What is meant by the term ‘collagen complete’?
When looking into collagen supplements, you may come across the term ‘collagen complete’. Generally speaking, this is a name given to a supplement by a brand to indicate something about what the supplement is or does. But it could also be a nod to the collagen protein itself – specifically, the amino acids it contains. In either case, it’s important that you actually investigate what is in a supplement before buying it. This way, you ensure you are getting a high-quality product.
In this article, we will look at exactly what the term ‘collagen complete’ may refer to. We will also give you some ideas about what to look out for when you are searching.
What are collagen supplements?
Collagen supplements are like the other supplements you get from a pharmacy, sports nutrition shop or health food store. They are a way of getting a certain nutrient into your body that you may not get enough of in your diet. As you can probably guess, the main active ingredient of these particular supplements is collagen. More specifically, it is collagen peptides.
These are smaller amino acid chains you get by breaking down complete collagen molecules via hydrolysis. Smaller molecules are easier for the body to absorb, making the active ingredient far more accessible or ‘bioavailable’.
The purpose of these peptides is not for them to simply attach themselves to your cells and give you second-hand collagen. They come from animal sources like fish, cows or pigs, and they provide your body with the fuel it needs to create new collagen internally. This fuel is very difficult to get from your diet in the sort of quantities required to boost your collagen production. So a supplement is a powerful way to make your body ramp up its collagen synthesis.
Moreover, brands often fortify their supplements with nutrients like vitamin C. These further increase your body’s capacity to produce new collagen.
What are the benefits?
Collagen is a fundamental building block of your body’s skin, connective tissues and bones. As we age, the levels of it in our body decline. This can cause issues with our skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, gut, arteries and more. Thus, by boosting the production in our bodies, these supplements can help:
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Make skin firmer and better hydrated
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Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
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Reduce inflammation in the joints for greater comfort and suppleness
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Increase bone mass
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Strengthen muscles
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Repair cartilage
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Improve gut health
These are just some of the potential benefits you could get from high-quality supplements. This moves us on to the core question: what is ‘collagen complete’?
Collagen complete: the first interpretation
Collagen is a protein. In the world of proteins, there are complete proteins and incomplete proteins. A complete protein is one that contains all 9 of the essential amino acids. By essential amino acids, we mean the ones that are essential for your body to function properly. Your body cannot make them so they must come from external sources, like food or supplements. Collagen only contains 8 of the 9 essential amino acids, so it is an incomplete protein.
Nevertheless, it is a protein that contains 19 amino acids, and it is abundant in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are fundamental to the synthesis of new collagen inside your body. There is no way to get them in greater quantities than from collagen peptides. This is why there is such a buzz around collagen supplements. They are the most potent way to fuel your body’s collagen production and reap the benefits.
In this context, 'collagen complete' may be a reference to the fact that collagen lacks the necessary components to be a complete protein. In some cases, like with sports supplements based on collagen, it could be a reference to something else. Some supplements fortify their formula to include the missing amino acid: tryptophan. This would make it a complete protein supplement that could warrant the name ‘collagen complete’.
However, to do this requires the intensive processing of fragile amino acid chains. This could damage the integrity of the amino acids and even lead to the release of toxins. You should approach these products with care.
The second interpretation
Another possible meaning of the term ‘collagen complete’ is a supplement that takes a holistic, or complete, approach to making it work. If increasing your body’s collagen levels was as simple as just consuming it, you could rely on animal skins and bone broth. While this doesn’t sound very pleasant, it would put the molecules into your body.
The problem is that they would not be bioavailable. Your body would struggle to actually absorb any of those large, heavyweight molecules. Moreover, you need vitamins and minerals to strengthen the mechanisms by which your body creates and uses collagen. Thus, any new collagen that did get produced may not be as effective as it could.
High-quality supplements go all out to make the collagen content work for you. First, the molecules are actually bioavailable amino acid chains called collagen peptides. They are then added to a liquid, powder or tablet to get it into the bodies of customers. That supplement is usually fortified with other nutrients to maximise the absorption and effectiveness of those collagen peptides. So a ‘collagen complete’ product might be one that goes all out to ensure maximum effectiveness of the peptides once they enter your body.
How would you define a ‘collagen complete’ supplement in this context?
If you want to identify a collagen supplement that does what’s written in the final sentence of the previous paragraph look no further than Kollo. Our premium grade marine collagen liquid makes research-backed choices at every stage. This ensures the collagen peptides work most powerfully for you:
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It comes from fish reared in aquaculture farms. Marine collagen is the most bioavailable, with the most molecular similarities to human collagen. Plus, the aquaculture farms ensure a minimum chance of contamination from harmful chemicals.
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Both extraction and hydrolysis utilise chemical-free techniques. You get maximum integrity and minimum chance of contamination.
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We put 10 grams of collagen peptides into every sachet of Kollo, so you consistently get 10 grams per day. Studies have shown this to be the optimal dosage to reap the benefits.
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We suspend Kollo in a liquid shot. This means it contains a consistent, high dosage. It also means high bioavailability – a liquid requires no digestion, so the collagen peptides can enter your bloodstream in no time at all.
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The liquid formula includes B vitamins, vitamin C and l-lysine. Your body will get all the fuel it needs to boost the mechanisms that produce and store collagen.
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The sachets are easy to use. Simply empty the contents into a glass of water and mix for a simple and delicious shot each day.
Every stage of development was painstakingly carried out based on the science and the needs of the consumer. Kollo makes it easy to get your daily shot. It also ensures that the collagen peptides you put into your body are as powerful and effective as possible. If that doesn’t meet the definition of ‘collagen complete’ then nothing does!
Learn more about Kollo
There is much to learn about Kollo and about our supplements in general. Our website provides a wealth of information about all of this. Explore our site and you will find:
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A section dedicated to the scientific evidence for taking collagen supplements.
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A page showcasing all the customer reviews from verified buyers. Learn first-hand the lifechanging effects of Kollo.
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A blog packed with informative articles about many things. Read all about collagen in general and Kollo in particular.
We want you to feel confident and comfortable with your choice of supplement. This is why we provide so much information and encourage you to explore Kollo with us. We have won numerous awards, received countless 5-star customer reviews and earned ‘Amazon’s Choice’ Status. We also have 'Informed Sport' certification, so you can put your trust in us.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Someone from our team will be available to speak with you.
