Collagen is one of the most beneficial things that we can consume as human beings. This powder that is derived from the bones, joints, skin, and ligaments of animals. As a source of protein, collagen has some really big benefits for your health, and your quality of life.

From helping to improve the integrity and thickness of your hair, to reducing the amount of joint pain that you have collagen can help.

Collagen is a protein that makes up a lot of the extracellular matrix, and connective tissue in the cells of animals. Collagen has a very unique profile of amino acids that lead to the health benefits that it has on the human body, of which the most significant ones that make up the collagen molecule is glycine, proline and lysine.

Glycine has to be one of if not my favorite amino acids that we have discovered in mammalian bodies to date. The more that I look into this amino acid the more benefits that I tend to find that it has. It has been shown in numerous cases to help with sleep quality, help to decrease inflammation, stimulate secretion of growth hormone, help protect and improve function of the liver, helps increase uptake of glucose, is used in biosynthesis of creatine, helps improve metabolism and thyroid function and even helps with proper neuronal function.

The next best amino acid that we find in collagen is proline. Proline has been shown to increase growth performance, act as an anti-inflammatory and helps with neuronal health,

Finally we have lysine. Lysine is an amino acid that you really don’t hear much about. When you have two superstars like glycine and proline attached to you to make up a molecule, it is easy to get overshadowed. Lysine as many benefits as well which include lowering blood pressure, fighting herpes, reducing anxiety and possibly helping in regulating sugar levels.

Not all collagens are the same; they fall into multiple categories. By different types of collagen, we’re not talking about collagen according to source (e.g. from beef, from fish, from supplement). We’re talking about collagen according to their molecular makeup, in which case the different collagens are simply described as Type 1, Type 2, etc.

Once you have a baseline understanding of the differences, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a collagen supplement (such as collagen powder) or collagen-rich food source.

How Many Collagen Types are There?

Collagen types are numerous. There is actually a total of about 16 known collagen varieties, but about 90 percent of the collagen in the body consist of Type 1, 2 and 3. Humans only have Types 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10.

Collagen is the most abundant protein, comprising about 30 percent of all proteins in the body. Collagen’s specific amino acid profile makes it different from other proteins, such as casein or the whey found in your typical protein supplement.

If you’re still unsure about what collagen protein is, just think of it this way. Collagen makes up:

• 70 percent to 80 percent of your skin
• 10 percent of your muscle
• 30 percent of your bones
• 80 percent of your tendons
• 60 percent of your cartilage

Main Collagen Types

• Type I collagen – This is the most common collagen type and aids in gastrointestinal health, restful sleep, white blood cell production and memory. Bovine bone broth is an excellent source of type I collagen.
• Type II collagen – This is the second-most common and is the primary collagen source that makes up cartilage. Chicken broth is a high source of this type of collagen and is recommended for joint pain sufferers.
• Type III collagen – This type of collagen aids in the production of type I collagen and shares many of the same functions as type I.

Type 1 Collagen

Most collagen types you find in stores in supplement form are Type 1 collagen. This is the protein that makes up our skin, bones, teeth, joints, ligaments, tendons and scar tissue. Collagen Type 1 is typical in anti-aging and wrinkle-prevention creams. This is because the protein promotes the elasticity of the skin and minimizes skin lines and other features associated with old age. Aesthetics aside, this collagen also makes up the lining of your gastrointestinal tracts, so it’s a crucial protein from a gut health standpoint.

The science behind collagen Type 1 is also very strong. One study showed that subjects that took a Type 1 hydrolyzed collagen supplement over a 60-day period saw a remarkable improvement in skin moisture and skin firmness. It’s believed that collagen helps promote the release of sebum, the body’s natural production of oil to prevent dry skin.

Collagen Type 1 is partly made up of the amino acid glycine. Studies have found that glycine has properties beneficial for your digestive system. For one, it prevents stomach ulcers by minimizing harmful gastric juices in the stomach lining.

In essence, collagen keeps your intestines from becoming too acidic. This makes collagen supplementation especially beneficial for those who regularly suffer from heartburn, bloating or upset stomach. In this instance, we recommend collagen-rich foods along with foods high in probiotics.

