Collagen Protein Water

I did a product review for this one when it first came out, however with the number of people coming into the store looking to increase protein consumption due to Doctors recommendations and /or injuries, it seems pertinent to look a little deeper and see how Protein water may be a beneficial tool for improving several health issues in a big chunk of the population..

 

Part 1 — What Does the Science Say?

Protein water—typically a blend of hydrolysed collagen peptides + whey protein isolate (WPI)—sits in an interesting middle ground between performance nutrition, injury repair and general wellness. This is good, 3 birds with 1 stone.

1. Collagen Protein: What It Actually Does

Collagen by itself is not a “complete” protein. It’s low in essential amino acids like leucine, which are critical for muscle protein synthesis. We bypass this problem with the addition of the WPI, which is high in Leucine.

However, it has unique benefits:

• Joint & tendon support
  Collagen provides glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—key building blocks for connective tissue.
  Studies show collagen supplementation can improve joint pain and support tendon integrity.
• Skin, hair, and nail health
  Evidence supports improvements in skin elasticity and hydration with consistent intake.
• Gut lining support (emerging evidence)
  Collagen Protein is very high in the Amino acid L-Glycine, which may help support gut barrier function, though this is still being explored. Glycine may also help with sleep and who among us gets enough quality sleep?

 

2. Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)

WPI complements collagen perfectly. It is high in essential amino acids (EAAs), rich in leucine which signals muscle protein synthesis and fast absorption which is ideal intra and post-training.

 

3. Why Combine Collagen + WPI?

The 50/50 blend gives us the best of both worlds, the Complete amino acid profile (from WPI) and the Connective tissue support (from collagen). The hydrolysed Collagen Peptides when combined with a quality WPI give us a very soluble protein when mixed with water. This extra solubility allows it to have the texture of a fruity cordial drink as opposed to the traditional, less soluble milky protein drinks.  

 

4. Will It Help During a Diet Phase?

Yes—but not in a direct fat burning way. The goal is always to keep muscle mass, maintain metabolism and keep the body functioning/Healthy. The WPI helps preserve lean mass while the Collagen is great for joints and connective tissue.  Can reduce diet boredom, the flavours are pretty good, and you will be looking forward to drinking it. This might sound simple but the best dieting results come from the diet you actually stick to.  

 

5. When Should You Use Protein Water?

Because it is fast absorbing, the ideal time to consume Protein water is during or after an exercise session. People that are sensitive to lactose but not completely Lactose intolerant will find the Protein water to be well tolerated.

 

Part 2 — What I Do as a Competitive Bodybuilder (Contest Prep Phase)

Why I Use Protein Water in Prep

During a contest diet appetite is through the roof and I’m constantly thinking about something tasty or sweet. Little tricks like diet jelly or flavoured water stop me from eating something high in calories and winning these little battles 5-6 times every day keeps everything on track. Hydration becomes even more important, so Protein water solves multiple problems at once. An Important note, I don’t rely on it as my primary protein source. My base is still whole foods (chicken, Steak, low fat yogurt)

 

How I Use It

1. Intra or Post-Workout

• Easy to drink, doesn’t sit heavy and helps maintain amino acid while I’m training.

2. Hot Weather Training

• Not really an issue at the moment with the weather cooling down, however during Tasmania’s glorious 5 days of Summer the cordial texture of Protein water is refreshing and something that I look forward to drinking.

3. Between Meals

• Even a 1/3 of a serve is enough to give water a nice fruity taste and makes it a lot easier to get in the 3-4 litres of water I need each day to stay hydrated.  

 

Part 3 — What I Recommend to Regular Clients

This is a product that is probably more beneficial for my clients than my own Contest Preparation. The reason being that most of my clients have elbow or knee problems and the addition of the Collagen peptides can be a key component in getting your ligaments and joints back in working order.

·         Collagen becomes more valuable for people who play contact sports, runners and anyone who like to throw in some jogging as one of or their primary form of cardio.

• Anyone with old injuries from sport, wear a tear or even more dramatic injuries like motorcycle crashes.  
• Aging populations, none of us seem to be getting any younger ☹

 

2. For Anyone who Struggles with Protein Intake

This is quite common with people who are new to gym and eating better for health. Sipping on the Protein water throughout the day gets extra water in while increasing the total protein consumption.  

 

3. For Fat Loss Clients

This one is minimal and indirect at best. The consistency of getting in enough protein to repair your muscles will keep your metabolism chugging along and in the long term this leads to a leaner body.

 

4. When I Recommend Using It

After workouts you need to be getting some amino acids (protein) into your body to start the repair process. Your muscles and digestive system are now primed to absorb nutrients, so you need to get that drink in asap. Take it to the gym with you and start drinking it as soon as you finish, drink it in the car, just get it in straight away. Will your body repair if you wait a few hours? Sure, but why half arse your nutrition when you just busted your butt during your exercise session.

 

 During the day dumped into your water can be a great way to boost protein intake for those who struggle to get enough protein and Water for the day.   

 

Final Perspective

Protein water is a great option for a lot of my clients. The Collagen component supports ligaments, tendons and skin while the Whey supports muscle and recovery. All this in a convenient fruity shake.

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