Is Collagen a Protein? Complete or Incomplete?
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Yes, collagen is a protein. It is the most abundant protein in the body, and collagen peptide powders are about 90% protein by weight. But collagen is an incomplete protein: it contains no tryptophan, one of the nine essential amino acids.
Is collagen a complete protein?
No. A complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids in useful amounts. Collagen lacks tryptophan and is low in several others, so it does not count as complete. That is not a flaw in the supplement; it is simply what collagen is.
Does collagen count towards protein intake?
Collagen counts as protein on a nutrition label. A 10 g serving of collagen peptides typically provides around 9 g of protein. For diet planning, rely mainly on complete protein foods, and treat collagen as an extra.
Related reading: what is collagen?; what are collagen peptides?; collagen powder vs protein powder.
What is collagen protein made of?
Collagen is very rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Hydroxyproline is almost unique to collagen, which is why it is used as a marker for collagen in lab tests.
Collagen protein vs protein powder
Most protein powders are complete proteins from whey, milk, soy or pea blends. Collagen is a specialist protein with a different profile. See our comparison of collagen and whey.
Hyoomen's collagen figures
Hyoomen Bovine Collagen Peptides contains 10,000 mg of PEPTAN® B hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides per 10 g serving, providing Types I and III, unflavoured and sourced from grass-fed cattle.
See Hyoomen Bovine Collagen Peptides.
Hyoomen Marine Collagen contains 10,000 mg of hydrolysed wild-caught marine collagen peptides per daily serving, providing Type I.
Hyoomen Multi Collagen contains 10,000 mg of hydrolysed multi-collagen per daily serving, providing Types I, II, III, V and X.
All three are packed in resealable doypack pouches. Compare the Hyoomen collagen range.
Frequently asked questions
Is collagen a peptide?
Whole collagen is a large protein. Hydrolysed collagen is a mix of peptides.
How much protein is in collagen powder?
Around 9 g per 10 g serving. Check your label.
Can collagen replace protein powder?
Not as a complete protein. It can be used alongside one.
Is collagen protein good for you?
It is a protein food. No authorised UK health claims exist for collagen itself.
Important
This article is general information, not medical advice. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or under medical supervision, speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking a supplement. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose.