Collagen powder has made waves in the health and beauty industry. The popularity of this wonder supplement has surged in recent years, with countless people incorporating collagen into their daily routines, often adding it to their morning coffee or beverage of choice. The widespread adoption of collagen supplements can be attributed to their numerous benefits, which have sparked the interest and enthusiasm of health-conscious individuals.
MojoMe, as a provider of high-quality collagen products, is dedicated to sharing the love and offering sustainably-sourced options to meet this growing demand. Keep reading to learn more about collagen supplementation and why MojoMe should be your go-to collagen provider.
At MojoMe, we are dedicated to making you feel comfortable, confident and vibrant in your skin, and our collagen products are here to do just that. A healthier, happier lifestyle is just one click away when you buy your supply from us at MojoMe.
Why Is Collagen Powder So Good For Us?
Collagen is celebrated for its multifaceted advantages, making it a sought-after supplement for those looking to optimise their health. Collagen, as the most abundant structural protein in humans and animals, ensures the vital functioning of most of the body’s systems.
There are many different known types of collagen, but type I collagen protein is the most abundant. These types differ in how the molecule is made, what cellular components are added, and where collagen is used in the body.
The word ‘collagen’ comes from ‘kolla’, a Greek word meaning ‘glue’. This states the essential nature of collagen in the body’s everyday functions – it is, quite literally, the protein that holds everything together.
Collagen supplementation can do wonders for the following bodily functions:
- Strengthen immune responses
- Tissue repair and maintenance
- Joint flexibility
- Increasing skin’s elasticity
- Hair strength and density
- Creating a protective covering around vital organs
- Creating fibroblasts, which help new cells grow in the skin’s dermis
- Assisting blood in coagulation, or thickening
With age, your body naturally produces less collagen. In addition, lifestyle choices such as alcohol, smoking and prolonged sun exposure without protection can also cause collagen to degrade. When this happens, your body’s natural collagen production may require some supplementation. This is where collagen powder comes in – it is a simple way to up your body’s collagen intake. Collagen powder can be added to various foods, including warm drinks, smoothies, oats, and soups.
MojoMe’s pure collagen powders are sustainably and ethically sourced and guaranteed free from preservatives and additives, ensuring your body gets all the good and none of the bad.
The 5 Main Types Of Collagen
Type I: This type accounts for up to 90% of the body’s collagen. Type I fibres are dense and support the structure of your skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Type II: This type is exclusive to elastic cartilage that supports joints.
Type III: This type is found in arteries, muscles and organs.
Type IV: This type is found throughout the layers of the skin.
V-shaped: This type is found in the cornea of the eye, some layers of skin, hair, and placental tissue.
Healthcare professionals also use collagen and collagen-based materials in medical areas, such as treating wounds, burns, and diabetic ulcers. Additionally, cosmetic companies use collagen in products such as moisturisers and serums for its humectant properties.
Add Collagen Powder To Your Diet
Collagen powder is a natural dietary supplement derived from animal tissue. Obtaining collagen involves extracting it from the tissue, which is then transformed into gelatin before being further processed into a powdered form. This powder is versatile and can be added to most food and beverage options – a few favourites of collagen users include oatmeal, coffee and smoothies. Pure collagen powder should be tasteless and odourless, enabling you to incorporate it into your food and beverages without any unpleasant tastes or smells.
Research shows that taking collagen for several months improves skin elasticity. Research subjects who took collagen powder daily reported that their wrinkles were less visible, and their skin felt smoother. Other studies have shown that daily intake of collagen supplementation can relieve joint, knee and back pain in older people and those with chronic pain in these areas.
Is Collagen Powder Production Harmful To The Environment?
As the collagen industry booms, more stakeholders and multinational corporations have started to explore this avenue of the beauty and wellness industry. Unfortunately, while this means consumers will have a broader range of collagen products to choose from, it also means that there is greater potential for environmentally unfriendly practices to slip under the radar.
An investigation conducted by The Bureau Of Investigation found that beef cattle used to supply collagen supply chains were raised on farms created by displacing indigenous communities and causing tropical forest loss. This issue has caused losses to Brazil’s indigenous forests.
“Some of this collagen can be traced to Nestlé-owned Vital Proteins, a major producer of collagen supplements championed by the actor Jennifer Aniston. Vital Proteins is sold globally – including online on Amazon, in Walmart stores in the US, in Holland & Barrett and Boots in the UK and Costco in both countries,” the investigation results read.
