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Collagen has been a staple in my complement routine for several years and has made a difference in how strong my hair and nails feel. I also consider it’s one in all the the reason why I rarely experience significant joint pain, despite being in my late thirties and figuring out hard 4 to 5 days every week.

Some collagen brands I’ve tried are more practical than others. To save lots of you from wasting as much money as I actually have on products that don’t work, I compiled a listing of the most effective collagen supplements in the marketplace today. I also included several options that our reviews staff has tested and enjoyed, so that you don’t should worry about accumulating a pantry filled with items you’ll never use.

Medical disclaimer: This text is meant for educational and informational purposes only. It is just not intended as an alternative to medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Our Top Picks for the Best Collagen Supplements

Best Collagen Peptides: Bulletproof Collagen Peptides

Bulletproof Collagen Peptides

• Collagen source: Bovine
• Form: Hydrolyzed powder
• Variety of servings: 12 to 60
• Cost per serving: Starts at $1.28
• Amount of collagen per serving: 20 grams
• Protein per serving: 18 to 19 grams, depending on the flavour
• Flavors: Chocolate, Unflavored, Vanilla
• Third-party tested: Tested for the presence of heavy metals and other toxins

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Pros

• Sustainably sourced from pasture-raised, hormone-free cows
• Mixes well in hot or cold liquids
• Made with collagen types I and III, probably the most common kinds of collagen within the body

Cons

• Not tested for banned substances

Bulletproof Collagen Peptides are the most effective collagen peptides because they deliver 20 grams of collagen per serving, they usually’re hydrolyzed to make digestion and absorption easier. They’re derived from grass-fed, hormone-free cows, which is a plus for individuals who prefer to purchase sustainably-sourced products. Additionally they contain types I and III collagen, probably the most abundant kinds of collagen within the body.

Along with all that, we love how well this collagen dissolves. When our review staff poured hot coffee over it without stirring it, it dissolved completely and left no clumps behind.

Our review team also noted that the unflavored variety is actually unflavored, unlike other non-flavored collagen powders that may have an odd taste to them. When you prefer to mix your collagen powder with a high-quality protein powder, you won’t should worry about Bulletproof’s unflavored collagen altering its taste.

When you prefer flavored collagen, you possibly can go for the chocolate or vanilla varieties. The flavored powders are higher in calories, though. The chocolate and vanilla collagens have 130 and 140 calories per serving, respectively, compared with 70 calories within the unflavored version. When you’re trying to look at your caloric intake, you might wish to persist with the unflavored powder.

Best Collagen Supplement for Higher Skin: HUM Nutrition Collagen Love

HUM Collagen Love

• Collagen source: Bovine
• Form: Capsules
• Variety of servings: 30
• Cost per serving: $1.33
• Amount of collagen per serving: 600 milligrams
• Protein per serving: Not provided
• Flavors: N/A
• Third-party tested: Clean Label Project

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Pros

• Also comprises vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and grape seed and red wine extracts
• No artificial colours, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives
• Free from common allergens and suitable for a wide selection of dietary restrictions

Cons

• Provides a low amount of collagen per serving

Along with collagen, HUM Nutrition Collagen Love comprises vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which might help prevent sagging skin, wonderful lines, and wrinkles. It also has grape seed and red wine extracts to assist improve the body’s ability to fight against free radicals, molecules that may damage cells and increase signs of aging. (1)

One other advantage of HUM Nutrition Collagen Love is that it’s available in capsule form. Those preferring to take their collagen on the go won’t should worry about powder making a large number of their travel bags. One serving is three capsules, which might be a difficulty for those with pill aversion, however the capsules aren’t too large. Most individuals shouldn’t have any problems swallowing them.

HUM Nutrition Collagen Love can also be Clean Label Project-verified, so it undergoes an intensive testing process to make sure it’s freed from heavy metals, contaminants, pesticides, and other potential toxins.