Like collagen, probiotics are also readily available in supplement form. Floracil50 is one example that provides a natural source of beneficial probiotic strains.

Type 2 Collagen

Other types of collagen supplements you can expect to find at your local Walgreens include Type 2. This collagen is found mainly in cartilage. As such, this protein is crucial for joint support and health. Are you experiencing knee or elbow pain? You are likely Type 2 collagen-deficient, which occurs naturally as you get older.

A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition revealed that supplementation with a collagen Type 2 reduced knee pain in otherwise healthy subjects. This suggests that collagen may be a useful supplement for athletes with recurring joint injury. Cartilage loss, by the way, is a common issue for avid runners, hence why knee discomfort and knee knocking are typical ailments.

Type 3 Collagen

Type III collagen aids in the production of type I collagen and shares many of the same functions as type I.

You don’t hear a whole lot about type 3 collagen. This is because it shares many of the same characteristics and benefits as type 1. In fact, type I and III collagens are often lumped together. If you shop for a type 1, you’ll often find collagen products listed as both type 1 and type 3. We’re not even sure if collagen type III exists as a standalone supplement. Nevertheless, this type is mostly found in the skin, connective tissues, vascular system and lungs.

Studies on collagen type III aren’t as numerous as type 1. One research, though, did find that this variant is crucial for cardiovascular development and the production of type 1 collagen fibers.

Type 5 Collagen

From type 5 and onward, you just don’t hear a whole lot of. You’ll usually only see type 5 in supplements as part of a complete collagen product. Being less common and less abundant, though, does not make it less important. A research paper published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry indicated that type 5 is pivotal for overall collagen fibril assembly. In layman’s terms, that means it’s important in the production of other collagens.

For women, type 5 collagen has even more of a significant role as the protein contributes to the healthy development of the placenta. This makes it pivotal for pregnant women.

Type 10 Collagen

Last but not least, we have type 10 collagen. This plays a significant role in bone health. It’s needed for bone and cartilage healing after an injury. This includes the joints, so it has a similar function as type 2 collagen. Studies have shown that type 10 is needed for normal ossification (bone tissue formation).

What About Pro-Collagen?

Collagen types also include pro-collagen, which may be available as a supplement or topical cream. What exactly is this? Many scientific literatures describe pro-collagen as “the precursor to collagen.” It’s basically what collagen is before being formed by fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) to become fully fledged collagens.

Taken as a supplement, pro-collagen has many of the same benefits as the different collagen types. This includes improving joint mobility, skin elasticity, muscle tissue recovery and promoting cartilage regrowth.

Your body acquires amino acids from protein-rich foods like meat, poultry and fish. Animal bones are especially high in the amino acids that make up collagen, as are the scales in fish. As the body breaks down the dietary amino acids, nutrients like vitamin C aid in the process of collagen synthesis.

In short, the different amino acids are bound together like different strands of rope to form collagen fibrils. In turn, the fibrils bind to form collagen protein. The full collagen structure is a bit more complex than what we just described, but this is a good layman’s explanation.

As mentioned, meat and fish sources contain the highest source of collagen. However, not all collagen is created equal. Different collagen types entail different bodily functions and benefits.

All the independent studies on collagen speak for themselves. So, how do you get more of this invaluable protein in your diet?

1. Bone Broth

Broth is perhaps the best collagen food, bar none. If you enjoy making food from scratch, then we suggest a generous heaping of bovine and chicken bones. Let the bones simmer in a crockpot for a few hours, and you have a soup teeming with health-boosting collagen.

Bovine collagen is a rich source of collagen types 1 and 3. This promotes glowing healthy skin, aids in digestion and regulates healthy sleep rhythms.

Chicken collagen is type 2. This is essentially the collagen for joints, as it’s known to restore cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

If preparing broth from scratch is too troublesome, then you can always consume pre-packaged broth. Aside from the big helping of collagen, broth is also packed with minerals and electrolytes.

2. Eggs

It doesn’t matter if you like them scrambled, over-easy or hard-boiled. Much of the collagen is concentrated in the whites and eggshell membrane.