“The investigation – the first to connect bovine collagen with tropical forest loss and violence against Indigenous peoples – found at least 2,600 sq km of deforestation linked to the supply chains of two Brazil-based collagen operations with connections to Darling: Rousselot and Gelnex, which is in the process of being acquired by Darling for $1.2bn. However, it’s unclear how much of this deforestation, which the Center for Climate Crime Analysis calculated, is linked to Vital Proteins.”
Collagen supplements are typically sourced from the skin, bones, and other connective tissue of animals such as cows, pigs, chickens and fish. In some cases, manufacturing these supplements contributes to water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation. Additionally, the demand for collagen supplements has led to overfishing, unsustainable and unethical fishing practices, especially for collagen-rich fish species such as sharks and cod. This can have significant negative impacts on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
How Collagen Powder Is Sustainably Produced
Collagen typically comes from one of three main categories: bovine, marine and chicken collagen. Porcine collagen also exists but is far less common. Collagen powder, whether derived from bovine or marine sources, can be produced sustainably through various processes.
By-Product Utilisation: Bovine collagen is primarily obtained from meat industry by-products. When cows are processed for meat, their hides and skins are collected as by-products. Instead of discarding these materials, they are utilised for collagen extraction, ensuring efficient use of available resources and minimising waste.
Fishery By-Products: Marine collagen is derived from fish skin and scales, typically considered by-products in the fishing industry. These parts are often discarded or used for lower-value applications. However, sustainable producers recognise the value of these by-products and employ extraction methods to obtain collagen, maximising the utilisation of the entire fish.
Let’s explore the sustainable practices of producing bovine and marine collagen powder separately.
MojoMe Sustainable Bovine Collagen Practice
Bovine collagen is a naturally occurring structural protein found in cows’ connective tissue, bone, cartilage, skin and hides. Collagen supplements typically found in stores are sourced from beef cattle. The cow hides and skins used to derive bovine collagen peptides are typically obtained from abattoirs, which are subject to sustainability and cruelty-free guidelines imposed by external regulatory bodies. These guidelines ensure that the sourcing of hides and skins aligns with sustainable practices and animal welfare standards. The industry aims to minimise its environmental impact and promote responsible resource management by adhering to these guidelines.
Sustainability is a crucial aspect of bovine collagen production. When collagen is sourced from grass-fed cows, the emphasis is placed on ensuring that the animals are raised in an environmentally friendly manner. Grass-fed cows have the advantage of grazing on natural pasture, which reduces the need for artificial feed and contributes to the preservation of ecosystems. Moreover, grass-fed farming practices promote soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, making it a more sustainable choice than conventional feedlot operations, which often involve resource-intensive agricultural practices.
MojoMe Sustainable Marine Collagen Practice
Marine collagen is widely regarded as one of the most sustainable forms of collagen available today. Marine collagen powder is made from fish scales, bones, and skin as a structural protein with diverse bodily functions. The production process may involve hydrolysis, partially decomposing the collagen before it is finely ground into a powder.
When considering marine collagen, it is essential to research the sourcing practices of the collagen producer. Sustainable marine collagen powder is derived from fish that are wild-caught and harvested in accordance with sustainability guidelines.
One example of a reputable brand is MojoMe, whose 100% Pure Marine Collagen Powder adheres to MSC-certified sustainable fishing practices. The fish used for their marine collagen supplements are sourced from the North-Atlantic waters.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification ensures that the fishing practices employed are environmentally responsible and support the long-term health of marine ecosystems. By adhering to MSC-certified sustainable fishing practices, MojoMe demonstrates its commitment to minimising the impact on fish populations and maintaining the biodiversity of aquatic habitats.
Benefits Of Bovine Collagen Powder
Bovine collagen powder offers numerous benefits and is widely accessible to consumers. Its availability in health food stores, nutritional supplement stores, and online platforms make finding and purchasing convenient. Furthermore, due to the large scale of the beef industry, bovine collagen is generally more affordable than other collagen sources.
One notable advantage of hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides is their suitability for individuals with a shellfish allergy. In addition, since bovine collagen is derived from cows and not marine sources, it provides an alternative option for those who cannot consume collagen derived from shellfish or aquatic animals.
