Collagen is a “connective tissue” material in your body. It’s found in your bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, skin, hair, and fingernails. It sort of holds everything together, providing flexibility and elasticity. It is also the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about a third of its protein composition.

There are (currently) 28 different types of collagen that we know of. They are divided into a few different groups based upon the structure they are involved in. The 5 most common are: *Type I- From skin, tendons, organs and bone *Type II- From cartilage *Type III- From organs such as in the liver or lymphatic system *Type IV- From the membranes between the skin and the underlying tissue *Type V- From cell surfaces, hair and placenta

Collagen protein is nutritionally unbalanced, with an overabundance of some amino acids and an absence or near absence of others. Here are a few examples of what that means: *The single amino acid glycine is the dominant amino acid in collagen and alone can account for up to 35% of the total content. *Collagen proteins contain little to no cysteine (important for glutathione production), cystine (closely related to cysteine, involved in immune cell functions), glutamine (important for recovery from injury, protection during chemotherapy or radiation), or asparagine (required for brain development and function). *Though promoted by some companies for muscle building, collagen proteins are relatively low in muscle building branch amino acids (BCAA’s) *There are 22 amino acids delivered in every Neolife protein product. In contrast most collagen proteins only list values for 16-18.

There is no doubt that getting all the amino acids you need each day is fundamental to health!

Here are 6 science-backed health benefits of taking collagen: 1.Can improve skin health- it plays a role in strengthening skin, plus may benefit elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. There are also many anecdotal claims that collagen supplements help prevent acne and other skin conditions, but these are not supported by scientific evidence.

2.Helps relieve joint pain- collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage. As the amount of collagen in your body decreases as you get older, your risk of developing degenerative joint disorders such as Osteoarthritis increases. In one study, 73 athletes who consumed 10 grams of collagen daily for 24 weeks experienced a significant decrease in joint pain while walking and at rest, compared with a group that did not take it https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18416885 they have suggested this may lead to lower inflammation, better support of your joints, and reduced pain.

3.Could prevent bone loss- your bones are made mostly of collagen, which gives them structure and helps keep them strong. Another study found similar results in 66 women who took 5 grams of collagen daily for 12 months, the women who took the collagen showed an increased of up to 7% in their bone mineral density (BMD), compared with women who did not consume collagen. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793325/

4.Could boost muscle mass- between 1-10% of muscle tissue is composed of collagen. This protein is necessary to keep your muscles strong and functioning properly. Researchers have suggested that taking collagen may promote the synthesis of muscle proteins like creatine, as well as stimulate muscle growth after exercise. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594048/

5.Promotes heart health- researchers have theorized that taking collagen supplements may help reduce the risk of heart-related conditions. Collagen provides structure to your arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Without enough collagen, arteries may become weak and fragile.

6.Other health benefits- Hair and nails, Gut health, Brain health, & Weight loss.