Is Collagen a Complete Protein?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up around 30% of its total protein content. It plays a crucial role as the building block of skin, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissue. Like all proteins, collagen is composed of amino acids, with proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline being its primary components (1). However, despite its importance, collagen is not classified as a “complete protein.”

What exactly is a “complete protein”? For a protein to be considered complete, it must contain all nine essential amino acids—those that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from the diet. These essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Collagen is missing one of these key amino acids—tryptophan—which is why it isn’t considered a complete protein (2).

The body requires 20 amino acids to function properly, with nine being essential and the other 11 classified as non-essential, meaning the body can produce them. These non-essential amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.

Although the body naturally produces collagen, production begins to decline around age 35, with significant depletion by age 40. This reduction in collagen can affect skin elasticity, joint health, and overall vitality, which is why collagen supplements have become so popular, especially as we age.

Our collagen peptides supplement, Collagen 5+, is formulated to address these concerns, containing 8 of the 9 essential amino acids. Its unique blend includes five types of collagen sourced from natural food ingredients, designed to support stronger hair and nails, youthful-looking skin, healthy bones and joints, and even aid in digestion and weight management.

"Collagen 5+ powder was a great purchase and I am glad I gave it a try! I feel more energized and motivated and I love that there is no taste to it and I can add it to my coffee." -Paula W.

A common question is whether collagen "counts" towards daily protein intake. The answer is yes! While collagen is not a complete protein, it can contribute to your overall protein needs. To make it more effective, pair collagen with foods rich in tryptophan—such as poultry, eggs, dairy, soybeans, nuts, and seeds—to achieve a complete amino acid profile.

In summary, while collagen should not be relied on as your sole source of protein, it’s an excellent way to boost your daily intake. When consumed alongside other complete protein sources, collagen helps support the structure and health of your skin, muscles, and connective tissues, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Incorporate Collagen5+ to ensure you are getting a wide range of collagen support!