Whey Vs. Collagen Protein
To understand if there are any advantages in taking collagen protein vs. whey protein, it is important to understand the characteristics of each protein!
Whey
Whey protein is derived from milk. Whey protein contains all nine essential amino acids (building blocks of protein), as a result of its composition, whey protein is quickly absorbed by your gut. Due to this fast rate of absorption, whey protein efficiently helps build and repair muscle. Whey does not harm kidneys or the liver, but not enough studies have been conducted on its effects on pregnant women, so exercise caution when pregnant and always consult your doctor. The daily amount of whey protein supplementation should not exceed 50 grams.
Collagen
Collagen is derived from the bones and connective tissue. Collagen contains 19 amino acids (building blocks of protein). Collagen is the key protein in building and maintaining strong connective tissue (ligaments, joints, skin, etc). Collagen helps improve the strength, elasticity, and moisture of the skin.
What’s the Difference?
The primary difference between collagen and whey proteins are the amino acid (building blocks of protein). Collagen contains 8 out of the 9 essential amino acids, whereas whey has all 9 amino acids. Additionally, whey contains higher levels of Branch chain amino acids (amino acids that focus on muscle building and repair) which are the best at building muscles. Collagen has higher amounts of proline and glycine (amino acids) which are powerful antioxidants that help keep skin, nails, tendons, ligaments, bones, gums, eyes, hair, teeth, blood vessels, and nails strong.
So Which One is Better?
It depends on what you are trying to get out of supplementing with protein. If you want to prioritize muscle-building then whey is the preferred choice. If you want to prioritize your skin, hair, ligaments, and joints then collagen is the preferred choice. That’s not to say that you can’t build muscle with collagen proteins. Most collagen proteins have BCAA’s added to them (the amino acids that whey has more of) so if you supplement with a collagen protein that contains all 9 amino acids then you are getting the best of both worlds!