3 Things to Know About Collagen with Probiotics for Gut Health

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for an estimated 25 percent to 30 percent of the body’s total protein. It’s also an important component of health support throughout the body.

While your body makes collagen, collagen can also be obtained through foods, such as traditional bone broth, and dietary supplements, such as hydrolyzed collagen peptides.

So what should you know about collagen for gut health?

Collagen provides amino acids, such as glycine, proline and arginine, and it can help support a healthy gut lining and healthy digestive system function. Certain collagen supplements also combine collagen peptides with ingredients such as probiotics, prebiotics, glutamine and vitamin C for additional nutritional and gut support.

Here are seven things to know about collagen for gut health, including how collagen supports the gut, which types of collagen to consider and how to incorporate collagen-rich foods and supplements into your routine.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein and a major component of connective tissues. It helps maintain the structure and function of many parts of the body, including joints and skin.

Collagen contains several amino acids, including glycine, proline and arginine. These amino acids aren’t typically found in the same amounts in common meat protein sources, such as chicken or beef.

The body naturally produces collagen, but collagen production typically begins to decline starting in the late 20s to mid-30s. In addition to the collagen the body produces, people can obtain collagen and the building blocks involved in collagen production through foods and dietary supplements.

What you need to know about collagen for gut health

1. Collagen supports a healthy gut

One of the most important things to know about collagen for gut health is that collagen formulated with probiotics helps support gut health.

Because collagen is an important component of overall health, consuming adequate collagen with probiotics and nutrients that support the body’s own collagen production can be part of an overall approach to supporting gut health.

2. Collagen with probiotics supports a healthy gut microbiome

The gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms that lives within the gastrointestinal tract. Maintaining a healthy microbiome includes supporting an appropriate balance of beneficial gut flora.

Collagen with probiotics can support a healthy gut microbiome.

For example, some collagen supplements designed specifically for gut support also include ingredients such as soil-based organism (SBO) probiotics. These formulas provide another option for people who want collagen alongside ingredients formulated for overall gut support.

3. The type and form of collagen matter

There are at least 29 types of collagen in the human body, and different types have different structural roles.

Among the types associated with benefits are types 1, 2 and 3. Types 1, 2 and 3 are abundant forms of collagen and are important for overall health.

When choosing collagen for gut health, hydrolyzed collagen powder — also known as collagen peptides — is one option to consider, when formulated with probiotics.

Hydrolysis breaks collagen down into shorter protein chains. As a result, hydrolyzed collagen peptides are broken down and digested more easily in the gut. They also generally dissolve readily in hot or cold liquids.

Some multi-collagen supplements provide several types of hydrolyzed collagen peptides from multiple food sources. Certain formulas provide as many as 10 collagen types and 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides per two-scoop serving.

Other gut-focused collagen supplements combine multiple types of hydrolyzed collagen with gut-specific ingredients, such as probiotics.

Which collagen is best for gut health?

When considering the best collagen for gut health, look first at the type and form of collagen rather than focusing only on the front of the package.

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are particularly versatile because hydrolysis breaks collagen into shorter protein chains that are more easily broken down and digested in the gut. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides can also generally be mixed into either hot or cold liquids.

A multi-collagen protein powder may provide several types of collagen from multiple food sources. Formulas containing types 1 and 2 can provide collagen types associated with health benefits.

For people looking for additional gut-focused ingredients, another option is a collagen supplement formulated with ingredients such as SBO probiotics for overall gut support.

Vitamin C may also be included in collagen supplements because vitamin C provides antioxidant support.

How to use collagen formulated with probiotics for gut health

There isn’t one universal amount of collagen that’s appropriate for everyone. How much collagen you use can depend on your health, lifestyle, goals and the particular supplement you’re taking.

One practical option is to consume a serving of collagen protein powder each day while also eating a balanced diet that supplies nutrients involved in normal collagen production.

Always follow the suggested-use directions on the specific product label rather than assuming that serving sizes are interchangeable between products.

