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5 min read

Protein and Collagen: Why You Need Both

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Published on
March 15, 2024

Protein 

The science lesson on protein is this: proteins are large biomolecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids. They are essential nutrients that the body requires for critical functions like building muscle and repairing tissues. Proteins can be derived from many food sources including meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, grains, and more.

Most of us think of protein as the miracle macronutrient - the thing we need to build muscle. And, that’s true. But, did you know….. there are also many different types of proteins found in the body?

There are: 

Structural proteins like keratin (hair and nails) and collagen (skin, bone, connective tissue)

Enzyme proteins that facilitate chemical reactions

Antibody proteins that are part of the immune system  

Transport proteins that carry substances through the bloodstream

Protein for Building Muscle

For our purposes at the FASTer Way, one of the most important roles of dietary protein is to provide amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. That’s because we want to build muscle and lose fat. And, when combined with strength training, getting sufficient high-quality protein kickstarts processes in the body to repair and rebuild muscle fibers.

In fact, when we lift weights, we actually create microscopic tears in our muscle fibers. But with adequate rest and dietary protein, those damaged fibers repair themselves and grow larger and stronger over time, thus building more muscle and helping create that leaned out, toned physique. Not getting enough protein makes it very difficult to build appreciable muscle mass.

So for those looking to increase lean muscle through resistance training, paying close attention to protein intake - both quality and quantity - is absolutely essential. Most athletes and active individuals require 0.5-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight to support muscle growth and recovery.

Collagen 

When we think of collagen, this is the protein that forms strong, flexible fibers found in skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and connective tissues throughout the body. People looking for healthier, longer hair, stronger nails, glowing skin, are looking for collagen.  

Collagen production naturally declines with age, leading to signs like wrinkles and joint issues. This is why collagen supplements have become popular, with benefits like improved skin elasticity and healthier joints.

Most collagen supplements are derived from animal sources like cows, marine life, or chickens. They provide specific collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen that has been broken down for better absorption.

Taking collagen won’t build muscle and only consuming dietary protein won’t necessarily help your joints! 

Key Differences

Back to the science, here are the main differences between protein and collagen protein:

- Protein refers to a broad category of molecules critical for muscle growth, while collagen is a specific structural protein

- Proteins like whey, casein and animal sources are optimal for building muscle due to their amino acid profiles

- The body relies on many types of proteins for various functions, while collagen is mainly found in connective tissues 

- Collagen production declines with age, which is why supplementation has become trendy for anti-aging benefits

Both protein and collagen are important nutrients for overall health. For supporting muscle growth and repair, prioritize getting adequate high-quality complete proteins. And consider a collagen supplement if you are looking to support skin, joint and tissue health as you age. Shop FASTer Way Vanilla Protein at fasterwayshop.com.

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Category

Protein and Collagen: Why You Need Both

March 15, 2024
5 min read

Protein 

The science lesson on protein is this: proteins are large biomolecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids. They are essential nutrients that the body requires for critical functions like building muscle and repairing tissues. Proteins can be derived from many food sources including meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, grains, and more.

Most of us think of protein as the miracle macronutrient - the thing we need to build muscle. And, that’s true. But, did you know….. there are also many different types of proteins found in the body?

There are: 

Structural proteins like keratin (hair and nails) and collagen (skin, bone, connective tissue)

Enzyme proteins that facilitate chemical reactions

Antibody proteins that are part of the immune system  

Transport proteins that carry substances through the bloodstream

Protein for Building Muscle

For our purposes at the FASTer Way, one of the most important roles of dietary protein is to provide amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. That’s because we want to build muscle and lose fat. And, when combined with strength training, getting sufficient high-quality protein kickstarts processes in the body to repair and rebuild muscle fibers.

In fact, when we lift weights, we actually create microscopic tears in our muscle fibers. But with adequate rest and dietary protein, those damaged fibers repair themselves and grow larger and stronger over time, thus building more muscle and helping create that leaned out, toned physique. Not getting enough protein makes it very difficult to build appreciable muscle mass.

So for those looking to increase lean muscle through resistance training, paying close attention to protein intake - both quality and quantity - is absolutely essential. Most athletes and active individuals require 0.5-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight to support muscle growth and recovery.

