Are collagen powders a waste of money?
 

I see this all over the place now. Are they really necessary? Do they work? Does anyone have any experience with it?

*I am not sure if this has been discussed before. I tried the search feature but it doesn't seem to be working.

I'm not sure about their therapeutic use. One thing concerns me--I sometimes see them labeled as a "protein supplement." Technically true, but collagen is the one incomplete protein from an animal source that's readily available, it lacks tryptophan. A protein shake diet popular in the 70s resulted in a number of deaths, likely due to reliance on collagen as a sole protein source. It's fine (at least, it's safe) as a supplement--but shouldn't really be counted towards your protein requirement.

Collagen is very important to the health and vitality of tissues. In my mind it is separate from protein requirements. As it fills a different job. IMHO eating real foods including bone-in soups and organ meats are the best source. However, for most people a powder is the prefered method of consumption.

https://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=483483

see if this helps.

Hi Carlie. Have you read this currently active thread? Healing? Let's talk about collagen. (ETA - MsArielle beat me to it. :) )

Is there something in particular you're looking for it to "work" for?

I think a lot of us don't get enough collagen - it's easy to eat nothing but boneless muscle meat, fish and dairy. If you eat a lot of bone broth, chicken wings, pork ribs, meats with lots of sinew bits, and other products where the joints and bones are included in the cooking process, you're probably better off. I like all of these things, but to be honest, I don't really eat a lot of it.

I always incorporate as much of the leftover broth and fat as I can when I make anything in that above category, eg ribs.

Thanks for the links everyone.

Not to highjack Carlie’s thread but...I read the other thread a few months back and I still have a question,,,

Those who use powdered collagen...are you seeing results for what you used them for?
Arthritis
Crunchy joints
Improved skin elasticity
Hair-and-nails?
?

I sampled a bit last week from Tru Marine and it was perfectly FINE in coffee so I’m thinking of investing in a big container...

If you’re happy with results, how long have you been using it?

Thanks!

I don't use it every day, but this is what I use: MatchaDNA brand
Premium Collagen Peptide Powder from Grass-Fed Beef

I also bought one I don't like: Sports Research Corporation brand
Collagen Peptides Powder

I use so many joint support supplements that it would be difficult to tell what works and what doesn't. I'm 75 with osteoarthritis everywhere. Until recently, I kept all joint pain at bay, then the bone spurs in my right hip got aggravated because...
Not sure, but I think it has to do with my walking shoes. The pain is positional. Recovering and hoping to resume my miles soon.

The bone broth thread also shows a great way to get your collagen.

.

I believe there's nothing to worry about taking collagen as your protein supplement as long as you also make bone broth once or more times a week as it can definitely be a replacement to any soup you make in your lunch or dinner.

It's fine either way, as long as it's not a major part of your total protein intake. Probably more of an issue for people targeting a higher level of ketosis for therapeutic purposes, where protein intake might be a little lower than what most low carb dieters take in.

Wanted to add I take daily collagen because I notice a big difference in my inflammation status and thumb joints when I do. This is a nose-to-tail principle, like good liverwurst, that I can easily incorporate into my routine.

I also give it to my older cats, who get more lively as a result. Anec-data, but we'll all take it.

I'm not sure collagen helps my joints, but it is helping me lose weight. It makes me feel bloated and kills my appetite. I make a very high fiber smoothie with collagen, sometimes another protein powder like peanut, frozen berries, psyllium or acacia, kale, cocoa, almond milk and sweetener. It keeps me feeling full for hours and is pretty low in carbs and calories.

I've tried with whey powder but it doesn't work for me. I get hungry super fast.

I have to stay away from all plant-based proteins. That's irony for you!