Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Review - Benefits and Safety

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein: Benefits, Uses and What to Know

Collagen supplements like Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein have surged in popularity in recent years. But what exactly is collagen and does it really deliver major health perks? Let's examine the evidence behind multi-collagen benefits, optimal uses, who should take it, and what to look for in quality collagen products.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up 30% of total protein content. It forms a structural scaffolding that provides strength and elasticity to connective tissues throughout the body.

Collagen can be found in the bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, skin, blood vessels, digestive system, and more. It plays a vital role in tissue renewal, repair, and overall health. There are at least 16 different types of collagen in the body, but around 90% consists of types I, II, and III.

Collagen's Role in the Body

As we age, collagen production declines starting in our 20s. Loss of collagen leads to common signs of aging like wrinkles, stiffness, and joint discomfort. Taking a collagen supplement may provide benefits by:

• Smoothing skin and reducing wrinkles
• Supporting joint, tendon, and ligament flexibility
• Promoting gut and cardiovascular health
• Supporting strong nails, hair, teeth, and bones

Multi-collagen supplements aim to provide a more complete range of collagen types to maximize full-body benefits compared to single collagen types like collagen peptides.

An Overview of Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein delivers five collagen types (I, II, III, V, X) sourced from four food sources: beef, chicken, fish, and eggshell membrane. It aims to mimic the diversity of collagen structures found naturally in the body.

Collagen Types in Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen

• Type I - Abundant structural collagen comprising up to 90% found in skin, organs, bones
• Type II - Main collagen in cartilage and vitreous eye fluid
• Type III - Forms connective tissue with type I collagen
• Type V - Helps build cell surfaces and hair with type I collagen
• Type X - Supports bone formation and remodeling

Ingredients and Sourcing

Key details about Ancient Nutrition's Multi Collagen Protein:

• 20g collagen per serving - from bovine, chicken, fish, eggshell
• Hydrolyzed collagen peptides for better absorption
• No added hormones or antibiotics
• Free of common allergens like dairy, wheat, gluten
• Keto-friendly and paleo-friendly formula

The multi-source formula provides diversity of collagen structures that mimic what's found naturally in the human body. Their collagen is sustainably sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, and wild-caught animals.

Evidence-Based Benefits of Collagen Supplements

As collagen research has expanded in recent years, studies have uncovered evidence behind some of its proposed benefits:

Improving Skin Health

Several studies found collagen supplementation helped increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. Reduced wrinkles and facial aging also occurred.

• A 2014 study gave women 2.5–5g of collagen daily for 8 weeks, resulting in less skin dryness and wrinkles.
• A 2016 study in over 100 women found collagen peptides reduced eye wrinkles and increased moisture levels.

These skin-boosting effects resulted from types I and III collagen. The mixture in Ancient Nutrition aims to amplify skin benefits by adding type V collagen as well.

Relieving Joint Discomfort

Research indicates supplemental collagen may decrease joint pain and improve flexibility. A 24-week study had athletes take 10g of collagen daily, resulting in reduced joint pain at rest and during activity vs placebo.

Another study gave postmenopausal women 5g of collagen for 12 months, finding improved knee joint discomfort during daily activities compared to baseline.

These benefits come largely from bioavailable type II collagen that reduces inflammation and repairs cartilage in joints.

Promoting Gut and Heart Health

Collagen provides amino acids that help build and maintain a healthy gut lining. One study gave patients with gastrointestinal ulcers collagen hydrolysate, resulting in ulcer size reduction.

Early research also indicates collagen may support cardiovascular health by boosting arterial function and flexibility. More studies are underway investigating these emerging benefits.

Other Possible Benefits

Due to its role in connective tissues, collagen may also:

• Strengthen nails, hair, gums, and teeth
• Support bone matrix health and reduce risk of osteoporosis
• Boost muscle mass when paired with strength training
• Improve liver health and function

However, larger scale human studies are still needed to confirm many of collagen's proposed systemic effects.

