Disclaimer: Always consult with a doctor before adding any collagen supplements to your daily routine.
(Ad) Collagen is a protein that the body naturally produces. It has the potential to make your hair and nails grow faster, reduce fine lines, and so much more. Overall, there are immense benefits to collagen supplements.
However, our bodies produce less collagen as we age. This can lead to several issues, including more fine lines, wrinkles, etc. This is why many people are turning to collagen supplements like collagen protein powder and collagen-based peptides.
There are tons of collagen supplements available on the market. However, they are not all the same. To get the best bang for your buck, here are the best collagen supplements you can find.
Barista Boost is a powder-based superfood supplement for coffee and smoothies. It can help boost energy, improve focus, promote bone and joint health, and enhance hair, skin, and nails. Moreover, it may support immune function and weight loss efforts as well.
The formula’s star ingredients include grass-fed collagen, maca, cocoa, cinnamon, and L-theanine. When combined, they create a powerful formula consisting of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The formula is also dairy-free and gluten-free, with no additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
Grass-fed collagen is essential for the body’s overall health, while maca strengthens the immune system and increases energy levels. Cocoa is said to help to support healthier heart function, while cinnamon maintains healthy blood sugar levels. L-theanine helps to reduce stress, promote relaxation, boost concentration, and improve focus.
This high-quality collagen supplement also compliments Keto, Paleo, Whole 30, and many other diets. It is a great way to keep hair, nails, skin, bones, and joints healthy. You will simply add 2 scoops of the collagen powder to a cup of 8–10 oz. of liquid.
Pros
- Tons of benefits like boosted energy levels, enhanced hair, skin, and nails, and more
- Includes several high-quality ingredients to create a powerful formula consisting of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Dairy-free, gluten-free; no additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors
Cons
- Strong cinnamon flavor
- Slightly pricey
- Takes some time to dissolve fully into the liquid
AnnieMak Clean Multi Collagens is a powerful protein supplement capable of improving skin, hair, and nail health. It contains an innovative combination of some of nature’s most potent healers. The mighty formula includes all five major types of collagen, to give you all the benefits of these vital proteins.
The ingredients include bovine collagen peptides from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows; marine collagen from wild-caught fish; and non-GMO chicken bone broth. Other key ingredients include the essential amino acid tryptophan and camu-camu, which contains anti-viral properties and natural vitamin C. The ingredients all come from ultra-clean, ethical sources.
This AnnieMak product also goes through third-party testing to ensure that it’s free of heavy metals and other harmful toxins. Third-party tests typically show no glyphosate, heavy metals, or pesticides. The formula is also non-GMO and contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, yeast, soy, or starch.
To use it, add a scoop of the collagen powder to a hot or cold beverage of your choice. It is tasteless, odorless, and dissolves easily. Each serving is only 32 calories, with 0 grams of carbs and 0 grams of sugar.
Pros
- Includes all five major types of collagen
- All the ingredients come from high-quality sources
- Goes through extensive third-party testing
Cons
- Not vegan friendly
- Unsuitable for people with fish or egg allergies
- Only 20 servings per bag
The MindBodyGreen Beauty and Gut Collagen Supplement is rich in protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid. It’s created to help improve skin elasticity and hydration, for glowing skin and a healthy gut. Other benefits include fuller hair and stronger nails.
The MindBodyGreen Collagen supplement consists of hydrolyzed collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. It also includes L-glutamine, which supports healthy hair, skin, nails, and gut. There’s also hyaluronic acid included in the formula, which enhances skin moisture and texture and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Other key ingredients include vitamins C and E, biotin, and several plants with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C helps with collagen production in the body, while vitamin E is essential for normal collagen cross-linking. Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to convert nutrients into energy and supports healthy glucose concentration.
This collagen supplement is gluten-free, sugar-free, GMO-free, and dairy-free, with no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. There’s also no HFCS, stevia, MSG, binders, preservatives, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, coatings, shellacs, gums, carrageenan, or magnesium stearate. Simply add 1 scoop, which has 17.7g of collagen, to your coffee or other beverages to reap these benefits.
Pros
- Includes ingredients to promote glowing skin, fuller hair, stronger nails, and a healthier gut
- Comes in a powder form for quick absorption
- Available in a delicious chocolate flavor
Cons
- Comes at a premium price, with subscribe-and-save options
- Has a slight aftertaste
- Not vegan friendly
Organixx Collagens is a supplement that may help you look younger in less than 90 days. It consists of a potent blend of organic ingredients that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This supplement can even repair aging skin and clear away dark circles in mere weeks.
