Amino Complex

Do collagen supplements support weight management or other fitness goals? Collagen has exploded on the health scene for good reason. It helps boost the elasticity and integrity of our skin, supports our joints and muscles, and helps strengthen our gut lining. But what about weight loss? Can a collagen supplement help support weight loss goals, and if so, how? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of the body’s total protein. It is present in all of our tissues and organs, and is essential for many physiological processes. Let’s break down how collagen can support weight loss ... Source of Amino Acids As a source of protein and amino acids, collagen may drive weight loss because it helps with ‘satiety’, our feeling of fullness. When we feel full, with steady blood sugar levels, we tend to eat less and crave less sugar. Although not a complete protein, there is associated muscle mass support and building that is supported when coupled with resistance training. The more muscle we have, the more calories we burn at rest. Organika’s Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein is a great addition to your routine especially if weight loss is part of your goals, because with all 9 essential amino acids; this collagen powder IS a complete protein. Joint Support Collagen’s ability to strengthen and support our joints, is another way it may aid in weight loss. People living with joint pain, especially Osteoarthritis, know how limiting it can be on their ability to exercise. As collagen is essential for healthy connective tissue in joints, tendons and ligaments, supplementing may help reduce pain, allowing for increased physical activity. Try Enhanced Collagen Bone & Joint for added supplements and support to support aching joints, muscles and further build bone density. Gut Health Maintaining a strong gut lining is important for how our body digests, absorbs and utilizes nutrients from our food. Collagen plays a role in building healthy connective tissue throughout the digestive tract. It also helps ensure a good balance of bacteria. By supporting the gut, collagen helps aid in digestion, immune function and weight loss. For added gut health benefits, try Full Spectrum Collagen 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 – a multi-sourced collagen that also includes chicken broth for added protein and gut health benefits. Beyond Weight Loss Collagen may extend beyond weight loss, in its capacity to help deal with the unwanted side effects of weight loss like loose skin. By strengthening the dermis layer of the skin, collagen may help reduce the appearance of cellulite and sagging loose skin. Studies have shown that supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen peptides help to tighten the skin, improving its integrity and texture. Looking for fat burning? Let’s take it one step further if weight loss and fat burning are your goal. While collagen helps in the ways above, you can add other nutrients that assist in weight loss to any collagen. Organika has done the work for you with Metaboost Fat Metabolizing Complex. This collagen powder offers the same Enhanced Collagen protein from hydrolyzed grass-fed bovine collagen peptides... PLUS has other natural ingredients such as L carnitine and Garcinia to help boost your metabolism. This powder helps to keep you feeling fuller long, burn fat, and support weight management. As you can see, the benefits of collagen are wide ranging. Along with all the reasons we love collagen to support our healthy lifestyle, we can now add weight loss to that list.

Are all sports drinks supporting your hydration needs and should you be using them? The terms "sports drinks" and "electrolyte drinks" are often used interchangeably, but there can be some differences in their composition and intended use. Sports Drinks Sports drinks are beverages specifically formulated to replenish fluids, electrolytes, and carbohydrates during or after intense physical activity or prolonged exercise. They are designed to provide hydration, energy, and electrolyte replacement to support athletic performance. Sports drinks typically contain a mix of water, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium), carbohydrates (usually in the form of sugars), and sometimes vitamins. The key thing to note is that there most often is sugars in these drinks, which counteracts them being necessarily “healthy.” This is why many sports drinks are not often recommended by nutritionists, due to added sugar and added calories. Excessive consumption can have negative health effects, especially for individuals who are not engaging in intense physical activity. Electrolyte Drinks Electrolytes, on the other hand, refer to beverages that primarily focus on replenishing electrolytes and maintaining fluid balance. They may or may not contain significant amounts of carbohydrates. Electrolyte drinks can be used in various situations, including rehydration after physical activity, management of dehydration due to illness (such as diarrhea or vomiting), or simply to maintain electrolyte balance in everyday life. Electrolyte drinks typically contain a blend of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and sometimes calcium. They may also include flavours or additional ingredients for taste. What they don’t tell you It's worth noting that the specific composition and effectiveness of sports drinks and electrolyte drinks can vary among brands and products. It's important to read the labels and choose products that align with your specific needs, whether it's supporting athletic performance or replenishing electrolytes in other contexts. Just because a product has one or two ingredients in it which are important after a workout, we must look at the whole product. Look at the amount of sugar and food colouring in sports drinks. Bottom line: Avoid sports drinks because what you really need to replenish are electrolytes – so opt for