Each serving only provides 600 milligrams (0.6 grams) of collagen, much lower than the ten,000 to twenty,000 milligrams (10 to twenty grams) you’ll find in other collagen supplements. Research shows that an efficient each day dose of collagen is at the least 2.5 grams, so if you should maximize your collagen intake, consider an alternative choice on this list. (2)

RELATED: Best Whey Proteins for Packing on Muscle, Shredding Down, Meal Substitute, and More

Best Collagen Supplement for Women: Cira Collagen Peptides

Cira Nutrition Collagen Peptides

• Collagen source: Bovine
• Form: Hydrolyzed powder
• Variety of servings: 30
• Cost per serving: $1.17
• Amount of collagen per serving: 10 grams
• Protein per serving: Nine grams
• Flavors: Pina Colada, Strawberry Kiwi, Unflavored
• Third-party tested: No

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Pros

• Also comprises digestive enzymes and AstraGin® to assist with absorption
• No added sugars or artificial sweeteners
• Sourced from grass-fed cows

Cons

• Pina Colada and Strawberry Kiwi flavors could also be too sweet for some
• Comprises artificial flavors
• Not as high in collagen as other brands

Collagen supplements are generally suitable for each men and ladies, but some are higher for one gender over the opposite because they complement other products that address gender-specific concerns. For instance, Cira Collagen Peptides are ideal for girls because they might be combined with the brand’s other offerings, akin to its No Filter – Complexion complement. Together, these products might be used as a part of a well-rounded complement routine to support healthy skin, hair, and nails — all common concerns amongst women.

Cira Collagen Peptides contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, AstraGin® (a plant-based compound), and digestive enzymes to assist ensure maximum absorption. They’re available in an unflavored variety or in Pina Colada or Strawberry Kiwi flavors, which taste great mixed with water or plain Greek yogurt. Nevertheless, the flavored options could also be too sweet for some since they contain stevia. They might also not taste good with other flavored supplements or beverages.

One container offers 30 servings but provides just 10 grams of collagen. Many other collagen brands provide 20 grams of collagen per serving but cost similar to Cira Collagen Peptides. Considering you may have to double the dose to get the identical amount of collagen you’d find in one other brand, they aren’t probably the most cost-effective option.

Best Marine Collagen Supplement: Nordic Beauty Marine Collagen

Nordic Beauty Marine Collagen

• Collagen source: Cod
• Form: Hydrolyzed powder
• Variety of servings: 30
• Cost per serving: $1.33
• Amount of collagen per serving: 4.2 grams
• Protein per serving: 4 grams
• Flavors: Strawberry
• Third-party tested: No

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Pros

• No added sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, gluten, or dairy
• Also comprises vitamin C
• Non-GMO verified
• Third-party test results available on the brand’s website

Cons

• Doesn’t dissolve well
• Lower amount of collagen per serving than other options

For individuals who don’t devour mammal-based products, Nordic Beauty Marine Collagen is a superb marine collagen complement sourced from wild-caught cod.

Marine collagen is helpful since it has high amounts of glycine, which supports bone health, and proline, which helps to strengthen connective tissues and reduce joint pain. It’s also higher in types I and III collagen and will be easier to digest than bovine collagen.

Nordic Beauty Marine Collagen provides 4.2 grams of collagen per serving, lower than many other products on this list but still an efficient dose. It also comprises vitamin C to assist improve skin elasticity and nutrient absorption. It’s only available in a strawberry flavor, which our review team noted was mild but not too sweet. Nevertheless, there was a noticeable aftertaste, and it left stringy particles behind even after stirring.

That said, in the event you’re searching for a secure complement, you’ll appreciate that Nordic Beauty’s marine collagen peptides are third-party tested. Nordic Naturals provides certificates of research for every product on its website, so you possibly can see the test results for yourself.

Best Organic Collagen Supplement: Care/of Collagen

Care/of Collagen

• Collagen source: Bovine
• Form: Hydrolyzed powder
• Variety of servings: 15
• Cost per serving: Starts at $1.60
• Amount of collagen per serving: 10 grams
• Protein per serving: Nine grams
• Flavors: Unflavored, Vanilla Oat Creamer
• Third-party tested: Certified C.L.E.A.N.

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Pros

• No egg, fish, milk, peanut, sesame, shellfish, soy, or wheat products
• Sourced from grass-fed cows
• Non-GMO

Cons

• Not available as a one-time purchase

While Care/of Collagen itself isn’t USDA-certified organic, it’s Certified C.L.E.A.N. To receive this verification, the vast majority of a product’s ingredients have to be organic, and all of them have to be one hundred pc non-GMO. Care/of Collagen can also be third-party tested for label accuracy and purity.

