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Collagen peptides are like the Swiss Army Knife of supplements. They do a whole lot, inside and out, yet they don’t get much publicity for the foundational nutrients they provide. Collagen peptides’ benefits range from rejuvenating skin health to growing lean muscle mass to supporting gut health. Still, many people are missing the essential amino acids they supply.

That’s why Dr. Neal Smoller, supplement strategist, holistic pharmacist, and founder of Woodstock Vitamins, has been advocating for supplementing with collagen peptides for years. He’s talked about why choosing the right protein supplement is so important to total-body health. We’re going to expand upon his idea, and by the end of this article, you’ll understand why the protein found in collagen peptides is so foundational and how to choose the right protein source for you. 

How Collagen Peptides Support The Body

Collagen peptides are special in that they provide a full spectrum of amino acids and 20g of protein (at least our Collagen does). This nutrient profile comes with a whole host of benefits, like:

From your skin, gut, joints, and muscles, collagen peptides aren’t “optional”. They’re a fundamental part of total-body health. Learn more here: Why Our Collagen Peptides is Vital.

The Different Forms of Protein

Most people don’t know this, but “protein” isn’t a monolith. There are several types of protein:

But not all protein sources are created equal. Some protein sources have more amino acids, others have less. Some are more bioavailable than others. And the list goes on. Here are the three main sources of protein:

Fortunately, with Collagen, you won’t have to worry about getting enough protein to boost your health. Featuring 20g of protein and all nine essential amino acids, this 100% bovine (cow-based) collagen peptides supplement covers your bases. 

How Much Protein Do I Need?

How much protein you need per day depends on your gender, weight, movement routine, and health goals. Generally speaking, protein should account for 10-35% of your daily calories if you’re shooting for a 2,000-calorie diet. To make it easy, the formula for the right amount of protein is: Your body weight in lbs x 0.5-0.6 = grams of protein.

While there is no widespread “protein deficiency” in the United States, people still may not be getting the right protein. You’ll need a source that covers your essential amino acid needs and is easily absorbed by the body. Learn more about different protein sources here: How Protein Supplements Are Processed (Within an Inch of Their Lives).

The Different Types of Collagen

Did you know there are over 28 different types of collagen? But three types constitute the vast majority of collagen that are responsible for skin integrity, joint health, and bone integrity.

Of these three types, there are different sources of collagen that may be easier to absorb and more helpful for the body.

Collagen Tested for Quality & Purity

One of the biggest hesitations around collagen supplements and protein powders in general is heavy metals. It’s been well documented that an estimated 70% of protein powders studied exceed safe levels of metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.  Fortunately, our Collagen is third-party tested for heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury as well as contaminants like E. coli, Salmonella, yeast, and mold. Testing is a huge component of choosing a protein supplement with confidence. It’s a good idea to give yourself peace of mind by knowing your protein powder has been rigorously tested for heavy metals.

What to Look For When Buying Protein Supplements

As mentioned earlier, not all protein sources are the same. And the same goes for protein supplements. Some contain fillers, too much sodium, questionable ingredients, and the list goes on. Here are a few things to look for when buying a protein supplement: 

What goes in your body matters. Doing your due diligence to peek under the hood of a protein supplement and see how it’s made will pay dividends towards your health goals. Dive deeper into what to look for with protein supplements here: Protein Supplements: Are You Getting Ripped Off?

When to Expect Results

Collagen peptides are not a one-and-done kind of supplement. Consistent intake yields the best results, particularly for your gut, skin, joints, and muscles. Studies show that it takes as little as 8 weeks of continuous use to see results from collagen peptides. So, stick with it — even if you don’t see immediate results — and you’ll be rewarded with the amazing health benefits mentioned earlier.

Where Collagen Fits into Your Health Foundation

At Woodstock Vitamins, we believe in building your health on a solid foundation. Yes, you can fill your body and medicine cabinet with tons of nice-sounding, unnecessary supplements. But why would you when you can get your foundational nutrients solid instead? That’s the logic behind Collagen and all of the First 5.

That’s why Collagen is part of our First5 framework — five foundational inputs most people lack:

  1. Brain Support
  2. Protein
  3. Bone Support
  4. Multivitamin 
  5. Gut support

In this First5 line-up, Collagen covers your:

These amazing health benefits are why Collagen has been included in our First5. But we always recommend getting all five to cover all of your bases from head to toe.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to total body health, collagen peptides are a powerful way to support your body from the inside out. But most of us don’t get the right form of protein into our diets. That affects everything from how we sleep to whether our gut properly absorbs nutrients. Protein is not “optional”; it’s foundational. Rebuilding your health from the inside out starts with what you put in your body, and our Collagen is a good place to begin. Learn more about Collagen and our other First5 here.