Aside from being a top collagen food, eggs are also loaded with sulfur, which is a natural liver cleanser. Toxin buildup in the stomach and liver is a primary inhibitor of collagen production. Eggs can help you remove that buildup.

3. Avocado

Avocados provide a high source of monounsaturated fats and very little of the harmful polyunsaturated fats. It’s also rich in vitamin E. This is often known as the skin vitamin, due to its ability to prevent collagen breakdown in the outermost epidermis layer. One study showed that supplementation with avocado oil increased skin collagen metabolism.

4. Anything High in Vitamin C

Fruits and veggies in themselves aren’t exactly rich in collagen. However, they do have a lot of vitamins, which include the antioxidant vitamin C. Studies show this vitamin helps the amino acids proline and lysine convert into collagen. On top of that, Vitamin C also counteracts free radicals that contribute to premature collagen breakdown.

Since we didn’t list a specific food, you have a lot of leeway here. Citrus fruits are good choices, as are bell peppers, berries, leafy greens and kiwis.

We must point out, though, that you will not acquire this benefit from taking a vitamin C supplement. Chewable vitamin C tablets come in the form of synthetically-derived ascorbic acid.

Despite what supplement makers would have you believe, natural vitamin C and ascorbic acid are not chemically identical. Always acquire the antioxidant from whole foods.

Collagen-Rich Foods Are Nature’s Medicine

Make a daily habit of eating more foods with collagen. This is especially important as you get older.

Of course, we know following a balanced diet isn’t always realistic. This is where supplementation comes in. Collagen from a supplement is valid provided that it’s derived from all-natural sources.

zuCollagen fits this bill, hence why we recommend it for people who typically have to eat while on the go. zuCollagen contains highly bioavailable hydrolyzed collagen from organically raised bovine, fish and eggs. A single serving will provide the all-important collagen minus the time-consuming food preparation.

Putting all of these amino acids together you get collagen, and putting all the types together you get a powerhouse of a protein. As mentioned before collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and makes up a large portion of the extracellular matrix and connective tissue. Some of the benefits that you get when you consistently consume a good collagen supplement can be very subtle at first but make a big difference over time. It has been shown that consuming collagen has a tremendous impact on the health of joints, and can significantly reduce the amount of joint pain that you have even in osteoarthritis patients.

But it doesn’t just help with medical related joint pain it has also been shown to help athletes with joint related issues as well. The most significant benefit that many people love about collagen is the anti-aging effect that it has on the skin of the human body. Collagen has almost a magical way of bringing the skin back in years. Allowing it to look, and feel younger every single day.

On top of the benefits that collagen has on the human body, it can also be extremely effective in helping with weight loss. It has been shown that collagen can help to increase satiety and thus help individuals adhere to a weight loss regimen (caloric restriction). The same cannot be said of whey protein. With most collagen supplements having only 80 calories per serving jam packed with 20 grams of high-quality protein, this powder can really be a good tool to use.

Is Whey Protein Really All It’s Cracked Up To Be?

The main issue with whey protein is that, according to the scientific research, it does not give you the results that it claims to be good for, namely: reducing appetite, gaining muscle, and helping recovery.

In fact, there is plenty of medical research on whey protein showing that it has no effect on appetite, it increases the blood sugar response, it contains massive amounts of estrogen (this is bad for both men and women alike), it actually decreases anabolic hormone levels, it causes acne, it slows down fat burning, lowers T in men.

Another big issue with almost all commercial whey protein powders that you will find on the market is the presence of fillers. These fillers and additives have been shown to lead to less bioavailability of the protein, and actually inhibiting protein absorption in general, which seems to defeat the entire purpose of the supplement itself.

Not only that, but many companies add PUFA to the whey protein supplements as filler, such as sunflower oil. And we all know how terrible PUFA is for us.

And if this wasn’t all bad enough, Consumer Reports released a report finding heavy metals like arsenic and lead contaminating many popular whey protein supplements. If you think this doesn’t apply to your favorite whey supplement – think again. The Optimum Nutrition Whey Gold Standard – the most popular whey protein supplement on Earth was tested and it contains massive amounts of heavy metals.

They found that these heavy metals, specifically in the whey protein supplements can lead to cancer and reproductive disease risk.

Why a High-Quality Collagen Supplement Is Superior to Whey Protein in Every Way

I truly believe that both men and women should stop taking those low quality whey protein supplements and instead opt for getting their additional protein sources through a high quality collagen supplement with multiple fiber types, such as zuCollagen Protein or using a bone broth supplement like our zuBroth that contains both collagen and gelatin.

Collagen and gelatin are far superior protein sources to whey in every way.

In this article, I’ve listed out myriad amazing reasons to use collagen protein, especially  its amazing amino acid profile and the benefits those amino acids have on your body. I’ve also pointed out the major risks of consuming most whey protein supplements, and how they’re absolutely going to do more harm than good for your body.

Collagen has a great amino acid profile. With these amino acids having phenomenal benefits to the health of the human body on their own, when put together to form the collagen protein molecule they become an absolute superhero for your health.

Not only do they help with your health but as a downstream effect, it helps improve not only the way that you feel but the way that you look as well by making your skin look younger and more vibrant each and every day. If you are serious about taking your health to the next level and really want to achieve the ultimate level of Thermo, then collagen has to be a daily addition to your diet no matter what.

When looking for a good collagen supplement you want to first and foremost make sure that it is a grass-fed collagen supplement to help avoid any potential exposure to hormones and antibiotics found in conventionally raised animals.

Next, you want to make sure that the collagen is hydrolyzed. This will allow for the best absorption of the collagen and allow the body to almost completely absorb and utilize it. Then you want to make sure that it has a good variety of collagen types, having at minimum types I,II,III and ideally having V and X as well. This allows the collagen to be readily used for a variety of different things in the body rather than having to go through a conversion process in the body.

If you want to try out the amazing benefits of using a good collagen supplement for yourself, I highly recommend you use our zuCollagen Protein supplement. And remember, we have a 60-day money-back gold standard guarantee, so if you don’t like it for any reason, we will refund your investment.

Collagen Is Good for You

Why do you need water? Because the body is 70 percent water. Collagen is the second-most abundant molecule in the body, hence why you also need sufficient collagen from dietary sources.

If you’re not a big meat eater or broth drinker, you can always get collagen in supplement form.

1. Collagen Promotes Healthy Skin

Collagen production naturally declines with age. The lack of collagen is what accounts for wrinkly and saggy skin. In men, it also accounts for hair loss. Instead of buying cosmetic creams or Rogaine, we recommend supplementing with collagen.

Collagen is often described as the “glue” that holds your skin cells together. Your body produces the protein naturally, but production levels begin to decline with age. It’s estimated that once you reach your mid-20s to early-30s, collagen production decreases by about one percent every year. That means by the time you hit 50, you’re producing a quarter less collagen than you did in your 20s.

This explains the wrinkles and clearly visible lines. As collagen levels decline, so does skin moisture.

Collagen improves skin health and elasticity, making the skin firmer and supplier. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study1, female subjects that took collagen hydrolysate supplements over an eight-week period saw a remarkable improvement in skin moisture, dermal elasticity and less skin roughness. The subjects reported very few side effects or none at all.

Collagen Reduces Cellulite

For the ladies, cellulite is a major concern. Not only does it cause you emotional discomfort, it can also cause adverse effects to your overall well-being.

Cellulite is what gives you the dreaded “cottage cheese thighs.” Those little bumps and stretch marks become more visible because the surface skin layer becomes thinner as collagen decreases.

Why does cellulite form in the first place? Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have a lot to do with fat gain, or at least not completely. It actually has more to do with collagen. Collagen deficiency in the thigh area causes the skin’s connective tissue to thin out. This causes the adipose tissue (fat) to poke through.

Collagen loss in the thighs can be due to a number of factors, such as genetics, recently giving birth and rapid back and forth fluctuations in weight. In any case, studies show that collagen skin supplements may help restore skin elasticity and reduce visible cellulite.