Collagen is composed of different amino acids, and various types of collagen occur in the body. Bovine collagen closely resembles the collagen naturally present in our bodies. In particular, bovine collagen supplements typically contain types I and III collagen, constituting approximately 90% of the collagen found in the human body. These types of collagen play essential roles in maintaining the strength, structure, and elasticity of your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues.
The benefits of bovine collagen extend beyond its resemblance to human collagen. Regular consumption of bovine collagen peptides has been associated with several positive effects on skin health. It’s understood to promote the production of new collagen fibres, enhance skin hydration, and improve skin elasticity, which can diminish the unwanted appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting a more youthful complexion.
In addition to skin health, bovine collagen may also support joint and bone health. Collagen is the primary component of cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions joints. By supplementing with bovine collagen, individuals may experience reduced joint pain, improved joint mobility, and enhanced overall joint function.
Furthermore, bovine collagen has been shown to support bone strength and density, making it beneficial for individuals concerned about osteoporosis or general bone health.
Type I and III collagen are two crucial types of collagen that coexist in the human body, performing similar functions and contributing to the maintenance of various tissues and organs. These collagen types play vital roles in supporting the health and structure of your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and organs. Additionally, their presence in the gut suggests their importance in promoting gut health.
Joint pain relief:
Bovine collagen has shown promising potential in relieving joint pain associated with various conditions, including common joint pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Bovine collagen offers support to the joints through its ability to stimulate cartilage production, leading to decreased pain and improved joint function.
Improving gut health:
Collagen is shown to positively impact gut health by aiding in the repair of microscopic holes in the intestinal lining, thereby reducing the symptoms associated with a “leaky gut.”
Better recovery:
With its amino acid composition, Collagen can aid in the acceleration of post-workout recovery when consumed after exercise.
Increased strength:
Collagen can make the recycling of ATP (the energy currency in cells) more efficient, which helps improve muscle strength and performance.
Benefits Of Marine Collagen Powder
When consumed, marine collagen functions similarly to bovine collagen, providing essential amino acids that build strong and healthy connective tissues throughout the body.
One distinguishing characteristic of marine collagen is its composition, primarily type I collagen. Type I collagen is the most prolific collagen type found in the human body and is a critical component of various tissues, including the skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, and organs. Marine collagen powder supports these vital tissues’ structural integrity and function by supplying the body with type I collagen.
Another advantage of pure marine collagen is its smaller peptide molecules, contributing to its enhanced bioavailability and absorbability compared to bovine collagen. The smaller molecular size allows for easier digestion and absorption, facilitating the delivery of essential amino acids to the body’s tissues. This improved bioavailability increases the likelihood of effectively utilising collagen peptides for tissue repair and regeneration.
Pure marine collagen is particularly rich in the amino acid hydroxyproline, which plays a crucial role in forming and maintaining collagen fibres. Hydroxyproline is a vital component of various connective tissues, including the skin and blood vessel walls. By providing an abundant source of hydroxyproline, marine collagen supports the health and integrity of these tissues, contributing to overall skin health and the maintenance of robust blood vessels.
Fewer wrinkles:
Marine collagen helps to restore the skin’s natural structure and firmness. This contributes to a smoother, more youthful complexion, as the increased elasticity helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
Decrease signs of ageing:
Marine collagen is rich in antioxidants which play a crucial role in blocking free radicals and protecting the skin from oxidative damage, thus reducing the signs of ageing.
Healthier skin:
Scientific research has provided evidence that marine collagen offers multiple benefits for achieving healthier skin, including increased skin moisture levels and protection against UV and photoaging damage.
More About MojoMe
MojoMe is a reputable health supplement provider dedicated to empowering individuals to prioritise their wellness and achieve optimum health. With a commitment to simplicity and transparency, MojoMe aims to make wellness choices accessible by avoiding confusing jargon and offering products that promote overall well-being.
At MojoMe, sourcing practices prioritise sustainability and ethics. As a result, the products offered are carefully selected and sustainably sourced, ensuring that they align with responsible and eco-conscious principles. MojoMe’s dedication to sustainability extends to avoiding undesirable additives, preservatives, and artificial flavourings. This commitment ensures that our collagen products are high quality and free from unnecessary ingredients that may compromise health or integrity.
MojoMe understands that selecting the right products can be overwhelming, especially with the wide range available.
Therefore, our team is ready to assist and guide customers in choosing the most suitable products to meet their needs. Whether you are looking for powder, capsules, or bone broth, MojoMe is committed to supporting your health and wellness journey.