Collagen for your lifestyle: how to choose the right type

What is collagen? | Why do you need collagen? | Which collagen supplement should you choose? | Enzymatically produced collagen hydrolysate | Low molecular weight | Sustainable origin | Tested for purity | No additives | Pure Collagen vs Pure Marine vs Complete Collagen | Comparison table | Conclusion

You live a healthy life with good nutrition and exercise. Collagen takes your routine to the next level, provided you choose a quality product. NoordCode offers three variants, specially developed for different needs. In this blog you will discover their unique properties, the production process, and how to add the right one to your shake, baking recipe or tea.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a protein found in many different parts of the body. Collagen in the skin is different from that in cartilage, blood vessels or bones. The amino acid composition, structure and function differ per type of collagen.

At least 26 types of collagen have been defined. The most common are:

• Type I collagen is the most abundant in the body, found in skin, hair, nails, bones and ligaments.

• Type II collagen is mainly found in cartilage between joints.

• Type III collagen often occurs together with type I in skin and blood vessels.

• Type IV collagen is crucial for the formation of basal membranes, a thin layer that separates cells from underlying structures.

• Type V collagen occurs in the skin and placenta and is often combined with type I.

• Type X collagen is part of the bone and cartilage structure.

Each type of collagen contains different amino acids. A combination supplement provides a broader amino acid profile. That is why it is smart to use collagen from different sources in your diet or supplements.

Why do you need collagen?

Your natural collagen production starts to decline around your twenties. For some this process begins earlier, for others later. This is genetically and epigenetically determined. On top of that, we consume very little collagen through food nowadays (think: chicken skin, fish skin, organ meats and bone broth). A collagen supplement is therefore a practical way to increase your intake of specific amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline).

Curious how much collagen is right for you? Read this blog: How much collagen do I need?

Which collagen supplement should you choose?

Collagen is an extremely popular supplement. There are many options on the market. With this checklist you’ll know how to find the ultimate collagen supplement.

Enzymatically produced collagen hydrolysate

Collagen is the longest protein in the body. Long protein chains are difficult to absorb. Hydrolysis improves absorption by breaking collagen down into small pieces (peptides). It is important that this process takes place with enzymes, without heat or chemicals that can damage the protein.

Low molecular weight for fast absorption

The smaller peptides usually have a molecular weight between 1 and 9 kDa. The advantage of smaller peptides is that they speed up digestion and are easier to absorb. They also dissolve much better in hot and cold liquids. Peptides in the range of 2–5 kDa often show the best balance between solubility, neutral taste and absorption. Even smaller ones (<1 kDa) are absorbed too, but provide little extra benefit and may affect taste or texture.

Note: an average of 3 kDa says little. What matters is the distribution of peptide sizes. At 3 kDa there may be many larger or smaller peptides. The more consistent the size, the better and more predictable the absorption. Two products with the same average can therefore work differently. A narrow distribution around the optimal value ensures the best absorption.

A sustainable origin

Grass-fed beef

An important quality feature of bovine collagen is whether it comes from grass-fed cattle. This means the cows spend most of the year outdoors in pasture. They eat grass and other crops, rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Grass-fed European cows not only provide nutritional benefits, but also represent a more sustainable and animal-friendly choice. The animals roam freely and follow their natural diet. The environment benefits too: their manure replaces artificial fertiliser and reduces nitrogen emissions. The result is a natural and sustainable production chain.

Sustainable wild-caught fish

Does the product contain fish collagen? Then you’ll want to see certificates confirming sustainable fishing. With an MSC or Friends of the Sea certificate you can be sure of a sustainable product. Wild-caught fish is the gold standard for collagen. Yet many brands choose cheaper farmed fish.

Tested for purity

The quality of collagen begins at the source, but is only truly guaranteed through strict quality controls. Fish may contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which enter seawater through pollution. That is why every fish collagen product must be tested for heavy metals. Since land animals are also exposed to environmental pollutants, bovine collagen deserves the same careful testing.

In addition, collagen products must be checked for microbiological safety, dioxins, PCBs (industrial contaminants), BSE (related to animal health) and in some cases even pesticides.

No additives

Sweeteners, artificial flavourings, binders, fillers and thickeners are often used in collagen supplements. Look for a collagen that lists only active ingredients (collagen) on the label, or make sure you fully understand the ingredients.

Pure Collagen vs. Pure Marine Collagen vs. Complete Collagen

Pure Collagen

Looking for quality? NoordCode’s Pure Collagen is a premium supplement from grass-fed cows. The animals eat grass and other plants year-round. They receive no grains, hormones or antibiotics. For environmental reasons, NoordCode selects West European cattle.