Collagen 

When we think of collagen, this is the protein that forms strong, flexible fibers found in skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and connective tissues throughout the body. People looking for healthier, longer hair, stronger nails, glowing skin, are looking for collagen.  

Collagen production naturally declines with age, leading to signs like wrinkles and joint issues. This is why collagen supplements have become popular, with benefits like improved skin elasticity and healthier joints.

Most collagen supplements are derived from animal sources like cows, marine life, or chickens. They provide specific collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen that has been broken down for better absorption.

Taking collagen won’t build muscle and only consuming dietary protein won’t necessarily help your joints! 

Key Differences

Back to the science, here are the main differences between protein and collagen protein:

- Protein refers to a broad category of molecules critical for muscle growth, while collagen is a specific structural protein

- Proteins like whey, casein and animal sources are optimal for building muscle due to their amino acid profiles

- The body relies on many types of proteins for various functions, while collagen is mainly found in connective tissues 

- Collagen production declines with age, which is why supplementation has become trendy for anti-aging benefits

Both protein and collagen are important nutrients for overall health. For supporting muscle growth and repair, prioritize getting adequate high-quality complete proteins. And consider a collagen supplement if you are looking to support skin, joint and tissue health as you age. Shop FASTer Way Vanilla Protein at fasterwayshop.com.

Subscribe to our blog

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
5 min read

Protein and Collagen: Why You Need Both

March 15, 2024

Protein 

The science lesson on protein is this: proteins are large biomolecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids. They are essential nutrients that the body requires for critical functions like building muscle and repairing tissues. Proteins can be derived from many food sources including meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, grains, and more.

Most of us think of protein as the miracle macronutrient - the thing we need to build muscle. And, that’s true. But, did you know….. there are also many different types of proteins found in the body?

There are: 

Structural proteins like keratin (hair and nails) and collagen (skin, bone, connective tissue)

Enzyme proteins that facilitate chemical reactions

Antibody proteins that are part of the immune system  

Transport proteins that carry substances through the bloodstream

Protein for Building Muscle

For our purposes at the FASTer Way, one of the most important roles of dietary protein is to provide amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. That’s because we want to build muscle and lose fat. And, when combined with strength training, getting sufficient high-quality protein kickstarts processes in the body to repair and rebuild muscle fibers.

In fact, when we lift weights, we actually create microscopic tears in our muscle fibers. But with adequate rest and dietary protein, those damaged fibers repair themselves and grow larger and stronger over time, thus building more muscle and helping create that leaned out, toned physique. Not getting enough protein makes it very difficult to build appreciable muscle mass.

So for those looking to increase lean muscle through resistance training, paying close attention to protein intake - both quality and quantity - is absolutely essential. Most athletes and active individuals require 0.5-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight to support muscle growth and recovery.

Collagen 

When we think of collagen, this is the protein that forms strong, flexible fibers found in skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and connective tissues throughout the body. People looking for healthier, longer hair, stronger nails, glowing skin, are looking for collagen.  

Collagen production naturally declines with age, leading to signs like wrinkles and joint issues. This is why collagen supplements have become popular, with benefits like improved skin elasticity and healthier joints.

Most collagen supplements are derived from animal sources like cows, marine life, or chickens. They provide specific collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen that has been broken down for better absorption.

Taking collagen won’t build muscle and only consuming dietary protein won’t necessarily help your joints! 

Key Differences

Back to the science, here are the main differences between protein and collagen protein:

- Protein refers to a broad category of molecules critical for muscle growth, while collagen is a specific structural protein

- Proteins like whey, casein and animal sources are optimal for building muscle due to their amino acid profiles

- The body relies on many types of proteins for various functions, while collagen is mainly found in connective tissues 

- Collagen production declines with age, which is why supplementation has become trendy for anti-aging benefits

Both protein and collagen are important nutrients for overall health. For supporting muscle growth and repair, prioritize getting adequate high-quality complete proteins. And consider a collagen supplement if you are looking to support skin, joint and tissue health as you age. Shop FASTer Way Vanilla Protein at fasterwayshop.com.