I make it my biz to break down popular ingredients and products to make it easier for anyone to understand the benefits and uses and potentially de-bunk any information that may be misleading.
I want to start by saying I’m NOT a doctor and to consult your doctor if you have any questions.
This is just a personal little tale that will hopefully help someone else.
And look, I feel super stupid, but I feel like it’s things like this that I SHOULD share.
I pride myself on being a “label reader,” so I feel a wee bit silly I didn’t catch this sooner. Still, in all honesty, after talking to several people, I am NOT ALONE in this experience.
For the past few years, Collagen has been a HUGE part of my diet: I add it to my coffee, smoothies, and drinks – you name it — for a few reasons:
- It is excellent for your joints
- It repairs the gut, and
- It has protein
All of this is true.
It is excellent for your joints, it repairs the gut, and Collagen IS a protein.
But the protein in collagen is not a COMPLETE PROTEIN. If you are using it as a protein supplement, like, Whey, or in place of a Protein Powder, it is NOT providing any protein — It does not work like that.
Needless to say, my mind is blown. It also explains why I am building muscle slower or not seeing results in the gym as quickly because I have been “consuming 20-40g of collagen protein a day” – when in fact, it was 0% of my protein intake – 20-40grams less of the protein I THOUGHT I was getting.
I don’t know what you want to do with this information. I still stand behind collagen powder as a SUPPLEMENT for my joints and gut. But don’t be fooled by marketing a “protein” as a complete protein.
The moral of the story, REALLY read labels, do your research, or learn from a bozo like me!
And for all of you who knew this, save the comments; this is my little journey – you didn’t pipe in when you had the chance!
It’s important to read labels and not marketing buzzwords to make you think you’re purchasing something good for you.
*I am not a doctor. These are my personal opinions.