It’s been two weeks since I’ve started taking collagen powder daily, and I think I’ve started to notice enough changes that I can make an update. Tl;dr: it works like protein, with the added benefits of collagen.

My daily dose was 30g in 200ml of water. I bought the myprotein peptide powder which is really cheap (there are always codes for 40% off). Taste used to be off-putting at first, but I played around with the ratio until I got that, and I also got used to the state, and now I kinda like it.

The benefits.

So full disclosure, collagen is the only protein supplement I’ve ever taken and I started crossfit 1 month before starting the collagen, which is also my only sport.

I definitely noticed that I got better at lifting. I can lift much heavier weights. I believe this goes beyond newbie gains, because I lift like 20 more kilos in just two weeks (remember I had like 0 muscle before I started crossfit lol), and I didn’t even rep my max yet!

Moreover, I’m starting to see more definition in my arms. This is what protein does, so I can safely say that collagen is a good replacement for whey (but it’s not vegan-friendly!). I also only go twice a week for now; I’m sure for people who workout four times a week, you’ll see even quicker gains.

Added bonus: I’m trying out a high-protein diet and this helps me reach my goal. g of protein per 100g is about the same as whey.

As for the other benefits of collagen, I don’t really have articulations issues or anything, but I did notice my workouts get easier – partly explained because I’m getting acquainted with the movements, and partly, I believe, because of collagen.

One thing I can say for sure is that it helps regulate sleep – collagen is 30% glycine (an amino acid) and glycine helps regulate sleep. My natural clock is late: I can easily go to bed at 4am and not even feel tired. But ever since starting collagen I feel sleepy around midnight, without fail every night.

One downside is that, by all accounts, you have to take it daily. I’m not sure if it’s the same for all protein supplements, but you have to make your shake every day. I’m considering baking the powder into biscuits.

In conclusion, collagen is a really good replacement for whey or other proteins. If there is only one supplement you should take, it should be collagen. This is not from me mind you, but from a dietician I found on Youtube when I was considering collagen. I can now safely echo his words.