peptides=pieces of protein) offering 1.5 times more stabilization than bovine sources. And I definitely noticed the difference once I switched from bovine to marine.
PRODUCT REVIEW: My brand choice is Sports Research Marine Collagen Peptides primarily due to the price for the quality. Previously I was using another brand that was $60+ for fewer grams per package. I also like that the powder has no texture and saturates quickly in liquids.
In Closing
I have been ingesting collagen peptides, both bovine and marine, for over three years now. I typically consume three scoops per day; one scoop divided as a “creamer” for my morning coffee; the second in my clean “power potion” (as described in the opening of this blog), and then the third added to a smoothie meal or combined with flax oil for use as an additional “fat” source in solid meals (salad, fish, veggies). I highly recommend you to add collagen peptides to your daily regime.
SHOP my recommended “keto-approved” collagen peptides, click through HERE
To view all the “Keto Approved” products that I have researched, visit KETO APOTHECA
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