First, What are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen peptides are smaller, more easily absorbed, and digestible pieces of collagen. Collagen is a protein that accounts for 30% of the total protein within the human body. Collagen, in its whole form, cannot be broken down by the body so it must undergo the hydrolysis process that breaks it down into peptides or hydrolyzed collagen.
Collagen is immensely important to our bodies as it acts as the building block of our skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and all other connective tissues. Without enough collagen, joint pain, diminished mobility, muscle weakness, and wrinkles are some of the side effects you may experience. As we age, our bodies lose collagen — up to 1% of the total collagen in the body each year past the age of 40!
Collagen peptides are the answer to replacing this lost collagen or maintaining collagen levels to ensure a fully functioning body. Collagen peptide supplementation can provide countless benefits reflected in not only how your body functions but also how it looks.
Collagen peptide supplementation is easy to add to your wellness routine, as the most popular way to take collagen peptides is in powder form. Adding collagen peptides to a smoothie, a cup of coffee, or even a glass of water can be done any time of the day. But is there a “prime time” for collagen peptide consumption?
How Timing May Impact Collagen Peptides
As mentioned before, if you’ve chosen to add collagen peptides to your wellness journey, you’ve taken a step in the right direction. What time of day you take your collagen peptides isn’t as important as taking them consistently. However, there are some theories regarding the time of day and the specific benefits you may experience from the collagen peptides.
Collagen Peptides First Thing in the Morning
Taking collagen peptides first thing in the morning has more to do with setting up a routine than receiving any extra benefits based on taking them early in the day. Adding collagen peptide powder to your morning coffee or smoothie is a great way to ensure you’re taking them each and every day — consistency is key when it comes to supplementation!
Collagen peptides can be taken on an empty stomach. If you’re not a breakfast eater and only consume coffee or water in the morning, adding collagen peptides can be a great way to begin your day.
Collagen Peptides Before a Meal
Taking collagen peptides prior to eating a meal may help with weight management. While collagen peptides have not been linked to weight loss, they do increase satiety, making you feel fuller faster. Ingesting collagen peptides 15 minutes before a meal may help you consume fewer calories because you already feel somewhat full.
Protein makes the body feel more satisfied and takes longer to digest. Collagen peptides, being a protein, have this effect. According to a 2020 review, high protein diets increase satiety hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 and cholecystokinin. Ghrelin, a hunger hormone, is also suppressed by increased protein.
While your total protein intake needs cannot be met by supplementing with collagen peptides alone, they can increase your overall protein intake and may help you feel more satisfied.
Collagen Peptides Before a Workout
Taking collagen peptides prior to a workout may help increase muscle mass and reduce recovery time. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body’s muscles, so increasing that protein shortly before working out may be helpful in the rebuilding and growth of muscle.
A 2021 study found strong evidence that links collagen peptide consumption along with resistance training to improved strength and muscle composition, as well as improved recovery time and improved joint function.
Ingesting your collagen peptide supplements prior to a workout may increase the results of your training routine.
Collagen Peptides Before Bed
Getting a great night’s sleep can be the foundation for better health and improved well-being. Taking collagen peptides prior to going to sleep has been shown to improve sleep quality. This is due to the presence of the amino acid glycine in the collagen peptides.
Glycine has a calming effect on the brain, reduces rapid eye movement, and lowers the body’s core temperature — all of which contribute to a better night’s sleep. Since glycine is one of the primary amino acids in collagen peptides, ingesting collagen peptide supplements before bed may have a positive effect on your overall sleep quality.
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No matter what time of day you take collagen peptide supplements, taking them each and every day is the most effective way to enjoy the potential benefits they provide.
Want to learn more about collagen peptide supplements or how to improve your overall wellness? Reach out to 10X Health today for guidance on reaching your optimal well-being!
