Collagen is one of the most popular dietary supplements for endurance athletes.
It's no secret that athletes are more likely to experience wear and tear of their joints due to heavy loads and repetitive movements.
But what is collagen? What are the consequences of its deficiency? How to deal with it?
In this blog, we answer these questions and present you with two products, Pro Flex and Collagen+, both created specifically for athletes.
Why use collagen?
Collagen is a protein naturally produced in the body — it is found in the skin, cartilage, connective tissues, and bones. Unfortunately, after 25 years of age, your body is not able to produce it in sufficient quantities by itself.
Collagen represents about 30 percent of all protein in your body, and as a protein, it can be found everywhere — in the skin (70% of its volume), bones, teeth, muscles, and intestine.
Collagen is a so-called structural protein that provides all the necessary support and structure to your skin and joints. Without collagen, you will experience many problems, such as:
- reduction of physical strength,
- decreased joint functionality,
- skin wrinkles,
- poor muscle recovery.
Long-term pressure on the hips, knees, and ankles in combination with possible past injuries and poor muscle recovery leads to the inability to perform athletic activity without discomfort.
It is very difficult to get enough collagen from food due to the size of its molecules and consequently poor absorption rates in the digestive tract. If you want to increase the concentration of collagen in your body, you need to supplement it, preferably in hydrolyzed form.
Collagen is especially efficient in combination with vitamin C, which promotes natural collagen production, and vitamin D, which strengthens the bones.
Pro Flex and Collagen+, two top level products from the 4Endurance Pro product line, were created specifically for athletes, who regularly challenge their body.
Comparison: Pro Flex vs Collagen+
Both Pro Flex and Collagen+ contain high-quality hydrolyzed collagen that provides high absorption rates. Both products are an excellent tool to boost natural collagen production and reduce issues related to collagen deficiency.
But if you look at their ingredients, you can immediately spot some differences. Namely, Pro Flex has more ingredients than Collagen+.
But let's look at both products in detail.
Pro Flex
Pro Flex is created to provide optimal support to your joints.
Its key ingredient is hydrolyzed bovine collagen type I and type III, which is found in your muscles, bones, tissues, and tendons.
It also contains MSM, boswellia, glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Furthermore, vitamin B6 boosts the absorption of all these useful ingredients.
All ingredients are chosen with care and provide high levels of synergy for the best possible effect.
Collagen type I represents 90% of collagen in your body. It provides structure to the skin, bones, tendons, connective tissues, and teeth. Collagen type III supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries.
Collagen+
This products follows the principle 'less is more'. The ingredient list is simple but very efficient.
Collagen+ also contains hydrolyzed bovine collagen type I and type III. It also contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
Collagen+ contains 2400 mg of hydrolyzed collagen (in 4 tablets) and 100 mg of hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C is present in amounts necessary to trigger fast absorption into your system.
Which product to choose?
Both products are excellent, but Pro Flex, due to the high amount of amazing active ingredients, has more benefits.
The powder is quickly dissolved in water and its absorption in the digestive tract is also quicker — a capsule or tablet must first be dissolved in the stomach, which slows down absorption speed compared to powder.
Pro Flex provides 9000 mg of collagen per serving and contains vitamin C and vitamin D, which boosts natural collagen production in your body, strengthens your tendons and cartilage, and supports normal bone density.
Active ingredients, such as organic sulfur (MSM), boswellia, and hyaluronic acid in combination with vitamin C and vitamin D, will function as a natural lubricant and reduce joint friction. This way, your daily activity will become much more enjoyable and perhaps finally pain free. And as a protein, it will also allow you to preserve muscle mass.
Why use Pro Flex?
- It can become part of your daily routine — mix it with your smoothie, fruit juice, or detox drink and enjoy!
- Take it after exercise — add it to your recovery drink to increase protein intake and boost muscle recovery.
- Avoid too many tablets — powder can be easily mixed with a glass of tea and juice.
Pro Flex takes care of you, the athlete, whose body is active on a daily basis and needs proper support.
When to pick Collagen+ over Pro Flex
Collagen+ is available in tablets, which makes it useful when traveling, as it takes up very little space in your closet or bag.
Why use Collagen+?
- On the road — you want to use collagen before training, but you have no shaker.
- You don't have real problems — if you feel like you don't need too much collagen, this is a great way to boost your preventive measures.
Powder is dissolved and absorbed quicker, while tablets may be a more practical choice.
Conclusion
Collagen is crucial for the health of your joints, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Unfortunately, after 25 years of age, the natural production of collagen in your body starts slowing down, leading to many problems related to collagen deficiency.
Since it's difficult to get enough collagen from food due to poor absorption, you need to supplement it.
Pro Flex and Collagen+ are two great supplements that contain high-quality collagen and vitamin C to boost absorption and stimulate its natural production, leading to a greater and healthier enjoyment of your favorite sport.