Hydrolyzed bovine collagen

Types of Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen

Bov Collagen is a supplement whose type determines the benefits it offers the user. All these collagen types come in either hydrolyzed or normal form, but the hydrolyzed form is always preferred. This is because hydrolyzed collagen is better absorbed in the body compared to normal or native collagen, which has not been broken down. The following are the collagen types:

• Type I Collagen

  This type accounts for 90% of body collagen and is the most abundant. It is found in tendons, bones, and skin. Because of its abundance, collagen type I is perfect for improving skin elasticity, minimizing wrinkles, and thickening hair. All these make it popular in cosmetics and skin care products.

• Type II Collagen

  It is mostly found in the cartilage and thus supports joint health. Collagen supplements of type II are recommended for people with arthritis or osteoarthritis, as they help reduce inflammation and pain. They are also good for improving overall joint mobility and flexibility.

• Type III Collagen

  Type III collagen is usually found in skin, blood vessels, and tissues, often forming a mesh-like structure together with type I collagen. It works with type I to promote skin elasticity, and thus, it is found in products that target anti-aging. It also supports the integrity of blood vessels to promote cardiovascular health.

• Type IV Collagen

  This is mostly found in the basal lamina, which is part of the body's epithelial tissue layer. It plays a vital role in filtration and is a vital component of the glomerular membrane in the kidneys. It also helps maintain the structure and function of tissues in the internal organs.

• Type V Collagen

  This type is present in hair, placenta, and the outer layer of most tissue. It plays a vital role in forming and maintaining healthy tissues and is involved in the development of connective tissues. It helps with the regulation of fibril assembly, which is crucial in maintaining the structural integrity of various organs.

Many Ways To Use hydrolyzed bovine collagen

Hydrolyzed bovine collagen refers to collagen that has been extracted from cows and subjected to the hydrolysis process to make it easily absorbable. It can be used in different ways, both in product form and raw form.

• Dietary Supplements

  Bovine collagen supplements are available in capsule or pill form. People take them regularly to promote skin health, joint health, and overall well-being. It can also be added into shakes and smoothies for a quick nutrient boost. People add it into their favorite protein shakes or smoothies to increase amount of proteins and amino acids for improved workouts and recovery. Collagen is a popular ingredient that athletes and bodybuilders take to promote joint and muscle recovery.

• Powdered Collagen

  Hydrolyzed collagen is available in powdered form, which can be achieved by boiling the skin, bones, and muscles of cows to produce broth, then evaporating the water to produce gelatin. The gelatin is then hydrolyzed to produce collagen peptides or powdered collagen. Collagen peptides are commonly added to beverages, like coffee, tea, or water. This is an easy way to incorporate collagen into the daily routine without changing much. The powder is easily soluble and doesn't alter the taste. For maximum benefit, it's recommended to be taken in the morning or before workout. The peptides can also be added to baked items like protein bars, muffins, and pancakes to increase their protein content and have skin, hair, and joint benefits.

• Topical Products

  Many skin care products contain bovine collagen as an ingredient. These products include creams, lotions, and serums that are designed to hydrate the skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve firmness and elasticity. While collagen molecules in topical products are too large to be absorbed into the skin, they can still provide moisturizing and skin-repairing benefits. Hydrated skins appear more supple and elastic and reduce the aging effects.

• Beauty Treatments

  Bovine collagen is often used in aesthetic treatments like dermal fillers. These fillers are injected into the skin to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance facial volume. Bovine collagen-based fillers were more common in the past, but now synthetic or other types of fillers are used more often.

• Bone Broth

  Bone broth has become a trendy drink in the last few years. People prepare bone broth by boiling bones from cows and adding vinegar and other acidic solutions to draw collagens and other nutrients from the bones into the liquid. The broth is then simmered for hours until the nutrients are fully extracted, producing a nutrient-rich drink containing collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals. These help support joint health and skin, and promote digestive health.

Benefits of Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen

The production of hydrolyzed collagen from the hides, bones, and muscles of cows has been increasing over the years because of its health benefits.

