Injuries are common in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Hence, trainees of every skill level need to dial in their recovery and injury prevention strategies to get the most out of their training. Beyond sleep, nutrition, and hydration, there is proper supplementation for connective tissues. We’re talking about collagen supplementation, and we’ve got three of the best collagen supplements for BJJ on the market today.
Collagen isn’t just for the skin and its derivatives like nails and hair. It’s one of many vital proteins that can make or break the health of connective tissues like joints and ligaments.
Whether it’s speeding up joint recovery or keeping injuries at bay, these collagen supplements will do the trick. Find out which collagen supplements offer the most bang for your buck and bring joint recovery fast!
1. Ancestral Collagen Capsules
- Natural, living collagen
- Derived from scapula, trachea, and bone marrow
- Infused with bioactive growth factors
- Contains proteoglycans
- Has chondroitin sulfates for better joint lubrication
- Some of the highest reviews for any collagen supplement on Amazon
The supplement market has long relied on synthetic substances to mimic what’s natural. This isn’t the case for Ancestral Collagen Capsules. Organic and GMO-free, these collagen supplements have the Liver King’s stamp of approval. It’s an excellent dietary supplement for BJJ practitioners who eat their weight classes in beef and other meats. It’s also the perfect conjugate to a strict paleo dieter’s intake.
Ancestral Collagen Capsules contain 100% living collagen. Ancestral Supplements, in living up to their mantra of keeping things natural, have isolated living collagen from shoulder blades, windpipes, and marrow. What’s even better is that the animal sources that the collagen originated from are free-range, so Ancestral Collagen Capsules contain no hormones or pesticides.
Ancestral Supplements have also infused these collagen capsules with bioactive factors. Bioactive factors, as part of a collagen supplement, support the regeneration of injured connective tissue.
With bioactive factors, not only do injured connective tissues like ligaments regenerate; they also regenerate stronger and more resilient, sustaining less injuries later on.
The additional proteoglycans also ensure that the newly recovered connective tissue stays healthy. The proteoglycans in the collagen capsules enable tissues to be resilient to compressional forces — whether it’s from a loaded bar or a heavier opponent.
Adding to the pro-joint benefits of Ancestral Collagen Capsules is the abundance of chondroitin sulfates in the formula. This helps ensure that the joints receive adequate hydration and lubrication, conferring a better range of motion for larger connective tissues like joints.
2. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
- One of the best brands of collagen powder on Amazon
- Taken from grass-fed cows
- Has hyaluronan for optimum joint hydration, lubrication, and health
- Vitamin C-fortified
- 0% synthetic
- Formulated for paleo, keto, and carnivore dieters
GMO-free and formulated for maximum joint recovery and health, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are the perfect addition to a BJJ supplementation plan. Infused with vitamin C, the collagen-filled powder formula adds years to connective tissue. Vitamin C helps clear out the effects of oxidative stress on joints, helping them regenerate.
Adding to the positive effects of vitamin C is the formula’s high hyaluronic acid content. Hyaluronic acid — also called hyaluronan — is a water-soluble precursor of glucosamine. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in mammals, abundant in eyes and joints.
The hyaluronic acid content of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides guarantees excellent joint lubrication. With lubrication comes better joint health, which is something every athlete wants on or off the mats.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are all-natural and purely animal-sourced. This makes them one of the most keto, paleo, and carnivore-friendly collagen supplements on the market today.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is available in powder form, and at the time of writing, it’s available in three varieties: unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate.
The powder dissolves perfectly in liquid regardless of its temperature, much to the delight of many Amazon reviewers. The powder doesn’t just dissolve easily. Due to its fine consistency, it also guarantees fast absorption.
In short, BJJ practitioners can get two things out of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides — “bulletproof” joints and a sugar rush.
3. Naked Collagen
- Taken from grass-fed European-bred cows
- Highly rated collagen powder on Amazon
- All-natural type I and III collagen, with no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
- Excellent for people avoiding soy products
- A great supplement that’s keto, paleo, and carnivore-friendly
Few minimalist collagen formulas receive the same rave reviews as Naked Collagen. Naked Collagen is one of the highest-rated collagen supplements on Amazon. With its no-frills formulation and effectiveness, why wouldn’t it be?
Naked Collagen is free from extenders, sweeteners, and food coloring. Despite consisting of just pure unadulterated collagen, Naked Collagen delivers a potent anti-inflammatory effect on connective tissues. This means that tendons and ligaments rebuild faster and remain strong with frequent and regular supplementation.
Besides promoting joint health with its hydroxylated formulation, Naked Collagen benefits the skin and hair. This makes it a supplement that protects joints and improves skin appearance simultaneously.
Gluten-free and GMO-free, Naked Collagen is excellent for consumers of varying food sensitivities. Boasting an effective minimalist formulation, Naked Collagen is a supplement for those following a keto, Paleo, and carnivore diet. It’s also great for users who are going soy-free.
Naked Collagen is available only in powder form. The powder dissolves perfectly in liquid — whether it’s hot, warm, or cold. As a result, the body absorbs the product’s type I and III collagen in mere minutes, if not seconds.
This collagen supplement has had nothing but positive reviews on Amazon. The product has received rave reviews, with many users touting the supplement’s effectiveness and energy-boosting effect.
Steer Clear of Injuries and Fatigue With the Best Collagen Supplements for BJJ
BJJ is a sport that takes a toll on the joints. With the right collagen supplement, injuries will be less likely, allowing a BJJ practitioner more mat and competition time.
As part of a well-balanced diet, smart training, and recovery, collagen supplements can do wonders for any athlete. Find yours today, recover, and be mat-ready with healthier joints.