Frequently asked questions
Does collagen not just get broken down into amino acids?
Partly, yes, and anyone who tells you otherwise is overselling. Intact collagen and gelatin are broken down and largely wasted.
Hydrolyzed collagen is different in one specific, measurable way. Certain di- and tri-peptides survive digestion and are detectable in blood one to two hours after a dose. That is the whole of the claim, and we stop it there.
How long before I notice anything?
Nails and hair are usually what people notice first, which is why they are worth watching. Skin outcomes in the research are measured at eight to twelve weeks. Joint outcomes are measured at twelve to twenty-four.
We would rather tell you that before you buy than let you find it out at week nine. Treat it as a twelve week test, and decide that at the start.
Is the chocolate a smaller dose than the unflavoured?
No. It is exactly the same: 20g of collagen peptides per serving.
The unflavoured is one scoop and this is two, because the powder here also carries the cocoa. The collagen in it is identical, and so is how long a tub lasts.
Is 20 grams the right amount?
It is what a serving holds, and it is on the panel.
Being straight about it: the trials that produced results used 2.5 to 10g a day, and there is no dose-response evidence above roughly 5g. So 20g is above the studied range rather than a clinically established dose. More is not established to be better.
How much is in a tub, and how long does it last?
378g, which is 14 servings at two scoops a day. At one serving a day that is a two week supply, so a twelve week run is six tubs.
That is an awkward number to publish and it is still the true one.
How sweet is it, and what is it sweetened with?
Stevia extract, not sugar. There is no added sugar in it.
Per serving there are 3g of carbohydrate, 2g of which is fibre from the acacia powder. The chocolate flavour comes from real cocoa powder.
What is "natural flavor"?
A fair question, and one the category tends to dodge.
It is on our ingredient list because it is in the tub, and it is a regulated catch-all term rather than a specific disclosure, which is exactly why people distrust it. If that bothers you, the unflavoured tub has one ingredient and no flavouring of any kind. We would rather point you there than pretend the word means more than it does.
Will it break me out, or upset my stomach?
There is no peer-reviewed evidence of collagen itself causing acne, and this tub is dairy free, which is the usual non-causal suspect.
If you are prone to digestive upset with new supplements, start with one scoop for the first week and build up to two.
Should I just eat more protein instead?
Eat more protein. This is not a substitute for it and we are not going to pretend it is.
Collagen contains no tryptophan, and in head-to-head trials whey performs better as a protein source. What this gives you is collagen peptides in a form that dissolves into a drink you are already having.
Who should not take this?
Anyone with a history of kidney stones or kidney disease should speak to their doctor first. A 20g daily dose is worth a conversation.
The same goes if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medication. This is bovine collagen, so it is not suitable if you avoid beef.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.