The role of collagen in gut health

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and consists of various amino acids that play a key role in providing structure, strength and support to the cells in our body. It is what builds, repairs, and helps maintain elasticity in our connective tissues so that everything is functioning at its best for optimal health. Collagen production and synthesis in the body directly affects the structure and permeability of our gut, and there are many correlations as to why the state of our gut, or bacterial diversity within the gut, will influence how effectively we digest and absorb collagen.

A healthy gut has an impermeable mucosal lining, meaning that is completely sealed and will not allow any foreign molecules into the gut microbiome. This is also where the breakdown of food and its nutrients occurs as it passes through your intestinal tract and beyond.

Sometimes the mucosal lining of the gut can become damaged or it may have an overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria which is where many gut issues begin. This may cause reduced digestive function, bloating, abdominal cramping, and inflammation as your body is no longer able to adequately digest and absorb nutrients to sustain vital health. If you would like to learn more about how gut dysfunction may manifest in the body and how to heal your gut take a look at our blog here.

As you age, collagen production in the body naturally begins to slow down with every passing year, which means that there are less amino acids to travel to the areas of the body that need it most. Therefore, it can be beneficial adding a high-quality collagen supplement to your diet to further support collagen production, gut health and nutrient absorption down the track.

 

Promotes healthy gut motility

Collagen may help repair the gut lining and support gut wall integrity by rebuilding and revitalizing the structure, strength and function of the gut.

IMBIDE Vegan Collagen

Bioactive and bioavailable amino acid profile of glycine, lysine and proline which have been found to support a damaged gut lining and as a result improve overall gut health. This product also offers the added benefit of enhanced skin health with Tremella, which is known to be the beauty mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine, as it is rich in

antioxidants and assists in cellular hydration.

Nutra Organics Collagen Beauty Hair Skin and Nails

As one of our best-selling collagen products here at Gr8 Health, this product is rich in bioactive hydrolysed collagen peptides which improves digestive function, and with the added benefit of reducing the appearance of skin wrinkles and fine lines, increasing skin hydration and elasticity, and promoting healthy hair and nails. So, if you are looking for a collagen powder with both gut health and skin support this product is a great pick!

 

Boosts amino acids required for gut health

Improves intestinal integrity which may be beneficial in adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients within the body. Consuming a collagen supplement that is easier to digest and absorb means the synthesis of amino acids in the body is also enhanced as these molecules directly travel to your gut and begin the repair process.

Gelpro The Original Collagen Peptipro

This hydrolysed collagen powder contains a unique profile of 18 different amino acids, including eight of the nine essential amino acids, which have been shown to significantly support gut health providing a satiating effect for those of you on your health loss journey, and also help eradicate those unhealthy food cravings that keep us reaching for the chocolate bar.

The Healthy Chef Gut Collagen

May aid in healthy digestion and gut health with hydrolysed collagen peptides and L-glutamine. Glutamine has been shown to directly support gut health and function by maintaining a healthy and balanced microbiome, enhancing gut wall lining integrity, and reducing inflammatory symptoms such as bloating and mucosal irritation. Glutamine may also limit the inflammatory response in conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

 

Improve overall digestion and reduce bloating

Collagen has also been shown to improve mild gastrointestinal complaints such as bloating due to the hydrolysed form of collagen. The word ‘hydrolysed’ refers to a process where the long chain triple helix proteins that form collagen are broken down into short individual chains of amino acids called peptides which are easier for our body to synthesize properly.

IMBIBE Miracle Collagen

Consists of bioactive hydrolysed bovine collagen which has been shown to ease digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Gelpro Collagen Gut Health Powder

Helps reduce abdominal bloating, support the overall health of your gastrointestinal system and mucosal membranes that line our gut.

INCA Wellness Bioactive 100% Pure Bioactive Collagen Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C

If you are looking for a great collagen powder with added health benefits, this product also consists of hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C which all work in symbiosis to support gut health. Hyaluronic acid is an essential molecule for enhanced cellular hydration and joint lubrication which can additionally support skin health and joint health, whilst Vitamin C aids in the production and absorption of collagen in the body which may increase the overall function of our gut.

 

Importance of a well balanced diet and lifestyle

Although collagen has been shown to directly benefit gut health, it is important to consider other additional health and lifestyle factors to ensure your body is functioning in an optimal and sustainable manner that is right for you. You may wish to consider implementing things such as consuming a colorful and diverse diet, moving the body, prioritizing effective sleep hygiene, and living a well balanced lifestyle that offers a healthy environment for collagen to be absorbed and gut health to thrive!

 

 

References

Deters, B. J., & Saleem, M. (2021). The role of glutamine in supporting gut health and neuropsychiatric factors. Food Science and Human Wellness, 10(2), 149-154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fshw.2021.02.003

NUTRAVIVA, (n.d.). 3 Key Amino Acids For Gut & Digestive Health. https://nutraviva.com.au/blogs/news/3-key-amino-acids-for-gut-digestive-health

Cohen, L. (2019). Those Probiotics May Actually Be Hurting Your ‘Gut Health’. https://www.wsj.com/articles/those-probiotics-may-actually-be-hurting-your-gut-health-11570721466

Espina, R. (2022). The ultimate guide to collagen and gut health. https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/the-ultimate-guide-to-collagen-and-gut-health/

Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Collagen. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen

ProtGold, (n.d.). 4 Science-Backed Reasons to Drink Collagen for Gut Health. https://protgold.com/blogs/news/why-collagen-is-good-for-gut-health