Pure Collagen is enzymatically hydrolysed with an average molecular size of 3 kDa. Harmful contaminants and the optimal protein ratio are tested in an independent laboratory. NoordCode adds nothing to Pure Collagen. It contains just one ingredient: pure bovine collagen.

Pure Collagen mainly contains type I, with small amounts of type III and type V.

For the varied omnivore

Do you regularly eat fish with skin, chicken with skin, or make your own broth from fish, lamb or beef bones? Then Pure Collagen is a logical choice. Your diet already includes different collagen sources, so a combination supplement is not necessary.

Versatile in use

Pure Collagen has a neutral taste and dissolves in both hot and cold liquids. This makes it perfect to add to any drink or dish. Stir it into your morning coffee, or add it to sauces, soups or stews. Heat resistant up to 180 °C, it is also suitable for baking and oven dishes.

Pure Marine Collagen

Unlike many brands, NoordCode does not use farmed fish, but opts for sustainably caught fish with MSC certification. Pure Marine Collagen comes from wild-caught cod in the North Atlantic Ocean. Only the skin is used, so nothing goes to waste.

Pure Marine Collagen is also enzymatically hydrolysed, with an average molecular size of 3 kDa. Like Pure Collagen, it is a pure product with a single ingredient. It has been independently tested for heavy metals and other contaminants. This variant is NoordCode’s most concentrated source of type I collagen.

For the pescetarian

Do you eat fish as a protein source, but not the skin or broth? Then Pure Marine Collagen is exactly what you’re missing. Especially if you use little or no bovine products, this is the perfect alternative to Pure Collagen.

Versatile in use

Pure Marine Collagen also has a neutral taste and dissolves easily in liquids. It is one of the few fish collagen products that can be added to your coffee without tasting like fish. Use it just as flexibly as Pure Collagen. To reduce plastic waste, the packaging does not include a scoop; measure a serving with a tablespoon instead.

Complete Collagen

Looking for a complete collagen formula? Choose NoordCode Complete Collagen. This supplement contains five collagen types (I, II, III, V and X) from three hydrolysed sources: bovine, fish and eggshell membrane. The ingredients are sustainable and come from both land and sea. The bovine collagen is identical to that in Pure Collagen. The fish variant is Friends of the Sea certified. Each source has a different molecular size: bovine averages 3 kDa, fish 2 kDa, and eggshell membrane even less than 1 kDa.

Complete Collagen contains only active ingredients – no unnecessary additives such as emulsifiers or flavour enhancers. NoordCode also goes beyond standard controls: this product is additionally tested for pesticides.

The formula includes natural vitamin C from acerola to support collagen production. It also contains 5 grams of extra glycine. Together with the 2 grams naturally present in collagen, you get 7 grams of glycine per serving.

For the vegetarian or the fillet and steak lover

Are you vegetarian? Or do you prefer your protein from chicken breast, steak, yoghurt or eggs? Then Complete Collagen is the supplement for you. Your diet provides little collagen (since, as you now know, it is only found in bones, tendons and skin). With Complete Collagen you are guaranteed to get collagen from different sources.

Different in use

Complete Collagen has no fish taste or smell: it contains Naticol® fish collagen with a neutral flavour. Glycine makes it slightly sweeter than Pure Collagen, while acerola adds a fresh, sour note. This flavour combination works well in lemon water, electrolytes, smoothies, yoghurt or Thai dishes. Heating up to 180 °C is no problem.

Comparison table

Conclusion

All three NoordCode products are pure, tested for contaminants and sourced sustainably. Your choice depends on your diet, when you want to use it, and whether you prefer simplicity or versatility:

• Pure Collagen: High-quality grass-fed bovine collagen, rich in type I with small amounts of type III and V. For those who prefer purity, simplicity and maximum versatility in use.
• Pure Marine Collagen: NoordCode’s most concentrated type I collagen, from wild-caught MSC-certified cod. Just as pure and simple as Pure Collagen, but fish-based and without fish taste.
• Complete Collagen: An “all-in-one” formula with five collagen types, vitamin C and extra glycine, for anyone wanting multiple sources and extra cofactors in a single product.

Looking for a minimalist formula without additives? Then Pure Collagen and Pure Marine Collagen are perfect for you. Do you want multiple collagen types and extra nutrients? Then choose Complete Collagen.

Finally, decide whether you want to take collagen in coffee, water or dishes, and choose the variant that best fits your taste, lifestyle and goals.