Who May Benefit from Taking Collagen?

Collagen supplementation may provide the most benefits for the following groups:

Aging Adults

Our bodies produce less collagen as we get older. Supplementing can help compensate for this age-related decline in collagen production and counteract signs of aging.

Those with Joint Discomfort

Athletes and those with arthritis, tendonitis, and general joint stiffness may benefit from collagen's ability to support cartilage and connective tissue repair.

People Wanting Better Skin, Hair, Nails

Clinical studies show collagen improves skin elasticity, hydration and reduces wrinkles. Anecdotal evidence also suggests benefits for lackluster hair and nails.

Those Recovering from Injury

Boosting collagen intake while healing from wounds, fractures, or muscle tears may help repair and fortify connective tissues.

Individuals with Leaky Gut

Collagen helps heal the gut lining and reduce intestinal permeability that contributes to leaky gut syndrome when compromised.

Recommended Dosages for Collagen Supplements

Research indicates collagen doses between 2-10 grams per day have efficacy with low risk of adverse effects. Here are general dosage suggestions based on your goals:

• Skin health: 2.5-5g collagen daily
• Joint and bone health: 5-10g collagen daily
• Sports performance and injury recovery: 10-15g collagen daily
• Gut healing: 5-10g collagen daily

Ancient Nutrition’s protein contains about 20g collagen per scoop, providing ample collagen even at half servings if your needs are more moderate.

How to Use Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen comes in a powder form that can easily be incorporated into foods and drinks. Here are some simple ways to use it:

• Stir into smoothies, protein shakes, oatmeal
• Blend into coffee, tea, hot cereal
• Add to soups, sauces, baked goods
• Mix with water or milk for a drink

It blends smoothly into both hot and cold liquids. Many people enjoy sipping it mixed into warm drinks or water in the morning and evening when collagen production peaks.

Should You Take Collagen with Vitamin C?

Some collagen supplements also contain vitamin C. This is because vitamin C is essential for collagen formation. It acts as a cofactor for enzymes that build and crosslink collagen fibers.

Taking vitamin C with collagen may help boost the effects. A study found a combination of 2.5g collagen with 50mg vitamin C for 8 weeks was optimal for skin health and hydration.

While Ancient Nutrition's collagen doesn't contain added vitamin C, pairing it with vitamin C-rich foods and drinks can further support collagen results.

Are There Any Side Effects or Safety Concerns?

Current research indicates collagen supplements are highly safe for most people when taken as recommended.

Some sources of potential side effects or cautions include:

• Allergies or sensitivities - Evaluate ingredients if worried about food allergies
• Gut issues - Start with small doses as collagen draws water into the gut
• Heavy metals - Choose reputable brands that test for contaminants
• Interactions - May interact with certain antibiotics, if a concern consult your doctor

In clinical studies, collagen doses up to 10 times higher than normal recommendations demonstrated safety and tolerability.

Choosing a Quality Collagen Powder

With many collagen products available, it's important to assess quality when comparing options. Here are factors that contribute to collagen supplements:

• Multi-source blends - Collagen from several food sources for diversity.
• Multiple collagen types - Look for 4 types or more like Types I-V.
• Bioavailable forms - Such as hydrolyzed collagen that is more digestible.
• Clean sourcing - From pasture-raised, cruelty-free sources.
• Third party testing - To validate purity and verify low contaminant levels.

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen checks these boxes as a high-quality option backed by scientific research.

The Bottom Line on Collagen Benefits

Early research combined with countless positive anecdotes suggest collagen can promote skin, hair, nail, and joint health along with other benefits. Multi-collagen supplements like Ancient Nutrition deliver a diverse array of collagen types for full-body effects.

While more studies are still needed, current evidence indicates supplemental collagen is safe for most individuals when used appropriately. Those with aging concerns, joint issues, leaky gut, or recovering from injury may benefit the most from adding quality collagen protein.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.