Collagen May Reduce Common Skin Conditions

Eczema and psoriasis are two common dermal ailments that cause the skin to become crusted. Itchiness and pus-producing blisters are also typical. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with any condition, you may commonly have acne breakouts, which continue well into adulthood.

So, how do collagen skin supplements factor into all of this? Remember, at the deeper molecular level, collagen is made up of amino acids, two of which are glycine and proline. These have been shown in studies to reduce skin inflammation, which in turn alleviates the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

Furthermore, collagen has long been sought after as a remedy for treating a number of digestive disorders, including stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Studies show that collagen provides a coating that protects the intestinal lining from inflammatory bowel disease.

That’s nice, but what does this have to do with collagen for skin? It has everything to do with it.

Some doctors use the term “gut-skin axis” to describe the correlation between gut and skin health. Think of it this way: The skin is a reflection of what’s taking place inside your gut. Conditions like eczema may be a symptom of more serious and underlying issues occurring inside the stomach. The gut-skin axis isn’t just a theory. Studies have proven it to be true.

Seriously, if you constantly experience blisters, redness, itchiness or crusted skin, we highly advise seeing a doctor for a full-body exam. There may be something going on beneath the skin that’s dangerously out of balance.

2. Collagen Lowers Joint Pain

Do you feel the onset of arthritis? Do you feel a pounding sensation on your knees when you run or even walk? Are your elbows, wrists or fingers throbbing when you type or use a writing instrument? The joint areas are likely lacking in collagen, which acts as a glue or cushion of sorts that prevents friction between the connecting bones. Think of collagen as lubricant oil that prevents friction and heat buildup between metal moving parts in a car engine.

One 24-week study2 verified that collagen is effective for reducing joint pain in athletes who otherwise show no signs of joint health disease. Another study also found that the health benefits of collagen extend to patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis. That’s not all; yet another study3 found that the protein is also effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis and similar inflammatory diseases.

3. Collagen Is Good for the Gut

Your gut is the epicenter of your overall health. This area of your body has a direct and indirect effect on your brain, hormonal and immune health. Do you frequently experience bloating? More seriously, have you been diagnosed with a gut-related disease, such as leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s, acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome?

One study4 found an inverse correlation between collagen levels and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In other words, as collagen levels decrease, IBD instances increase. This occurs because collagen-based amino acids make up the internal tissue that lines the gastrointestinal tracts. As the inner connective tissue lining thins out, the tracts become vulnerable to irritation. This is also what accounts for much of the aforementioned gut-related disorders.

To really ramp up gut health and improve digestion, get more collagen in your diet while also consuming probiotic-rich foods.

4. Collagen Increases Lean Muscle Mass

Collagen benefits extend to the gym. For all the gym rats and muscle heads out there, take notice. The protein helps through a number of pathways. This is not to say, though, that collagen has steroid-like effects; don’t go injecting yourself with collagen-filled syringes as a pre-workout ritual.

Collagen helps convert glucose into energy, which your muscles require for recovery. If you’re active in the gym, you may also be familiar with the amino acid arginine. This is the main ingredient found in most nitric oxide (NO) supplements due to its ability to increase blood vessel dilation. In turn, this increases nutrient transportation after a heavy workout. A 12-week study5 showed that arginine promotes lean gains in muscle mass and strength increase.

Collagen, as it turns out, is rich in arginine.

For maximum muscle gains, we recommend collagen supplement or food in conjunction with a natural testosterone booster like Testro-X. Even if you’re not trying to pack on muscle, collagen still improves overall health by strengthening your immune system and increasing your body’s ability to use antioxidants.

5. Collagen Increases Strength of Hair, Nails, and Teeth

Do you have brittle nails that frequently split? Is your dentist seeing signs of periodontal disease even though you brush and floss daily? One study found that collagen could have therapeutic effects for treating hair loss and dermal diseases. Here is another study that found that collagen may play a vital role in teeth enamel formation. Enamel is the outer coating that protects the teeth. Once enamel is stripped away from factors like consuming acidic foods, it’s gone forever and cannot regenerate.