those! Discussing your needs with a nutritionist is a great start if you are unsure. Your questions about sports drinks vs. electrolytes answered Do you need electrolytes for fitness/athletics? The need for electrolytes for fitness or athletics depends on many factors. However, anyone exercising and sweating even just a little bit needs electrolytes. Most people are already deficient in electrolytes and use only water to hydrate. Organika’s Electrolytes are safe enough for daily hydration no matter the activity level... and they contain 0 g sugar. Are specific electrolytes important? All electrolytes are equally important for maintaining proper electrolyte balance. The primary electrolytes lost through sweat are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Each of these minerals plays a unique role in the body, such as regulating nerve and muscle function, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting energy production. The actual individual electrolytes may depend on the individual’s needs. For example, a long-distance runner or someone participating in hot yoga will need a higher amount of sodium as we lose more sodium by sweating than other electrolytes. When should you consider Electrolytes Extra Strength? The need for Electrolytes Extra Strength depends on the individual needs, activity level, and if they are in a hot or humid environment. Electrolytes Extra Strength would be suitable for those who are going on a hike on a summer day, a long-distance runner, or someone taking a hot yoga class. Every day Electrolytes, are for most people. They are a balanced blend of Electrolytes. These can be great for individuals who are looking to replenish electrolytes and stay hydrated. These may be suitable for those exercising, coming back from an illness or just looking to stay well hydrated. Learn more: The Science of Electrolytes This article has been reviewed and approved by Registered Holistic Nutritionists Stephanie Lannon and Joleen Gruber

There’s different types of collagen? Collagen has become the talk of the health industry, fitness industry as well as the beauty industry. Why? It’s an important protein. In fact, it is the most abundant protein in your body, making up 30% of your protein mass.[1] Collagen is found in our bones, connective tissues (joints, ligaments, and cartilages), muscles, hair, skin, nails and even our blood vessels. Though important for many reasons, collagen’s primary function is strength and structure. Think of it as the glue that holds your body together. Collagen peptides are what give your skin elasticity, shape, and structure in joints. Now you may understand why there are various types of collagen (16 to be exact). Regarding supplements, the most talked about types of collagen are type 1, 2, and 3. Collagen supplements come in various forms of either hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides, collagen powder, collagen capsules or liquid form), gelatin or undenatured collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides seem to be the easiest for the body to absorb and use. Type 1 Collagen Where is it found? Type 1 collagen is found in our hair, skin and nails and is the most abundant type of collagen in our body, making up around 90%. Type 1 collagen also can be found in our bones – making up around 40% of our bone matrix as well as in our ligaments. Sources of Type 1 collagen include marine and bovine collagen. What does it do? Type 1 collagen is essential when it comes to the beauty benefits of Collagen as it is what is responsible for our skin elasticity, strength and helps with anti-aging. Cellulite is a loss of elasticity in our skin and type 1 collagen plays a significant role in that. Products with Type 1 Collagen Peptides All our Enhanced Collagen products contain Type 1 and 3 collagen, sourced from grass-fed bovine with no hormones or antibiotics Marine Collagen Powder made from fish scales containing only Type 1 collagen Liquid Marine Collagen with Biotin and Vitamin C is marine collagen in liquid form with beauty-boosting ingredients Salmon Collagen Capsules derived from the skin of wild salmon, rich in Type 1 collagen only Effervess tablets made with marine collagen and vitamin C Beef Bone Broth rich in Types 1 & 3 collagen Type 2 Collagen Where is it found? Type 2 Collagen is what we find in our connective tissues – think joints, ligaments, and cartilage. Chicken is known to have a very high amount of type 2 collagen in it. What does it do? Type 2 collagen is what is responsible for maintaining the structure of our bones and cartilage. When we have a loss of collagen in our body (it naturally decreases as we age and is affected by smoking or UV light exposure), cartilage and ligaments start to weaken and break down, leading to damage and osteoarthritis. Products with Type 2 Collagen Peptides Biocell Collagen derived from chicken cartilage (sternum) rich in type 2 collagen, with added hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate for optimal joint health Chicken Bone Broth has type 2 collagen as well as essential glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) to help with connective tissue Type 3 Collagen Where is it found? Type 3 collagen is also an abundant form of protein found in our body and found alongside type 1 collagen fibers. It is in the reticular fibers in the body. Those reticular fibers are your bones, muscles, organs, blood vessels, dentin, tendons as well as some other connective tissues. What does it do? Type 3 collagen alongside type 1 collagen is essential for improving the elasticity in our skin, anti-aging, improved circulation, healthy bone matrix, healthy nails and thicker hair. Products with Type 3 Collagen Peptides Enhanced Collagen is the #1 selling Collagen Powder in Canada* and made with grass-fed bovine, antibiotic and hormone free, offering both type 1 and 3 hydrolyzed collagen peptides. Try any of our products with Enhanced Collagen Beef Bone Broth: Excellent source of type 3 collagen! Rich in essential minerals and GAG’s known to contain Hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and glucosamine What Types of Collagen Do You Need? Now that you know the various types of collagens, you may be wondering which one to use. 1. Let’s start with sourcing the best types to consume. Collagen (all types) is a large molecule, so start by choosing supplements that have gone through hydrolyzation. Look for hydrolyzed collagen peptides for optimal absorption. 