The need for better health has led to the rise of various supplements including minerals, botanicals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and herbs, which provide the bodies with the much-required nutrients. These are available in different forms including powders, capsules, tablets, energy bars as well as drinks. Examples of supplements include whey, iron, collagen protein, calcium, turmeric, vitamins and garlic, just to name a few. While supplements are used to supplement nutrients that may not be derived from food, they have various differences especially in source as well the specific nutrients they provide.
What is Collagen Protein?
As one of the main and common complex proteins in the body, including muscles, bones, tendons, the digestive system and the skin. Collagen is the major nutrient in the regeneration of body tissues, dead skin cells replacement while also strengthening the skin and adding elasticity. It is found naturally in bone broth, but is also supplemented in the form of protein powders. Collagen powder contains eight out of the nine essential amino acids glutamine, proline and glycine, which reduce degeneration and aid in gut health.
Collagen has many listed benefits including;
- Muscle development
- Boosts gut health
- Boosts quick recovery after exercise
- Excellent for joint and skin health
- Improves the resting metabolic rate
Although collagen protein is an amazing supplement, it is associated with hypercalcemia, which is a condition whereby the body has excess calcium. It is, however, more common with marine-based collagen supplements due to their high calcium levels.
What is Whey?
This is a complex water-soluble protein derived from milk. It is a complete protein with all the nine essential amino acids, and is low in lactose content. It also contains alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, bovine-serum albumin as well as immunoglobins.
Whey has various health benefits including;
- Builds muscle
- Fat burning
- Increased metabolism
- It contains all the nine essential amino acids
- Controls cravings
Similarities between Collagen Protein and Whey
- Both are proteins available in food products as well as in supplements form
Differences between Collagen Protein and Whey
Definition
Collagen protein is the main and common structural proteins in the body, including muscles, bones, tendons, the digestive system and the skin. On the other hand, whey is a complex water-soluble protein derived from milk.
Source
While collagen protein is derived from skins, animals’ cartilage and the bones, whey is derived from milk.
Function
Among the functions of collagen protein include muscle development, boosting gut health, boosting quick recovery after exercise, joint and skin health and improvement of the resting metabolic rate. On the other hand, some benefits associated with whey include muscle building, fat burning, increased metabolism and controlling cravings.
Amino acids
While collagen protein contains only eight out of the nine essential amino acids, whey contains all nine essential amino acids.
Collagen Protein vs. Whey: Comparison Table
Summary of Collagen Protein vs. Whey
Both collagen protein and whey are protein supplements. However, Collagen protein is the main and common structural proteins in the body, including muscles, bones, tendons, the digestive system and the skin, and consists of only eight of the nine essential amino acids. On the other hand, whey is a complex water-soluble protein derived from milk and contains all the nine essential amino acids. Both are however, great supplements for people’s health. Care should, however, be taken as they are associated with various side effects.