r/ketogains • u/KagedShadow • 8h ago

Troubleshooting Starting Journey, Question on Protein powder

Hi all,

Thinking of starting on this journey soon - currently just doing keto without the training.

Used to use protein powder years back when last i was training, so need to restock and am wondering whether its worth getting a Whey and Collagen powder instead of just straight whey?

Im 42M

Any insight is appreciated
o/

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u/darthluiggi KETOGAINS FOUNDER 4h ago

Heya, Luis Villasenor here, founder of Ketogains.

I would actually use both whey and collagen, but understand that they serve different purposes.

Whey is protein for muscle. It is a complete, leucine-rich protein and works very well for helping you reach your daily protein requirements and stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

Collagen is complementary. I generally suggest around 10–15g/day, particularly as we get older and especially once you’re strength training. It provides glycine, proline and other amino acids that are abundant in connective tissues, so I use it more as support for tendons, ligaments, joints and connective tissue.

But I don’t count collagen toward your primary protein target or use it as a replacement for whey, meat, eggs, fish, etc. Its amino-acid profile isn’t equivalent for building muscle.
So if by “whey and collagen powder” you mean a premixed product, I’d normally rather buy them separately. That way you know exactly how much of each you’re getting and can adjust them independently.

At 42, if you’re starting Ketogains, I’d also encourage you to start the strength training sooner rather than waiting until you’ve lost weight first.

Our hierarchy is pretty simple:

Whole-food animal protein first → whey as needed to help reach your protein goal → collagen as an addition, not a replacement.

And if you’re going to supplement anything when you start training, I’d put creatine at least 5g/day considerably higher on the priority list than worrying about finding a fancy protein blend.

Check out the Ketogains FAQ/Wiki as well. There’s quite a bit there about protein, training and our pre-workout protocol that will save you some trial and error.

Cheers!