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Frequently asked questions

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a type of protein found naturally in the connective tissues of the body such as skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body and accounts for approximately one-third of all protein in the body. Collagen plays an important role in maintaining the structure of these tissues. It also has many other beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Why do I need a collagen supplement?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It holds living tissue together and supports the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system, making it essential for bodily mobility. Collagen peptides are essential for cell renewal. They keep our bones, joints, tendons, skin, eyes, internal organs, nails and hair strong and flexible.

When we reach the age of 30, our body's ability to make collagen begins to decline. This leads to a steady decline in collagen levels in the body. As the body produces less collagen as we age, this can lead to joint degeneration, loss bone density and damage to tendons and ligaments. The decline in production also results in wrinkles, hair loss, stiffness and weakening of our bones, cartilage and other bodily components.

Oral supplementation of collagen peptides can help replenish what your body begins to lack as you age, and keep you healthy, fit and strong.

What benefits can I expect from taking collagen as a dietary supplement?

Here are some of the potential benefits of taking collagen:

  • Reduced wrinkles
  • Increased bone density
  • Protection of joints and connective tissues
  • Reduction of inflammation
  • Improved body mobility and flexibility
  • Reduced joint pain and discomfort
  • Strengthened ligaments and tendons
  • Increased muscle mass
Who should take collagen daily?

Athletes, exercisers, workers young and old, and anyone leading a healthy, active lifestyle can benefit from collagen supplementation.

Does taking a daily collagen supplement present a risk?

Collagen is considered a safe, non-toxic daily supplement for healthy people of all ages, except those with certain allergies or other medical conditions that require stricter precautions. Collagen peptides are considered safe dietary supplements; however, it is strongly recommended that you consult your doctor about your specific health needs before use. When should I take my collagen supplement? As with any dietary supplement, seriousness and regularity are essential to achieve significant results. We recommend that you take your collagen every day, and at regular times. The best way to think about taking your collagen is to figure out how to easily include it in your daily routine. For example, you can add collagen to your morning coffee or, in the evening, to a cup of tea.

How long does collagen take to work?

Since collagen is a natural product, it affects each person differently, which means the time it takes to feel the benefits varies from person to person. We recommend taking collagen daily and regularly – it's essential for real results. A noticeable difference should be felt within a minimum of 2 weeks to 3 months. It is recommended that you take collagen daily and regularly (as part of a complete diet and balanced lifestyle) as the benefits increase over time – the longer you take it, the better it is for you. beneficial.

What is the difference between collagen type 1 and type 2 and 3?
  • Type I which is the most abundant and found in skin, tendons and bone tissue;
  • Type II found in cartilage;
  • Type III found in muscle and vessel walls.
Where can I find type 2 collagen?

Type II found in cartilage, ligaments and tendons.

What are the different types of collagen?

There are 28 different types of collagen, each with its own structure and found in specific organs. In the body, however, there are 3 main types of collagen:

Types I, II and III are the most abundant types of protein found in the human body.

▪ Type I which is the most abundant and found in the skin, tendons and bone tissue;
▪ Type II found in cartilage;
▪ Type III present in muscles and vessel walls.

What form of collagen should you choose?

Native collagen has too high a molecular weight, i.e. the size of the protein is too large to pass through the bloodstream and thus be absorbed by the body. Generally only 1% of the natural form is retained by the body. For this, it is possible to transform the protein in order to increase its bioavailability.
The first level of transformation is gelatin. It comes from a hydrolysis of collagen in its first state. It can be obtained by chemical processes or by a natural hydrolysis process. This gelatinous form of collagen makes the protein more assimilable up to 10% absorption. This transformation is an intermediate step in obtaining the most assimilable form by the body: collagen hydrosol.

The so-called “hydrolyzed” collagen is the result of an enzymatic hydrolysis of gelatin. The molecules are split again and therefore even smaller: these are collagen peptides. Thanks to this form, collagen has an absorption rate of 90%. It is the collagen with the best efficiency because it is better assimilated by the body.

For this, it is important to favor collagen hydrolysate/ hydrolyzed collagen.

All Built4 collagen peptides are hydrolysed.

What food sources can support collagen production?

Some foods rich in antioxidants can help boost collagen production. However, these sources can not replace the efficacy of oral supplementation of hydrolysed collagen since the modern diet is stripped of collagen rich sources through the denaturing of our whole food sources through over production.

There is also a distinction between amino sources and hydrolysed collagen which scientific studies have proven is absorbed into the blood stream at the single amino level and reassembled in the organ it is destined to support (based on the collagen type) as collagen.

Some amino acid sources may include:

- Salmon: Rich in Omega-3, it is also very good for skin hydration and elasticity.
- Egg yolk: The membranes of the yolk and the shell contain collagen. It is also a source of protein.
- Garlic: Eat it rather raw (for the brave), or crushed to keep all its benefits.
- Fish and bone broth: Direct source of Collagen. It was consumed very often before, especially by sick people.
- Avocado: It is also a very good antioxidant.
- Oilseeds (almonds, hazelnuts, etc.): They take care of our skin by fighting free radicals.
- Dairy products: These are amino acids that will help us produce collagen in our body.
- Kiwi: Anti-aging, it increases the production of collagen thanks to its vitamin C content.

Which micronutrients are essential to collagen formation?

Vitamin C is essential for the body's ability to make collagen.

Collagen production is promoted through vitamin C which we prefer to be achieved by consuming wholefoods rich in Vitamin C like cabbage, red fruits and vegetables, oranges, and carrots.

At Built4, we choose not to add synthetic vitamins to our products to preserve the purity of our collagen. We also believe that whole food diets are the best sources of micronutrients.

What is the relation between amino acids and collagen?

Collagen proteins consist of 18 amino acids, seven of which are needed for
human survival.

Collagen is a fibrous protein that plays an important role in our skin and hair.

It is, in fact, the most abundant protein in the body. The triple helix structure of collagen results from a very high concentration of three amino acids:
▪ glycine

▪ proline

▪ hydroxyproline


From what age is it useful to supplement with collagen?

It is estimated that in adulthood, we lose on average 1% of collagen per year. Thus, taking collagen peptides can be useful from the age of 1 however collagen peptides/gelatin are FDA approved for usage in infant formula. In terms of the amino acid profile and the many benefits of supplementation for gut health, bone density etc in childhood, there is no age requirement to start supplementing.

Does vegetable / vegetarian collagen exist?

No, vegetable derived collagen does not currently exist. Collagen peptides are obtained from collagen from animal sources including
beef, pork, poultry or fish (the so-called “marine” collagen).

All Built4 collagen supplements are derived from bovine/beef and are halal approved.

Are there any possible allergic reactions?

Since our collagen is bovine derived, there is a very small risk of allergy to beef protein with only 1% of the population who experience beef allergy.

Most allergy risks are as a result of marine derived collagen.

Doesn't putting it in a hot drink risk degrading the peptides?

No risk, our collagen peptides are heat stable up to 600 degrees celsius and can be incorporated into both hot and cold drinks.

Can I mix it with my protein in a shaker?

Absolutely ! Many athletes combine protein and collagen.

Attention all of even to the combination of dosages that will impact the texture.

Can we replace collagen with glycine?

Glycine is the main amino acid in collagen, which contains about 30%. But the latter contains other amino acids, in particular hydroxyproline which participates in the synthesis of collagen in the body.

Additionally, collagen peptides appear to be more effective in acting on connective tissues (skin, joints). Studies have shown a possible benefit of glycine for sleep quality or blood sugar control, but no clinical studies have been done on joint or skin health unlike collagen. Its main benefit is for vegans, since vegan collagen does not exist.