Your hair isn’t exactly a part of the skin, but the hair follicles do reside in the dermal layer, just beneath the outer epidermis. It makes sense then that collagen also promotes smooth and silky hair. Like skin, hair is also made up of collagen protein.

A study in Tokyo found a correlation between hair loss and decreased collagen production.

The lesson? If you want hair like you see in those shampoo commercials, you need more collagen.

6. Collagen Is Good for the Liver

Glycine is one of the key amino acids used to form collagen. Glycine is also known to protect the liver by absorbing harmful endocrine disruptors, such as toxins and allergens from food and the air you breathe. In a 1998 study8, glycine was found to have a healing effect on liver damage from long-term alcohol intake.

For optimal results, we recommend combining collagen intake with regular intermittent fasting. During your fasting period, consume a serving of collagen-rich bone broth. Both the broth and the fasting helps detoxify the liver and cleanses it from years of toxin accumulation. In addition, the broth also quells hunger.

7. Collagen Improves Blood Flow

Last but not least: collagen boosts blood flow. Aside from glycine, proline is another amino acid that makes up the collagen protein. Proline keeps blood pressure in check and improves blood flow by removing fat buildup from arterial walls. A study at the University of Pennsylvania confirmed that collagen reduces arterial stiffening, which is a big risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

We also mentioned earlier that collagen is rich in arginine. Dilated blood vessels also mean better blood flow to the heart. If poor circulation and associated conditions like varicose veins is a problem, then we recommend a supplement stack of collagen and a product like Redwood.

Collagen Benefits Speak for Themselves

As you can now see with the more-than-handful of independent studies, collagen benefits are the real deal. Whether you get them through food or supplementation (including hydrolyzed collagen powder), make a commitment to make this vital protein a mainstay in your diet. You’ll notice drastic improvements both in the gym and from a general health standpoint.

Here at UMZU, we have an incredible, comprehensive collagen supplement available called zuCollagen Protein.

Topical Collagen Supplements

If you use anti-aging creams, you may notice that most contain collagen as an active ingredient. The beauty industry isn’t dumb and is well aware that the populace will shell out big bucks to offset father time.

Here’s a secret the beauty industry doesn’t want you to know: Most of those collagen creams are useless.

With few exceptions, the collagen in most of those creams is ineffective because the molecules are too big for the epidermis (the outermost skin layer) to absorb. Natural collagen production takes place in the dermis and deeper layers.

Ingestible Collagen

What about collagen as a dietary supplement? Does that have any positive effects? Studies suggest ingestion may be far more beneficial. One study in female subjects showed that oral supplementation of collagen increased dermal matrix synthesis. In layman’s terms, it reduced the onset of wrinkles.

It may seem counterintuitive to ingest collagen instead of applying it directly topically. However, the reason ingestion is more effective is because oral administration allows the stomach acids and bile to break the collagen down into smaller, more usable amino acids.

We must strongly emphasize, however, that not all collagen skin supplements are equally beneficial. For optimized bioavailability, always aim for hydrolyzed collagen.

Let’s talk about what exactly hydrolyzed collagen is. On the surface, the word sounds kind of gimmicky. Similar products, such as whey protein, may also be labeled as hydrolyzed. The same goes for some brands of dog and cat food and even some infant formulas.

Hydrolysis is a processing mechanism in which protein is broken down into more usable components. Protein is made up of a long chain of strands consisting of amino acids. During hydrolyzation, the protein strands are unchained. This is done by dissolving the peptide bonds that act as glue and hold the amino acids in place.

When you see a collagen supplement labeled as hydrolyzed collagen powder, the product does not contain whole collagen fibers. Rather, those fibers and fibrils are broken down into procollagen and even further down into the smallest component, the amino acids.

What’s the Purpose of Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Why is it necessary to break down collagen into its amino acids? It all has to do with digestion. When you eat protein, carbs, and fat, the body relies on its stomach acids, bile and digestive enzymes to break down the macronutrients into smaller and more usable components. While this is not something you need to consciously think about, it’s actually quite taxing for the body. This is especially true with protein. Some people do not have the ability to adequately digest whole protein due to impaired stomach or organ function.