2. Next, choose your collagen supplement based on what your health needs are, what benefits you would like to see and how each type of collagen can help your body overall. a) Are you focused on beauty and bone and joint health – you may want types 1 and 3 b) If you are only focused on joints and ligaments – you may want bone broths that are rich in Type 2 3. Third, choose the one that suits your lifestyle best. Do you prefer powder (to mix into your choice of beverages or water), capsules, or liquid? If you feel you want to supplement with all three types of collagen, that is acceptable. With collagen consumption you are also getting an intake of 17 other types of amino acids that are beneficial as well. “If you are looking for an overall collagen 1-5, combine Full Spectrum and the Vegetarian Collagen capsules. Enhanced Collagen is great because it has type 1 and 3. Type 1 for hair, skin, nails bones etc. Type 3 is great to support the gut health. I would suggest type 2 collagen for those who are looking to specifically support joints/inflammation.” Stephanie Lannon, R.H.N. and Wellness Educator Supplementing with Full Spectrum Collagen This is a plentiful form of Types 1, 2, 3 collagen and can keep muscles and tendons together and even rebuild your cartilage, helping to fight the symptoms of arthritis. “With age, collagen formation declines naturally, leading to a loss of elasticity, strength, and tone throughout the body. Organika’s Full Spectrum Collagen provides you with Bovine Collagen types 1 & 3 (giving you thick hair, strong nails, supple skin, healthy joints, as well as supporting a healthy digestive tract), Marine Collagen Type 1 (supports fuller hair, stronger nails, and youthful skin), and Chicken Bone Broth Type 2 Collagen (naturally high in hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans that help build strong joints and connective tissues).” - Joleen Gruber, R.H.N. and National Educator. Want to choose collagen but are vegetarian or vegan? If you are vegan, we have a Plant-Based Collagen Booster for those wanting to simply increase their own collagen production. For vegetarians we also carry Vegetarian Collagen made from natural eggshell membranes (contains type 1 collagen and others). What Do the Experts Say About Collagen Types? Resident experts Joleen Gruber, R.H.N. & National Educator, and Stephanie Lannon, R.H.N. & Wellness Educator, weigh in on commonly asked questions about collagen, types of collagen and consuming collagen peptides. Should one be aiming for all types through their diet? Is Type 1 and 3 enough? It really depends on the desired benefits/needs. Enhanced collagen type 1 and 3 (Enhanced Collagen) is suitable for most (except for pescatarian/vegetarian/vegan or opposed to taking bovine). Once you know what you would like to get out of collagen then you can select your product. While it’s not necessary to aim for all of them, it is fine to consume all as they serve different areas of the body. What advice do you have for people that are solely marine or Type 1 collagen? Change it up and add different types of collagen to fill in the gaps (joint health, hair, skin, nails, cartilage) because as we age collagen is declining from all areas of the body. If, however, you do only want to focus on the beauty benefits and have little to no joint concerns, it is perfectly fine to go for solely Marine or Type 1 collagen (for which we have options as well). What are the products you typically recommend for someone looking for each type of collagen? The beauty of collagen is the fact it is customizable to each person’s lifestyle. Enhanced Collagen is great place to start and is Canada’s #1 collagen powder as it has type 1 and 3 and is a great collagen for those who are looking for skin, hair, nails, joints, gut support, muscles etc. There are also blends that offer added benefits; for example, better sleep (Enhanced Collagen Sleep), energy (Enhanced Collagen Vitality) etc. For pescatarians, then Marine Collagen may be best. For older adults, or if you truly want a range of collagen, they can either go with a Full Spectrum Collagen or Vegetarian Collagen capsules. Full Spectrum Collagen has type 1, 2 and 3. Vegetarian Collagen (eggshell membrane) that includes type 1,4 and 5 collagen. Both can be combined with our Full spectrum Collagen to get all 5 collagens. For busy bees, you may want to try Liquid Enhanced Collagen as taking a shot a day may be easier than finding an opportunity to make a drink or meal using the powder form. Is there a maximum amount of collagen per day that is recommended/suggested? There is no upper limit for collagen. However, usually between 2.5 g to 15 g per serving is sufficient to reap the benefits. Our body absorbs everything better if it is spread throughout the day There is not a maximum level per se, if you consume too much, your body will just burn the excess as fuel, or you may experience gastrointestinal disturbances. Note: Remember collagen is a protein (though not a full protein) and will contribute to the amount of protein getting elsewhere. Therefore, the amount you can consume may vary. If you are an athlete, then the amount of protein/collagen you can consume may be up to 25 g per day. It’s best to speak to a nutritionist to ensure you are getting a collective amount of protein that is within the suggested amount your body needs. Have more questions? Talk to our experts about product recommendations.