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides can be incorporated into many foods and beverages. Depending on the particular product and its flavor, collagen powder may work well in:

• Coffee
• Smoothies
• Water
• Juice
• Soups
• Oatmeal
• Baked goods

An unflavored collagen powder can be particularly versatile because it can be incorporated into both sweet and savory recipes.

Collagen-rich foods for gut health

Supplements aren’t the only way to incorporate more collagen into your diet.

Traditional bone broth is one of the most readily available dietary sources of collagen and can be consumed on its own or incorporated into recipes.

A well-rounded diet should also provide the nutrients the body uses for its own collagen synthesis. Important nutrients include:

• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Copper
• Antioxidants
• Protein

Rather than relying exclusively on one food or supplement, consider collagen as one component of a varied, nutrient-dense eating pattern.

What should you look for in a collagen supplement for gut health?

When comparing collagen supplements, consider the collagen source, types and form, as well as any additional ingredients included in the formula.

A general multi-collagen protein powder, for example, may contain numerous collagen types from several food sources. Some multi-collagen powders provide up to 10 types of collagen and 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides per serving.

For more targeted gut support, some collagen formulas combine hydrolyzed collagen peptides with gut-focused ingredients, such as SBO probiotics.

Depending on your goals, you may also want to look for vitamin C, which provides antioxidant support.

Most importantly, review the supplement facts panel, ingredient list and suggested-use directions so you understand exactly what the particular formula provides.

(If you’re looking for the best types of collagen formulated with probiotics for gut health, Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein, Multi Collagen Advanced and Multi Collagen Protein Gut Restore are strong options.)

Frequently asked questions

Is collagen formulated with probiotics good for gut health?

Collagen can support gut health by helping support healthy digestive system function. It can also support a healthy gut microbiome.

What type of collagen is best for gut health?

Types 1, 2 and 3 are abundant forms of collagen associated with health benefits. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are a convenient supplemental form because hydrolysis breaks collagen into shorter protein chains that are more easily broken down and digested in the gut.

Are collagen peptides the same as hydrolyzed collagen?

Hydrolyzed collagen is commonly referred to as collagen peptides. The hydrolysis process breaks collagen down into shorter chains of proteins.

Can you take collagen every day?

Collagen protein powder can be incorporated into a daily routine according to the product’s suggested-use directions. The appropriate amount depends on the specific product as well as individual health, lifestyle and goals.

How much collagen formulated with probiotics should you take for gut health?

There isn’t one amount that’s appropriate for everyone. One approach is to consume at least one serving of collagen protein powder per day while following the product’s label directions. Some people may use more, but it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before substantially changing a supplement regimen.

What can you mix collagen powder with?

Depending on the particular formula and flavor, hydrolyzed collagen powder can generally be mixed into hot or cold beverages. Common options include coffee, smoothies, water and juice. Collagen powder can also be incorporated into foods such as soups, oatmeal and baked goods.

Can you get collagen from food?

Yes. Traditional bone broth is a dietary source of collagen. A well-rounded diet can also provide vitamin C, zinc, copper, antioxidants and protein, which help support the body’s normal collagen synthesis.

Conclusion

• When it comes to collagen for gut health, the central benefit is straightforward: Collagen with probiotics helps support gut health and healthy digestive system function.
• Collagen also supports a healthy gut microbiome, normal phase two liver detoxification, the gut-brain connection, healthy metabolism and body composition, and healthy cellular energy.
• Hydrolyzed collagen peptides provide a convenient way to add collagen to the diet and can generally be incorporated into both hot and cold foods and beverages. Multi-collagen formulas can provide several collagen types from multiple food sources, while gut-focused collagen supplements may also include ingredients such as probiotics.
• Collagen supplements work best as part of a broader nutrition and lifestyle approach that includes a well-rounded diet. Foods containing protein, antioxidants, vitamin C, zinc and copper can provide nutrients involved in the body’s normal collagen synthesis, while traditional bone broth provides a dietary source of collagen itself.
• Always consult your healthcare professional before beginning a new dietary or lifestyle regimen, including supplementation. Read and follow the suggested-use directions provided on the product label.