This is why hydrolyzation is important. The collagen or protein comes pre-digested, meaning it’s already broken down into its smallest components. This makes your stomach’s job a heck of a lot easier. Hydrolyzed collagen supplements provide a solution for anyone with malabsorption disorders or food sensitivities that make nutrient breakdown a struggle.

If protein is not completely digested, it sits in the gut for prolonged periods. This leads to the usual symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as gas and bloating. Furthermore, the amino acid doesn’t fully get broken down. Your body can’t use them and they ultimately go to waste.

With respects to collagen, the health benefits don’t come from the collagen itself but the amino acids its composed of. This includes the amino acids arginine, proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. None of the touted benefits of collagen apply if your body can’t break down the collagenous fibers into those four amino acids.

Does Hydrolyzation Really Improve Bioavailability?

While everything we just described sounds promising on paper, we understand that some people may still be skeptical. However, consider this 2014 study in which hydrolyzed protein supplementation increased protein content in rats after rigorous physical activity.

If you’re still skeptical, here’s a human study for you. In the trial, human subjects consumed either hydrolyzed whey or regular whey protein during workouts. The group that supplemented with the hydrolyzed whey saw bigger measurements in performance improvements.

Furthermore, researchers also concluded that the hydrolyzed whey improved digestion of carbohydrates and enhanced glycogen uptake in the skeletal muscles.

Because collagen lacks the amino acid tryptophan it is not considered a complete protein.  Due to this there is not a recommended daily intake that is given out by the FDA. 

In general it is recommended to get no more than ⅓ of your daily protein intake in the form of collagen if you are under the age of 25 or partake in resistance training. 

If you are over the age of 25 and do not participate in resistance training (which increases necessity for tryptophan) then you can get in as much collagen as you would like. 

Everybody is different, so sometimes what works for most people may not work as well for you.  

Particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may have some challenges when you add a potent supplement to your regimen.

If you are taking a prescription drug, we strongly recommend that you consult your prescribing medical professional before introducing a new supplement.  

We can’t tell you how a drug might interact with a supplement, beyond saying that sometimes the drug or your underlying condition contraindicate the use of one or more ingredients in a supplement, and it’s important to consult your prescribing physician to make sure everything will work well together to support your health.

Another thing to consider is your overall sensitivity to foods and supplements, as well as your body weight.  If you know you’re quite sensitive or you are petite, start out slowly with a lower dose and work up to our recommended serving size, paying attention to how you feel, and dial it back if you find that your body isn’t tolerating the ‘whole enchilada’ – maybe you’re happiest with half an enchilada.  

Know that efficacy is proven at the recommended serving size, but again, that’s a general rule and you may still be able to experience the benefits with a lower dose!

Our Suggested Use instructions call for 1 scoop daily with meals.  

This works very well for the vast majority of our customers. However, if you’re one of the few who have the following concerns, you might try a lower dose and see how that goes, rather than jumping in at the full serving size.

zuCollagen is an extremely potent product, and works for most people without any kind of changes to their life other than adding in the supplement, however, there are some things that you can do to make zuCollagen work even better for you!

• Combine it with The Thermo Diet – Without a good diet, supplements can only do so much good, but when you support your body properly with the right fuel then the supplements you use can work wonders. 
• Be Consistent – Many people don’t see results because they are simply not consistent with taking the supplement. The more consistent you are, the better your results will be!
• Exercise – Exercise is crucial for a healthy body, and is a key component for having a healthy circulatory system. Resistance training and walking specifically have been shown in research to be the most beneficial in the long term for an optimal functioning body. To find the perfect exercise program for you check out UMZU fit!
• Get Enough Sleep – Sleep is crucial for the body to be able to heal and function at its best. Be sure to get 7-9 hours a night to allow for your body to be fully rejuvenated. 
• Stack it with zuRelief and zuBroth – The ingredients in zuBroth and zuRelief stacked with zuCollagen allow for an amazing inflammation fighting bundle and when taken together many customers can’t go a day without taking them all together together as it makes them feel absolutely amazing while providing them with key nutrients your body needs.