Introduction

This product review looks at Naked Collagen, a single ingredient product made by Naked Nutrition.

The product review outlines who Naked Nutrition are (the company), Naked Collagen (the product), and also what are collagen and collagen peptides. It also outlines who can use Naked Collagen, some potential benefits, and what food and drink we tested it with.

Who are Naked Nutrition?

Naked Nutrition was founded by former cross-country and track All-American Stephen Zieminski in 2014.

Naked Nutrition started with five single ingredient supplements, including the best-selling Naked Whey from grass-fed Northern California and Idaho cows and Naked Pea from raw yellow peas grown in the USA and Canada; and now including Naked Collagen.

It has now grown to offer over 50 products, with most having 3 ingredients or less.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it accounts for over 30% of the body’s protein. Collagen is present in all connective tissues such as skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and blood vessels. As the structural framework of the body, collagen plays a crucial role in supporting and connecting everything together. Collagen can also be found in the eyes, ears, nose cartilage, teeth, and lungs.

Proteins are made from amino acids. The main amino acids that make collagen are proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. These amino acids group together to form protein fibrils in a triple helix structure. Your body also needs the proper amount of vitamin C, zinc, copper and manganese to make the triple helix.

There are 16 different types of this important protein in your body, but most of it is type I, II, or III, and each one has a different job.

• Type I. This type makes up 90% of your body’s collagen. Type I is densely packed and used to provide structure to your skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
• Type II. This type is found in elastic cartilage, which provides joint support.
• Type III. This type is found in muscles, arteries and organs.
• Type IV. This type is found in the layers of your skin.
• Type V. This type is found in the cornea of your eyes, some layers of skin, hair and tissue of the placenta.

What are Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides are small pieces of animal collagen. As collagen can not be absorbed in a whole form it has to be broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids. Oral collagen supplements come in the form of pills and powders. They usually contain a range of amino acids. They are sold as collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen (Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction of the interaction of chemicals with water, leading to the decomposition of both the substance and water. Reactions of hydrolysis are possible with salts, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, etc.). Collagen peptides are absorbed through your gastrointestinal tract.

What is Naked Collagen?

Naked Collagen is 100% premium grass-fed collagen peptides.

• Naked Collagen has only one ingredient: Bovine hide collagen peptides sourced from pasture-raised cows in Europe.
• It is odourless, tasteless, and easy to mix in with your favourite drinks, both hot and cold.
• Naked collagen is free of additives and artificial sweeteners, and it is GMO free and soy free.
• 60 servings per container (20 ounces or 567 grammes, net weight).
• Each serving includes 9 grammes of protein (an egg has between 5.2 and 12.6 g depending on its size), 15 mg of sodium, 464 mg of calcium, and only 35 calories.
• Although there is a single ingredient, Bovine Hide Collagen Peptides, it also contains a range of essential amino acids and BCAA (branch-chain amino acids) which are important for a healthy body.
• No sugar or carbohydrates.
• Price point: $41.99 for 20 oz/567 g, competitively priced.

Who Can Use Naked Collagen?

Naked Collagen can be used by those on keto, paleo, low carb, dairy free, sugar free, gluten free and/or carnivore diets.

What are the Potential Benefits?

May support/promote:

• Gut health by reducing inflammation and helping heal a leaky gut.
• Bone health by keeping bones healthy and vigorous.
• Joint health with healthy ageing of joints and ligaments.
• Skin, hair, and nail health with shiny hair, stronger nails, and clearer skin.
• Muscle recovery.

What Can I Add Naked Collagen To?

As Naked Collagen is unflavoured, you can add it to tea, coffee, water, smoothies or any food (e.g. when baking a cake).

For example, I mixed it with:

• Coffee:
  • My decaffeinated coffee, giving it a slightly creamy texture (not unpleasant and I didn’t notice it after the second cup).
  • My wife drinks caffeinated coffee and she noticed the same slightly creamy texture.
• Orange Juice: no difference in taste.
• Milk: no difference in taste.
• Gravy: no difference in taste.
• Smoothie: no difference in taste, and tested on a range of savoury and sweet smoothies.
• Pasta and pesto: no difference in taste.

Who Is This Product Recommended For?

Naked Collagen is ideal for anybody who is suffering from symptoms of collagen deficiency or simply wants to increase their collagen intake. Whether you are looking to decrease workout recovery time, or you just want to achieve healthier skin and hair, Naked Collagen provides the premium nutrition you need.

If you are looking for a protein powder instead, check out Naked Whey or Naked Pea.

Would I Recommend This Product?

Yes.