There are a few key differences between marine and bovine collagen linked in our journal article here. Ultimately, marine collagen and bovine collagen are equally effective - both providing 100% hydrolysed type I collagen peptides. One is not better than the other, it’s more a matter of dietary preference. As long as the quality of the supplement is high then its source doesn’t really affect the benefits you receive.

The simple answer is yes! Many foods lose their nutritional value when you heat them, but collagen powder is not one of them.. Collagen peptides are heat stable up to 300°C, a temperature far higher than normal cooking and baking. As water boils at 100°C, collagen can be mixed into hot drinks, soups and stews without weakening its benefits.

Our True Collagen contains hydrolysed collagen peptides which are a more available and absorbable form of amino acids,making it easy for our body to utilise. Collagen exists in nature as a very large, complex molecule constructed from lots of long chains of polypeptides. The collagen molecule itself is far too big to be absorbed across the gut wall, so it needs to be broken down during digestion into smaller chains called peptides. Once absorbed, these peptides are available to contribute to collagen renewal within bones, skin and connective tissue. ‘Hyrdolysed’ simply means ‘unchaining’ the long protein strands into smaller ‘peptides’ so we can absorb them more readily. This process is like having them ‘predigested’, making them more bioactive so we can take them up and absorb them easily to build important tissues.

Taking collagen can be beneficial at any age, but we know that the body’s ability to produce collagen naturally starts to decline in our early 20s. As we move past roughly 30 years old, it is thought that collagen depletes faster than our body can produce it. Therefore, you can begin taking collagen in your 20s to get ahead of the body’s natural depletion as you age, but you are more likely to see noticeable benefits from age 35+. Ultimately, the age you want to start taking collagen supplements is a personal decision. The Ancient + Brave team will be here to support you and guide you through your journey.

Collagen production is closely linked to the fluctuations in oestrogen levels and therefore when oestrogen drops, so does collagen formation. It is thought that up to 30% of dermal collagen is lost in the first 5 years of the menopause, however supplementation with Type 1 collagen peptides has been shown to stimulate natural collagen prodcution and improve skin elasticity, hydration and reduce lines and wrinkles. Collagen does so much more than just cosmetics though - from improved bone density (also a concern during the menopause) better joint health and benefits for the cardiovascular system, it can be a supportive supplement for the body during such a significant change. 

You should always consult with your doctor or midwife regarding any new additions to your diet or supplements you take during your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey. Whilst there are also no studies available due to ethical challenges involving research in pregnant people, we aren’t aware of any contraindications in taking any of our products whilst pregnant or breastfeeding and they should be well tolerated.

In short, no and in fact, collagen may actually be a vital tool in helping you maintain a healthy weight. Collagen is a protein, and has been scientifically proven to keep people feeling fuller and more satiated for longer. It has also been shown to help boost your metabolism by helping to build lean muscle mass which in turn helps your body burn calories more efficiently. 

Stomach acid plays a very important role in breaking down protein and yet hydrolysed collagen peptides are unlikely to be digested in the stomach at all and instead go to the small intestine to be absorbed. Enzymes in the small intestine work at breaking down chains of protein molecules called peptides into even shorter peptides and amino acids which can then be absorbed in the bloodstream. The peptides and aminos will be added to the amino acid pool and trigger the body to produce new collagen.