Multi Collagen Protein by NOW Foods
Most collagen products get their collagen from a single source, usually beef or fish. This collagen powder from NOW Foods combines three: beef, chicken bone broth, and fish skin. Per 13.1-gram scoop, you get 11 grams of hydrolyzed collagen, supplemented with 100mg of vitamin C and a little grape seed extract. The powder is flavorless, so you can easily stir it into water, coffee, juice, or a smoothie.
Three sources, three types of collagen
Collagen is the protein that gives structure to your skin, tendons, cartilage, and bones. There are several types, each of which is found mainly in its own place. Types I and III are found mainly in skin and connective tissue, while type II is found in cartilage. The difference lies in the source. Beef collagen naturally provides types I and III. Chicken bone broth provides type II, and fish skin provides type I. This powder combines collagen from three sources: beef, chicken, and fish. The beef collagen is BSE-free and comes from cattle raised without hormones.
What hydrolyzed actually means
Collagen in its natural form is a long, sturdy protein. It does not dissolve in water, and your body breaks it down slowly. During hydrolysis (the breaking down of proteins using water and enzymes), the manufacturer cuts those long chains into short pieces called peptides. In practice, this mainly means that the powder dissolves quickly, even in a cold drink. Many people wonder whether collagen from a jar is the same as collagen from broth or meat. In short: it is made of the same building blocks, but in a concentrated and easily dissolvable form, without having to simmer broth for hours.
Why vitamin C is included
Your body produces collagen itself, and it needs vitamin C to do so. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin. The same applies to your cartilage and bones: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage, and also of the bones. One scoop provides 100mg of vitamin C, which is 125% of the reference intake. In addition, vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. The grape seed extract (50mg per scoop) is a plant extract from grape seeds. It naturally contains polyphenols, plant substances that you also find in red grapes and tea. By combining collagen and vitamin C in one product, you do not have to juggle two jars.
The powder consists of only three ingredients, without sweetener, flavoring, or thickener. Good to know: because it contains collagen from fish skin, this collagen supplement is not suitable if you are allergic to fish, nor is it suitable for vegetarians. NOW Foods makes it in its own GMP-certified factory in the United States. A 454-gram bag is good for about 34 servings, if you stick to the recommended scoop per day. Anyone who sees collagen powder mainly as a daily habit, just like that glass of water with breakfast, has an easy-to-use base in this neutral powder.