The ingredient list includes five different types of collagen: tryptophan, acerola cherry, camu-camu, silica, zinc, and vitamin B6. These five types of collagen come from grass-fed cows, wild-caught fish, antibiotic-free chickens, and organic eggshell membranes. Together, they provide a broad range of nutrients and a complete amino acid profile.
For example, tryptophan boosts the formula’s efficacy and makes it a complete protein. Acerola cherry and camu-camu are both great sources of vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and absorption. Silica is a natural building block of collagen, while zinc and vitamin B6 help with collagen absorption.
The Organixx Clean Sourced Collagens supplement goes through third-party testing and has no glyphosate, heavy metals, or pesticides. Add 1 scoop to a hot or cold beverage, yogurt, pudding, or cereal. Each scoop contains 0g of sugar and carbs, 8g protein, 1g fat, and 32 calories.
Pros
- Can help you look younger in less than 90 days
- Includes all five major types of collagen and other potent ingredients to improve skin, nail, hair, bone/joint, and gut health
- Contains no glyphosate, heavy metals, or pesticides
Cons
- Not for those that are allergic to fish, meat, or eggs
- May be unsafe for pregnant women, nursing moms, or children
- Some reports of an upset stomach after using the supplement
Zuma Nutrition Collagen is 100% vegan and unlike any other collagen on the market. The pack comes with three bottles that include various vitamins and minerals to help the body produce collagen naturally. The more collagen the body produces, the better your skin, joint, and tissue health.
The human body needs around 2000mg of lysine, 1000mg of proline, and 1000mg of vitamin C per day. It requires all these key vitamins, along with 1000mg of B vitamins, every day for collagen synthesis. Luckily, the Zuma Nutrition Collagen PreCursor Daily Pack comes with all these nutrients in the correct doses. Together, they can help your body produce enough collagen for younger-looking skin.
Unlike the other supplements on the list, this one comes in capsule form. Its nano-free form allows for maximum nutrient absorption. The dosage includes 8 capsules per day to support the body’s natural collagen production process.
Here is an overview of all the ingredients and their key benefits:
L-Lysine
L-lysine is an essential amino acid that is a main building block of collagen. Unfortunately, the body does not metabolize it on its own. L-lysine has to come from an external source, and the body requires 2000mg for optimal collagen synthesis.
L-Proline
L-proline can be thought of as the glue that holds the body’s organs, bones, and muscles in place. It is also important for the elastin fibers that support connective tissues. L-proline works in conjunction with L-lysine to synthesize collagen.
Stress B Complex with Vitamin C
This supplement can speed up collagen production, fight off free radicals, and reduce inflammation in the body. Vitamin C is responsible for the creation of the collagen and protein that makes up 80% of our connective tissue. Meanwhile, B vitamins play a big role in metabolism, cellular health, and immune function.
Moreover, B2 can help cell turnover and collagen supplement maintenance. This can protect the structural integrity of the skin and reduce inflammation. B12 keeps homocysteine levels low, which may affect tendon integrity and interfere with collagen cross-linking.
Pros
- 100% vegan product
- Includes all the nutrients and minerals for the body to generate collagen naturally
- Comes in an easy-to-swallow capsule form
Cons
- You need to take 8 capsules per day
- Expensive collagen supplement
- The number and size of capsules are less than optimal
Correxiko has a few collagen supplements available in both powder and capsule form. The product lineup includes marine collagen and bovine collagen. These products are available to purchase separately and as a bundle.
Both types of collagen help to achieve youthful skin, support joint health, and improve the strength of your hair and nails. Here are the various collagen-based supplements in their product lineup:
Marine Collagen Peptides Powder
This collagen supplement contains marine collagen that comes from ethical sources. It also includes zinc, manganese, and selenium, as well as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Together they provide a complete all-around anti-aging effect.
Just add 2 level tablespoons of this collagen powder to hot or cold beverages. It can also go into yogurt, porridge or cereal, or baked goods.
Marine Collagen Capsules
The Marine Collagen supplement includes collagen from deep-sea fish. It is a dietary supplement that will improve the appearance of the skin and combat wrinkles. These capsules also promote hair growth and faster healing of joints.
Marine Collagen Capsules are non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Take 4 capsules daily on an empty stomach or after a meal. It is best to take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening.
Bovine Collagen Peptides Powder
The Bovine Collagen Peptides Powder includes collagen from grass-fed cows. It is great for radiant skin, hair growth, and joint health. This supplement offers a gentle way to prevent skin aging and improve the overall health of the body.
