What is a Collagen?

In recent years, collagen rich foods and collagen supplements have become popular. Terms like collagen booster, collagen builder, collagen powder, and collagen supplements are widely used, leaving many wondering what is what and which one is good. Before we look into the difference, let’s first start by understanding what is collagen. 

Collagen is a molecule that is a tough, insoluble, fibrous protein. It is an essential protein found in abundance in the human body accounting for nearly 30% of total protein mass and 60% of cartilage. It is the primary building block of our skin, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissues. It plays a crucial role in holding the body’s cells together, and it is the one which provides structure and strength to our body. It is responsible for skin elasticity and has an essential part in joint and bone health. 

Our bodies create collagen naturally. However, over time, the body produces less collagen as we age, and the existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate. Aside from it, environmental exposure, excess sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, lack of good sleep, and lack of exercise can damage collagen fibers reducing their thickness and strength and leading to wrinkles, dryness and skin sagging. Now, you may wonder how to increase collagen in the skin naturally and ask yourself whether you can rebuild, regain or restore lost and damaged collagen. The good news is that you can stimulate collagen production and protect collagen by altering your lifestyle, following a skincare routine and incorporating the right type of collagen supplements based on your desired results.

What are the Main Types of Collagen Supplements?

While there are about 28 different types of collagen identified in our body, the most common types used in collagen supplements are Type I, Type II, Type III, Type V and Type X.

Each type of collagen promotes different benefits for our body, and they come in three different forms - Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen powder, collagen peptides, collagen hydrolysate & hydrolyzed gelatin), Gelatin and Undenatured type II collagen.

Type I collagen makes up about 90% of our body's collagen, and it is considered best for the skin. Various studies have shown that Type I collagen is best sourced from marine, bovine or vegan collagen sources.

When it comes to food, collagen is naturally found only in animal flesh like fish & meat that contain connective tissue. However, a variety of both animal & plant foods contain nutrients for collagen production in our bodies. Remember, collagen can’t be absorbed in a whole form. In order to be absorbed, it has to be broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids. For this reason, oral collagen supplements come in the form of powders and pills.

What is the difference between a collagen supplement & builder, and how does it work?

Are all collagen supplements safe and which collagen supplement is best for you? 

Not all collagen supplements are made the same way. You need to look at a few points specifically, like the grade of collagen.

CHOSEN’s TOR Marine Collagen ranges contain research proven collagen grades like Peptan F, which is why these collagen powders give reliable and consistent results.

The other important point to note while shopping for collagen supplements is the source. Considering that collagen can be derived from fish, beef or pork, you need to confirm that your collagen powder is in line with your religious, cultural and social sensibilities.

The next checkpoint is looking for the presence of contaminants. For example, marine collagen is often questioned about mercury content in it. TOR Collagens are tested and proven to be mercury free, therefore very safe. It helps to delay the signs of aging, increases the density of collagen in the skin’s dermis, moisturises the skin, gives smooth skin, and it improves skin elasticity and hydration.

Again, collagen supplements are often said to cause bloating, but the collagen supplements offered by CHOSEN by Dermatology are known for their no bloat formula and improvement in skin, hair and nails in as early as 6 weeks of use. A study has evaluated that supplementation with Peptan® F collagen peptides (found in TOR™ Mighty) has promoted stronger and healthier hair and has also helped increase the hair's mechanical strength by 13%.

Whilst collagen supplements are generally considered safe, we recommend taking collagen supplements during pregnancy and nursing only under your doctor’s guidance. Taking your physician's consent before taking collagen supplements is always good if you have any other health concerns as well.

Choose your collagen supplement depending on your personal goals, diet, lifestyle and preferences. CHOSEN carries the widest range of fish collagen powders in India, with 2 research grade collagens in 4  flavours (Natural Pineapple, Natural Lemon, Natural Pomegranate and Nature Identical Chocolate). TOR Classic is farmed fish collagens, while TOR Mighty is sustainably sourced wild caught fish collagen.

If you’re a vegan or a vegetarian looking for a collagen builder, WAH-TOR is for you. It contains three powerful collagen builders - Pycnogenol, Phycocyanin and Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is 6000 times more potent than Vitamin C and 550 times more potent than Vitamin E. A study shows that astaxanthin works synergistically with marine collagen in delaying the skin ageing process and improving the elasticity of the skin and improving the barrier function of the skin.

CHOSEN’s TOR Marine Collagen and WAH-TOR work great together. You can explore the options and choose your preferred collagen right here.

You might also like to read

- Why is collagen powder the best way to consume collagen for your skin and hair benefits?
- All about the ingredients in WAH-TOR plant based collagen builder
- Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements
- Collagen – the new buzz word for young skin!