• Improving Joint Health

  One of the main benefits of collagen for joints is that it helps to reduce pain, support cartilage regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Collagen is the main constituent of cartilage, which is the connective tissue that cushions joints. With age, the amount of collagen the body produces reduces and leads to joint pain and stiffness. Bovine collagen supplements increase the amount of collagen in the body, which helps to reestablish cartilage and thus reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve mobility.

• Improves Skin Health

  One study found that women who took collagen supplements daily for 8 weeks had significantly drier skin than women who took placebo supplements. Another study found that oral collagen supplementation improved skin hydration and elasticity in 75 women aged 30 to 60. Bovine collagen provides the body with the necessary amino acids that help support the skin's structure. It helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase skin moisture, promote elasticity, and decrease sagging.

• Promotes Hair and Nails

  Regularly taking collagen supplements can lead to thicker hair and stronger nails after a few months. Bovine collagen contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of keratin, the protein that makes hair strong and rigid. This helps reduce hair breakage and promote longer, stronger hair. It also helps reduce nail brittess, which causes frequent nail breaking and splitting.

• Supports Muscle Mass

  Collagen supplements may increase muscle mass in people with age-related muscle loss, and may also help prevent loss of muscle mass. Hydrolyzed collagen is a high-quality protein that contains amino acids that help build muscle. It helps increase muscle mass by providing the body with the necessary nutrients it needs during workouts and for recovery. It also helps stimulate the synthesis of muscle proteins, which promotes increased strength and endurance for athletes and bodybuilders.

• Improves Gut health

  Collagen is thought to help repair the gut lining and thus may be beneficial for people with leaky gut syndrome and other digestive disorders. It supports the health of the intestinal walls and may help reduce symptoms of gastro diseases.

How To Store hydrolyzed bovine collagen

• For users to maintain the freshness of bovine collagen products, they need to store them in a cool, dry place that is not exposed to direct sunlight or heat and is relatively air conditioned throughout the year.
• If collagen is in liquid form, the manufacturer may recommend storing it in the refrigerator to ensure freshness. Most supplements, such as powders, capsules, or pills, do not require refrigeration. However, users need to follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions for the product.
• Collagen supplements often come in airtight containers. Buyers need to ensure that the container is tightly sealed after every usage to prevent oxygen exposure, which can degrade the product over time. If the product is hygroscopic, like collagen peptides, it easily absorbs moisture in the air, which may cause clumping. Therefore, storing it in a desiccant-containing container may help avoid this. Supplements are usually packed in special storage bags that help protect them from moisture, air, sunlight, and heat. It is recommended to always keep the product in this storage bag to maintain its freshness and potency. Do not place it in the refrigerator or anywhere it will be exposed to excessive humidity, like kitchen or bathroom. Because temperature fluctuations cause condensation inside the bag, which may lead to spoilage of the product. Always store collagen supplements in the initial storage bag to keep them fresh.
• Buyers need to pay attention to the expiration date on collagen products and discard them when the product passes its expiration date. Expired collagen may lose effectiveness and in rare cases cause health issues.

Q&A

Q1: Is hydrolyzed collagen derived from cows only?

A1: No. Although most of this collagen is sourced from bovines, which are cattle like cows, the animals used to source collagen can be different sometimes. For instance, some producers may derive collagen from horses, goats, sheep, or chickens, giving rise to different types of collagen.

Q2: Why is bovine collagen the most popular?

A2: Bovine is the most abundant source of collagen because it is widely available and easy to source. It's then subjected to hydrolysis, which makes the resultant collagen easily absorbable by the body. The cost is also affordable compared to other collagen sources.

Q3: Which method do manufacturers use to extract collagen from animals?

A3: Most manufacturers use boiling, which is an age-old way of making bone broth to extract collagen from the bones, hides, and muscles of cows. While some may extend the boiling period to several days to efficiently extract collagen.

Q4: Is hydrolyzed bovine collagen safe for everyone?

A4: Generally, it is considered safe for everyone, even people with dietary restrictions like vegans and vegetarians. They can take collagen derived from fish, pigs, and other animals to complete the nutritional gap. However, people with specific allergies or medical conditions should seek medical advice before taking collagen supplements.