The ketogenic (keto) diet has earned itself plenty of supporters in recent years, with the high-fat, low-carb diet promising numerous benefits. Though people have reported on these great benefits while on the diet, it should be said that reaching ketosis — a state in which the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy, producing ketones in the process — isn't always easy. In fact, many people don't realize that eating too much protein can actually derail your keto diet, as the body can create glucose from protein.
That leaves us with the question, "will Collagen Peptides work against you on the keto diet?" As experts in collagen (or huge fans of it, in the very least) here's what you need to know when it comes to collagen and keto.
what is the keto diet?
Let's start with a quick overview for those unfamiliar with it. In short, the keto diet is the idea of eating high-fat and very low-carb foods to increase fat burning. Common food choices in the keto diet include meat, fish, eggs, avocados, non-starchy vegetables, oils, nuts and seeds.
Ketogenesis is the process of making energy from the breakdown of fatty acids and certain amino acids. Normally, our bodies break down carbohydrates into smaller strands, like glucose, fructose and sucrose, and convert them into energy, or ATP, for proper functioning. When the body is deprived of adequate carbohydrates, it alternatively produces energy through ketones, which are the byproducts of the breakdown of fatty acids.
how does the keto diet work?
When you don't consume glucose, the sugar found in carbohydrates, your body turns to stored fat for energy. This is one of the reasons why ketogenic diets often result in weight loss: The body is forced to burn fat for fuel. However, the body reverts to glucose-burning whenever it can, which is why ketogenic diets are so low in carbohydrates. But it isn't just carbohydrates that can create glucose in the body: The body can also manufacture glucose from proteins through a process called gluconeogenisis.
When this happens, the body reverts to burning glucose, meaning that you're kicked out of ketosis. This is the main area where the ketogenic diet differs from traditional low-carb diets. While some low-carb diets allow for ample amounts of protein, the keto diet requires you to eat roughly 70 to 85 percent fat, somewhat limiting your protein consumption.
is collagen keto-friendly?
Collagen is, of course, a protein, and just like any other protein, too much of it will cause you to revert from a fat-burning state to a glucose-burning state.** However, collagen also has plenty of benefits that are important to keto practitioners. For example, collagen is rich in amino acids that are often lacking in modern diets.
can collagen kick you out of ketosis?
The amount of protein found in a serving of Collagen Peptides is probably not enough to kick you out of ketosis, so you probably don't have anything to worry about. However, if you want to stay in ketosis, it may be a good idea to add some healthy fats, such as coconut oil, grass-fed butter or ghee, to your collagen beverage (you can read more about biohacking your coffee here). Vital Proteins Collagen Creamers® are made with coconut milk, which means they contain healthy fats in addition to collagen.
What is the best collagen for the keto diet?
When it comes to finding a product that fits a keto lifestyle, Collagen Creamer™ supplement is a must-have. Vital Proteins’ line of Collagen Creamers™ supplement – featuring Coconut, Vanilla and Mocha flavors – are made with coconut milk, which means they contain healthy fats (an important component when following the keto diet) in addition to collagen.
Collagen Peptides is another option to consider. Although Vital Proteins' Collagen Peptides don't contain any added sugars or fillers, some other brands may not be as clean — so be sure to read your ingredient labels to make sure there aren't any sugars or sweeteners in your collagen products to make sure they're in the clear.
(Note: Please consult your doctor before starting any new diet.)
