There’s one question that we see quite a lot on the web: “Can I consume collagen peptides if I follow a particular diet?” But there’s not always a satisfactory answer to be found. So for anyone who’s still unsure, we’ve created a short guide detailing which popular diets can include the intake of collagen peptides – and the possible unexpected benefits.

Keto
Who follows a keto diet? Usually people who want to optimise their body composition and, in order to do so, dramatically change their whole food plan. While carbohydrates are almost completely off the table, protein is allowed at 20-30% of the diet, and sports enthusiasts must ensure that they are getting the right amounts of protein for their body weight. After some time on this diet, so-called ketosis sets in – a metabolic state in which a high concentration of ketones in the body builds up, indicating that the unwanted stored fat is being burned. Adopters of the Keto diet must avoid that inadequate protein intakes lead to problems with muscles, bones, joints, ligaments or tendons – the so-called white tissue. But BCP^®s can help, as they boost collagen levels to help support these connective tissues, thus strengthening these crucial body parts. Isn’t collagen also a protein, though? Indeed, it is, but collagen peptides are already effective in doses of just 2.5g to 15g a day, so there’s no need to worry that you’ll get ‘kicked out of ketosis’. In fact, as they are safe and highly effective, they’re rather popular among keto friends. Our tip for possible product concepts: The BCP^®s BODYBALANCE^®, because they provide additional body composition benefits.

Paleo
Paleo is best described as the ‘Stone Age’ diet, because those who embark on it can only eat according to the dietary pattern we believe our ancestors adopted thousands of years ago. This diet is especially popular among climbers (both in- and outdoors), because it is said to boost performance levels, muscle enhancement and fat-burning. BCP^®s are obtained from hydrolysed native collagen, the same protein type found in bone broth, popular with Paleo diet adopters. BCP^®s are free from additives – and ingredients such as sugar, soy, wheat and milk – which is why they are ideally suited for all things Paleo. Here, formulations with the BCP^®s TENDOFORTE^® or FORTIBONE^® are a good choice for manufacturers because they have a beneficial effect on the tendons and ligaments that attach to bones, put under the most stress when climbing.

High-protein
Ask anyone at a gym if they have followed a high-protein diet at any time in their lives, and most of them will nod their heads vigorously. For bodybuilders, and anyone else who wants to enhance muscle mass, high-protein is still one of the most popular diets. Important for those following this diet, is to consume a good balance of all essential and non-essential amino acids, to support not only the red muscle tissues, but also the white connective tissues. However, without supplements, a high and varied protein diet can be difficult to achieve. BCP^®s are easily incorporated into most sports nutrition applications with no effect on the smell, taste or texture of the final product – from drinks and shakes, to bars and fortified gummies. These products can also be consumed while training – easy and effective!

Clean-eating

As the name suggests, in clean-eating, only ‘clean’ – meaning “unprocessed” and natural – foods can be consumed, as opposed to “processed” foods which many fear can impact overall wellbeing. But of course, ‘white tissue’ wear and tear can still affect muscles and joints – even in the clean-eaters. Here, finding a suitable supplement can be complicated. Yet the good news is that BCP^®s are obtained using a simple and traditional process of enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen protein, where the only added ingredients are water, minerals and salt – so no artificial additives! This makes them a natural, optimal ingredient for supplementation when following a clean-eating diet. For manufacturers, drinks are particularly suitable applications for clean label formulations. Need more inspiration? Check out our e-book for BCP^®s in beverages.