What's in Your Collagen? The Glutamine Edition

As well researched WillPowderers, we know how inquisitive you are, and quite rightly so, about our products and how to reach optimum health.  You seek to understand the intricacies of supplements and ingredients to better equip yourselves on your WillPowders Way and that’s the way it should be.  It’s your body, your brain and your life, so understanding how you are fuelling it should be a priority and something you care deeply about.  

We care deeply about it as well, which is why we aim to be as transparent as possible, stay abreast of the latest research and be a source of information that you can trust.  There ain't no smoke and mirrors here!

So, in the world of collagen supplements what should you be looking for? What should you know? What should it include and not include? Well…

One compound that often takes centre stage for its myriad of benefits is glutamine. This amino acid plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the body, influencing everything from muscle growth to immune function. However, maintaining optimal levels of glutamine isn't always easy, which is where the support of a good collagen supplement, like WillPowders collagen, can come into play.

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, it serves as a building block for proteins and it plays a vital role in several key functions. Glutamine is essential for muscle protein synthesis, making it crucial for muscle growth and recovery, especially after intense exercise; it supports the immune system by fuelling immune cells and aiding in the production of cytokines, which are important for immune responses; it is a primary fuel source for the cells lining the digestive tract, helping to maintain gut integrity and function and it is a precursor to neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA, which are essential for proper brain function and mental clarity.

Studies:
The Role of Glutamine in the Complex Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Health

The role of glutamine in supporting gut health and neuropsychiatric factors

Without sufficient glutamine, several aspects of health can be compromised: inadequate glutamine levels can hinder muscle recovery and growth, potentially leading to muscle wasting over time, something we must be mindful of as we age; it may impair immune function, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses; it can contribute to intestinal permeability (leaky gut), leading to digestive discomfort and possibly contributing to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and since glutamine is involved in brain health, a deficiency may result in fatigue, brain fog, and poor cognitive function.

Our collagen has been formulated without nasties (it’s as clean as it comes); we haven’t had to mask a rancid fishy flavour with a whole host of synthetic flavours which can impact your gut health and we’re not trying to fool you into thinking that you can replenish your collagen stores with plants (God, give us strength). Whilst we know exactly where it comes from and how our cows have been cared for; it’s Swiss (Swiss Swoo); it’s bioavailable; it’s grass fed, and it is a tasteless, clear protein that can be used as sneaky nutrition in a library full of of recipes for the whole family (even the fussiest of family members, namely little WillPowderers), that’s not what we’re shouting about today (let’s face it, it’s loud enough on its own!). It’s that our bovine collagen peptides are rich in glutamine.

Bovine collagen is often considered more abundant in glutamine compared to plant-based and marine collagen due to the composition of the sources. Glutamine is an amino acid found abundantly in animal protein sources, such as beef, while plant-based and marine collagen sources may not be as naturally rich in glutamine. Why? Where do we start…

While plants and marine sources contain protein, their amino acid profiles may not include as high a concentration of glutamine; plant-based collagen alternatives, in particular, may contain different types of proteins or collagen-like substances that may not be as rich in glutamine; the extraction and processing methods used for marine and plant-based collagen may also affect their glutamine content; different sources of collagen naturally have varying levels of glutamine based on factors such as the species, age, and diet of the source organism, therefore marine and plant-based sources may simply have lower inherent levels of glutamine compared to animal-derived sources.

Our bovine collagen peptides derive from cow hides, which are rich in Type I collagen, the most abundant type of collagen in the human body which is vital for skin, bone, and connective tissue health. In addition, collagen derived from bovine hide tends to have excellent bioavailability, meaning that it is easily absorbed and utilised by the body. This makes it an effective supplement for promoting skin elasticity, joint health, and overall well-being. Furthermore, bovine collagen sourced from hides can be processed into various forms, such as collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen, making it more suitable for supplements. Moreover, the hides of cows are often considered a by-product of the meat industry, meaning that utilising collagen from this source can help minimise waste, making use of parts of the animal that might otherwise be discarded. We don’t half love a bit of sustainability and eating nose to tail at WillPowders!

Unlike companies that offer bovine, marine and plant based collagen, who are obviously just trying to flog their wares and who clearly have no real investment in your health, WillPowders stays true to the research. We hang our hats on bovine collagen because we know that it is the most bioavailable way to support your collagen stores. 

Glutamine is a powerhouse amino acid with far-reaching effects on the body's health and function. By upping your glutamine intake, you may just offset inflammatory effects of too much methionine (high histamine). Whilst you can do your best to load up on dietary sources of collagen which can contribute to glutamine intake, supplementation with collagen can offer additional support, ensuring that the body has the resources it needs to thrive. Whether you're an athlete looking to optimise performance or simply striving for better health, prioritising glutamine intake is a smart choice for longevity.