Mix 2–4 tablespoons of Bovine Collagen Peptides Powder in any hot or cold beverage. It dissolves easily without leaving any clumps behind. The formula contains no artificial flavors, colors, or additives, and includes 2000mg of collagen per serving.
Bovine Collagen Peptide Capsules
These capsules are a highly absorbable form of multi-collagen protein. They include bovine collagen, which can reduce wrinkles and fine lines while strengthening hair and nails. These capsules also come with amino acids, which are the key building blocks for nourishing the body.
Take the capsules morning or night on an empty stomach or after a meal. The daily dosage is 4 capsules.
Pros
- Includes marine collagen products and bovine collagen products
- Products available in powder and capsule form
- Ability to bundle up and save
Cons
- Product may clump and become unusable
- Needs to be taken daily for the best results
- Not for people with fish or meat allergies
What to Look for in Collagen Supplements
Third-Party Testing
Supplements go through various tests by third-party labs to ensure they are not contaminated with high-risk additives. However, not all third-party certifications are the same. Some of the ones you can trust include ConsumerLab, NSF, and USP.
Product Form
Collagen supplements come in various forms, such as powder, tablets, capsules, chews, and liquids. They are usually derived from three main types of collagen, including collagen peptide, gelatin, or raw collagen.
Collagen peptide is one of the most common types. This type of collagen has been broken down for better absorption. Gelatin is partially hydrolyzed collagen or gelatin. It dissolves in hot water only. Raw collagen, which is UC-II collagen, can aid joint pain.
Collagen supplements contain either Type I, II, III, or a combination of these. Types I and III are best for hair, skin, and nails. On the other hand, Type II is best for joint health. Some supplements may even include Type V and Type X, which help with muscle, lung, liver, and bone health.
Ingredients
Pay close attention to the ingredients list and nutritional facts. They tell you what the key ingredients are and how much of the daily value the supplement provides. You can also ask your doctor if these ingredients can cause any issues with medications you’re currently taking.
People who are allergic to fish should avoid marine collagen supplements. Also, marine collagen can lower blood sugar. Be cautious if you’re taking blood-sugar-lowering medication, including insulin, metformin, glyburide, and others. It’s always important to talk to your doctor first.
Likewise, those allergic to eggs should stay away from collagen supplements, as many include eggshell membrane.
Dosage
Speak to a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your routine. This ensures that you are taking the appropriate supplement and dosage for your individual needs. Dosage for collagen supplements varies.
Those who take more than the recommended dose often have mild side effects. This could include gastrointestinal issues, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and more.
Research shows that 36% of our daily protein can come from collagen peptides. So it is best not to consume more than 36% of your daily protein from a collagen supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the human body. It helps with skin, blood, gut, joint, and bone health.
Where Can You Get Collagen From?
Collagen production in the body decreases as we age. Due to this, we need to supplement this collagen loss from other sources. Some sources high in natural collagen include cows (bovine), fish and seafood (marine), and chicken products (avian). There’s also plant-based collagen derived from plants.
How Many Different Types of Collagen Are There?
There are about 28 different types of collagen in the human body. However, the most important are Types I to IV.
Type I is the most abundant, so its benefits are more visible than the rest. When choosing a collagen supplement, look for one that includes at least Type I and Type IV. The more types of collagen present in the supplement, the more benefits you’ll get.
What Does Hydrolyzed Mean?
Hydrolyzation is the process whereby a protein is broken down via heat or enzymes into chains of amino acids. This makes it easier to mix into liquids and for the body to digest protein.
How Long Does It Take for Collagen Supplements to Work?
Collagen supplements may take up to six weeks to improve wrinkles. They could take three to six months to ease joint pain. For other benefits, like strengthening bone health, they can take up to 12 months.
What Happens If You Stop Taking Collagen Supplements?
People do not experience any issues immediately after they stop taking collagen supplements. The benefits gradually fade as time goes by. This process may take a few weeks or so.
How Do I Use Collagen?
There are several ways to take collagen. You can take it in capsule form or powder form. The capsules are easy to take with water. Meanwhile, the powder can typically go into any hot or cold beverage. Other methods of taking the supplement include using it when cooking.
Conclusion
Taking a collagen supplement is an easy and effective way to improve skin health. Not only that, but also hair, nail, gut, and bone/joint health.
There are many options to choose from, including collagen powders and capsules. They all contain a wide range of dosages and ingredients.
For the best results, talk with a healthcare professional before adding collagen to your routine. This is especially important if you have underlying health conditions or take several medications.
*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.