Here we continue our collagen myth-busting series with a look at some of the latest confusion doing the rounds.
If you’re a little frustrated by all the mixed messages from this industry, we share your angst! Collagen need not be a complicated topic, but unfortunately, much misinformation pervades. A reminder that you can always contact us directly or visit our frequently asked questions about collagen.
We speak truths, not marketing gimmicks, and we’re here to help.
The latest fake news focuses on whether stomach acid compromises collagen powder, and suggests taking collagen capsules might be more effective. No is the answer to both questions, so let’s slay some myths and find out more!
Does stomach acid destroy collagen powder? NO!
There’s a push at the moment suggesting that collagen capsules stand a better chance of surviving stomach acids. The belief is that a capsule’s outer lining will protect the powder within from being destroyed by acids and is therefore superior to collagen powder.
Not true.
Stomach acid is required to enable the body to break down food so that it can digest and absorb nutrients more efficiently. In fact, without stomach acid, your body would not be able to break down any food, not even protein, regardless of whether it’s collagen or a piece of steak.
To break down food, as well as protect us from toxins, bacteria or other nasties we may inadvertently take in, stomach acid needs to be highly acidic. Acidity is measured on a pH scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 14. The lower the pH level, the stronger the acidity.
To give you some context, battery acid has a pH of 0. Stomach acid has a pH of 1-2. On the basis that this is acidic enough to dissolve bones, a capsule wouldn’t stand a chance against this.
So, effectively, capsules actually offer no protection whatsoever against stomach acid. In addition, stomach acid does not compromise the digestion of any foods, but is actually critical for it.
Is collagen digested in the stomach?
OK - here’s the clincher! Edible Health’s collagen powder does not actually start getting digested until the small intestines (after the stomach). Studies undertaken by our manufacturer have observed no collagen degradation in the stomach whatsoever.
It is actually in the small intestine where digestion occurs from acids and enzymes breaking down longer chains of protein molecules (peptides) into shorter peptides. This process means individual amino acids are more readily absorbed.
Short peptides and amino acids can do two things - they can trigger an immuno-response to encourage the body to produce collagen or they can cross the epithelial wall, into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, dedicated transporters help the short peptides and free collagen amino acids to then travel through to cells, which is where all the good work begins!
Are collagen capsules as good as powder? NO!
Collagen capsules not only have a fraction of the dose of powder but are also combined with nasty additives. This is because collagen is a very sticky and hygroscopic (attracts water from the atmosphere) powder. Without these nasties, it is challenging to fill into tiny little capsules.
As a result, you pay 10-20 times more grams per gram of collagen (don’t be fooled by the purchase price).
Let's consider it this way: A single 13-gram serving of Edible Health Bovine Collagen will cost around 76p and a tub will last 30 days. To get the same 13 grams serving from capsules, you would not only have to take 26 capsules per day (because 2 capsules are only 1 gram), but the bottle would run out in 3½ days, meaning you would have to buy 8½ bottles of capsules just to get the same amount of collagen for the same number of days as our powder.
This makes capsules with a 1-gram daily serving not only 13 times weaker than our collagen powder but over eight times more expensive. Plus with collagen capsules, you have no way of knowing the quality of the collagen and you’ll be ingesting all manner of additives and nasties.
At around 80p per gram of collagen (compared to about £2-3), a tub of powder will give you 10-20 times more collagen in a serving, and you will be able to test the quality from how it dissolves, tastes and smells and know with 100% certainty that it contains no nasties.
Do collagen powders work? YES!
You only need to visit our customer testimonials to see how many people benefit from our collagen powders. Because our products are 100% hydrolysed, they are already broken down. So if you’re wondering if collagen is hard to digest, the answer is no. At least, not when it’s made by Edible Health!
Customers take our products daily to help with everything from hair, skin and nails to improving the integrity of the gut lining, increasing energy levels, assisting injury recovery and alleviating aching bones.
Why not read this detailed article about collagen powder versus liquids, pills and gummies? You’ll be amazed when you compare cost, efficacy, value for money and quality of ingredients.
Is there anything at all that confuses you when it comes to collagen? Have you heard any potential white lies or marketing ploys that need to be set straight? Don’t forget to reach out to us, as we’re always very keen to argue fiction with fact.
Collagen and stomach acid take-home points
- We need stomach acid, it is essential for breaking down food and digesting and absorbing nutrients more efficiently.
- Edible Health collagen digestion begins in the small intestine, there is no observation of it being degraded in the stomach.
- When it comes to collagen powder, enzymes break down its long peptides (chains of protein molecules) into shorter peptides and individual amino acids.
- These short peptides and amino acids can trigger an immuno-response to encourage the body to produce collagen.
- They can also cross the epithelial wall and into the bloodstream, where dedicated transporters help them to then travel through to cells, which is where they begin to do their good work.
- Capsules offer just a fraction of the amount of collagen that a serving of pure collagen powder can provide.
- They also include other additives.
- Capsules are more expensive than powder.
Finally, why trust Edible Health collagen?
Co-founders Corinna and Simon were some of the very first pioneers in the UK collagen supplement industry.
Back then, collagen was nowhere near the buzzword it is today. People were only just waking up to how beneficial it could be to their health and wellbeing. After nearly dying from supplements, it was imperative for Corinna to work with only the very best quality product on the market from an ethical manufacturer. Following much research around the globe, their persistence and refusal to compromise led them to a cutting-edge, world-leading manufacturer.
At last, they found a science-backed business that shared their vision for premium quality and full safety. It is essential to understand this point because collagen is not defined as a medical product and so companies are not mandated to back any claims with science. This makes the industry a breeding ground for collagen cowboys who are out to do no more than round up a quick quid.
In contrast, Edible Health’s manufacturer undertakes randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies, and they regularly invest back into their science, lab facilities, staff expertise and university/research partnerships. This fastidious commitment to world-leading standards and innovation gives Edible Health confidence in our product, knowledge and information.
The information we have provided herewith, and all linked materials, are not intended nor should they be construed as medical advice. Moreover, the information herewith should not be used as a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions and consult your General Practitioner for advice specific for you.
