Does Collagen Give You Energy? 4 Reasons Why It Actually Can

Collagen supplements are becoming increasingly popular. Collagen is a category of structural proteins in the body. Collagen supplements may provide several health benefits, such as improved skin, hair, and joint health. But what about energy? Does collagen give you energy?

This article will answer the question: do collagen peptides give you energy? In addition, we’ll talk about why you feel better after taking collagen and what collagen supplement we recommend.

Does Collagen Give You Energy?

Collagen is one of the most abundant protein types in the body. It is found in connective tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, skin and hair. According to research, collagen supplements may help improve skin appearance and relieve joint pain.

Some people may find themselves adding collagen for energy. However, is there scientific evidence to back up this claim? Does collagen can boost your energy levels?

1. Yes Technically

Since collagen contains calories, it does provide some energy. Compared to almost any other food, however, it will be a poor choice for energy.

The body is able to create energy from converting some amino acids (in collagen and other proteins) and other molecules into glucose (gluconeogenesis) or other energy containing molecules. So, if the body needs energy, it can convert the collagen into energy.

However…

2. It’s Not The Best Source

The primary source of energy in the body is glucose. Glucose is the body’s main energy source since it is quickly and easily converted into energy. Fatty acids are less quickly converted into energy than glucose, and require oxygen to do so.

Even though the body can produce energy from proteins, they are not the most efficient source. 

That is why, although collagen may provide energy, it is not the best source. Truth be told, it should be spared and used to help improve skin, hair, and joint health.

Why Do I Feel Better After Taking Collagen?

After taking your collagen supplement, you may feel on top of the world. But you may be wondering why that is happening.

1. Source of Glycine

One of the amino acids that are found in collagen is glycine. Animal studies have shown that glycine can help increase serotonin (happy hormone), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. This may be why you feel happy and calm after drinking your collagen supplement.

2. You Are Mixing It With Fruit Juice?

Evidence shows that vitamin C can increase the production of collagen. As a result, it can be a good idea to pair your collagen supplement with orange juice or another fruit juice.

This means that you may feel good after taking collagen because you are mixing it with said fruit juice. Since fruit juice is a source of simple carbs, it doesn’t take too long to digest, meaning you get an immediate energy boost.

3. You Are Mixing It With Coffee?

It is a very common practice to mix your collagen powder with coffee. So, it is very likely that the energy boost you feel after is due to caffeine. Caffeine has effects on the central nervous system, making you feel less tired and increasing focus.

In fact, in a small study, male golfers who took a caffeine supplement felt less tired and had more energy while working out.

4. You Are Mixing It With MCT Oil?

Another common practice is mixing the collagen supplement with MCT oil. Since MCT oil is a short-chain fat, it travels quicker from the gut to the liver, and it doesn’t need bile to be broken down. As a result, MCT oil can provide relatively fast energy.

Our Collagen Powder Recommendation

If you want to add collagen powder but don’t know where to start, Transparent Labs offers the best collagen powder. It is made with grass-fed collagen, and it is hydrolyzed. Being hydrolyzed makes it easier to absorb and promotes greater benefits, such as better-looking skin, reduced visible signs of aging, and improved joint health.

One scoop of Transparent Lab’s collagen provides 10 grams of protein and only 45 calories. In addition, what makes this the best option is that it is Informed Choice certified, meaning it is tested for purity and safety.

Also, the formula doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives. It is also -gluten-free and non-GMO certified. It comes in two options: chocolate flavor and unflavored.

FAQ

Does Collagen Help With Fatigue?

No, probably not. If you are feeling fatigued, dig deeper to help you find the root cause of the problem, such as having poor quality sleep or not eating a healthy diet.

Does Collagen Keep You Awake?

While collagen does provide some calories, it should not keep you awake. But if you mix it with coffee, the caffeine content in coffee may keep you awake at night if you are sensitive to caffeine.

If you are having collagen in the afternoon or evening, it is best to mix your collagen powder with another beverage without caffeine.

Does Collagen Lift Your Mood?

Since collagen contains glycine, it can help improve mood by increasing serotonin levels, which is the happy hormone.

Can You Feel Collagen Working?

No, you are not likely to feel collagen working. And, keep in mind that the effects of collagen are seen in the long term. You may not experience the benefits of collagen day to day, but rather after taking it consistently for at least a couple of weeks or months.

Conclusion 

So, does collagen give you energy? While collagen does provide some calories, that is not its main benefit. Collagen is mainly used to help improve joint health, and skin appearance. If you want to boost your energy levels, carbohydrates are the best energy source for the body.

If you are looking for the best collagen powder, Transparent Labs Collagen comes as a great, clean solution made with grass-fed collagen. It offers 10 grams per serving, and it is free from artificial ingredients.

What is your favorite beverage to mix your collagen with? Let us know in the comments.

Also read:

• Collagen Daily Dose
• Best Collagen for Tendons
• Best Collagen Gummies
• Best Collagen Powder
• Best Collagen Supplements for Joints
• Can You Take Too Much Collagen
• Does Collagen Help You Lose Weight

References:

1. Nezwek TA, Varacallo M. Physiology, Connective Tissue. Nih.gov. Published October 30, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542226/
2. Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD. 2019;18(1):9-16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681787/
3. García-Coronado JM, Martínez-Olvera L, Elizondo-Omaña RE, et al. Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. International Orthopaedics. 2018;43(3):531-538. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5
4. Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Baumstark MW, Gollhofer A, König D. Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015;114(8):1237-1245. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114515002810
5. Gluconeogenesis – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. www.sciencedirect.com. Accessed October 8, 2021. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/gluconeogenesis#:~:text=Gluconeogenesis%20refers%20to%20synthesis%20of
6. Imtiaz S, Ikram H, Ayaz M, Qadir MI, Muhammad SA. Effect of glycine: Studying memory and behavioral changes in mice. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018;31(5):1943-1949. Accessed October 29, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30150193/
7. BOYERA N, GALEY I, BERNARD BA. Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross-linking by normal human fibroblasts. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 1998;20(3):151-158. doi:https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.1998.171747.x
8. MUMFORD PW, TRIBBY AC, POOLE CN, et al. Effect of Caffeine on Golf Performance and Fatigue during a Competitive Tournament. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2016;48(1):132-138. doi:https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0000000000000753