Thanks MachineGhostX (very cool name) for your input. I didn't realize the importance of Vit C in collagen supplementation. Do you empty the powder out of the Vit C capsules to mix with your collagen in solution? I'm wary of claims made on capsule release systems, and I try to avoid capsules in favor of powders in solution. I'm not a fan of taking handfuls of pills!
Can I ask why the likes of Great Lakes Hydrolyzed bulk powder (types 1, 2 & 3) isn't as good a choice taken 4-6g daily?
I have a ton of this, and it's so easy to add to my morning protein shake, including several other powder supplements and nootropics and would be a shame to ditch it. But if it's not effective then I'll bite the bullet and buy another type - it won't be the first time I've picked the wrong product!
No, I plan to swallon the capsule (its part of my wakeup cup) as the acid would eat away at teeth enamel over time. Besides, the capsule may be key to the time release. I'm wary of all the enhanced bioavailability claims for C too which is why I went with a time release form after looking at impartial bioavailablity and retention studies. Time release will definitely keep serum C levels relatively higher than one off, so long as you take at least two doses a day to keep the momentum going (I do wakeup and bedtime). I don't know about retention ability with the liposomal form. I'm going to experiment with that soon.
As I mentioned previously, 90% of the collagen in the body is Type I and III.** Type II is critical for cartilage growth and it has to be processed and prepared properly from an optimal animal source (i.e. kollaGen II-xs). So since Great Lakes is "natural" and from cow or pig, it likely means they don't do anything to increase the Type II content which has to compete with all the other 25 collagen types in the remaining 10%. I prefer the Type II to be quantified and at an efficacious dose and in the correct form. You only get one shot at this, so why screw around? I went with Doctor's Best due to the quantification, mixability, relatively low hydrolyzed bitter taste and the anecdotal evidence of it working for what Type I and III are good for (not cartilage). So it wouldn't be a mistake to add the Swanson Type II to the Great Lakes.
Also, although convenient, you may not want to add hydrolyzed collagen to a protein shake as it may be denatured even further (into free form amino acids?) by digestive enzymes. Part of what makes hydrolyzed collagen useful is that the intact peptides are deposited directly into the joints.
** Just realized I'm making an assumption that this holds true for all mammals which may not be the case.
Lastly, I find it very interesting and very disturbing that cortisol stimulates degradation of skin collagen into amino acids: http://www.sciencedi...006295268901822
This seems highly incompatible with CR, IF and high intensity exercise. What to do...
Edited by MachineGhostX, 25 August 2014 - 05:19 PM.