With each serving, you get 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen and nine grams of protein. You possibly can select an unflavored powder or the Vanilla Oat Creamer, which comprises additional ingredients like coconut milk powder and vanilla powder so as to add flavor and creaminess to your coffee.

The one drawback is that you could’t buy Care/of’s collagen as a one-time purchase. All the company’s products can be found on a subscription basis. You possibly can all the time place your order after which cancel the subscription until you may have a likelihood to try it, but remembering to pause and unpause it may be a hassle.

RELATED: 11 Best Creatine Supplements For Constructing Muscle, Cutting, and More

Best Collagen Supplement for Hair Loss: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• Collagen source: Bovine
• Form: Hydrolyzed powder
• Variety of servings: Seven to twenty-eight
• Cost per serving: Starts at $1.68
• Amount of collagen per serving: 20 grams
• Protein per serving: 18 grams
• Flavors: Chocolate, Lemon, Unflavored, Vanilla
• Third-party tested: NSF Certified for Sport

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Pros

• Made without gluten, dairy, or artificial sweeteners
• Whole30-approved and paleo-friendly
• Made with types I and III collagen, that are helpful for hair health

Cons

• Not as soluble as other options

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides was the primary collagen complement I ever took, and I still keep it in my rotation. I definitely notice that my nails are stronger once I take this collagen repeatedly, and though I’m fortunate to not have issues with hair loss, I do receive compliments about how healthy my hair looks.

The positive effects it has on hair health are as a consequence of the undeniable fact that each serving offers 20 grams of types I and III collagen. Type I collagen, specifically, is wealthy within the amino acid proline. Proline aids within the production of a protein called keratin that helps strengthen hair. (3)

In my experience, Vital Proteins isn’t as soluble as other brands, but so long as you stir it well or use a frother or shaker bottle, you won’t notice any clumps in your beverage.

I prefer unflavored collagen because I prefer to mix it in coffee, protein shakes, oatmeal, and yogurt, and non-flavored powders are more versatile. Nevertheless, I actually have tried Vital Proteins’ Chocolate Collagen Peptides complement and enjoyed it, too. It gave my coffee a mocha flavor and enhanced the taste of the chocolate whey protein powder I used to combine it with. Neither the unflavored nor the flavored varieties contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners, in order that they are all ideal for those searching for a natural collagen complement.

Best Collagen Powder Supplement: BUBS Collagen Peptides

BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides Powder

• Protein type: Collagen peptides
• Variety of servings: 14 to twenty-eight
• Cost: $1.67 to $2.57 per serving
• Calories per serving: 70
• Protein per serving: 18 grams
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Third-party tested: NSF Certified for Sport

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Pros

• No gluten, soy, nuts, corn, or GMOs
• Sourced from farms that practice sustainable farming methods
• Keto-friendly and Whole30 approved
• Dissolves easily

Cons

• Costlier than others

BUBS is one in all my favorite bovine collagen powders since it has good solubility, doesn’t alter the taste of any beverages or foods I mix it in, and is one in all the few I’ve taken that makes my hair and nails feel stronger. I also notice less joint discomfort once I take it, which allows me to maintain up with my workouts.

My favorite thing about this collagen is that it doesn’t require any stirring when mixed in hot liquids. I just pour one or two scoops into my coffee, let it sit for a couple of seconds, and begin drinking. It doesn’t clump or settle at the underside.

BUBS isn’t the most cost effective collagen complement, however it is sustainably sourced and third-party tested, so that you’re paying for quality. When you’re concerned about the fee, you possibly can enroll for auto-deliveries to avoid wasting 15 percent. And though a serving is 2 scoops, you should use one scoop as an alternative to make it last more. You’ll still get 10 grams of collagen, which might be enough to note improvements in your hair, nail, and skin health.

Best Collagen Supplement for Joints: Gnarly Collagen Pro

Gnarly Nutrition Collagen Pro

• Collagen source: Bovine
• Form: Hydrolyzed powder
• Variety of servings: 10 to 30
• Cost per serving: Starts at $1.58
• Amount of collagen per serving: 15 grams
• Protein per serving: 14 grams
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Third-party tested: NSF Content Certified and NSF Certified for Sport

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Pros

• Also comprises vitamin C, zinc, and copper to assist increase natural collagen production
• Blends well in hot or cold liquids
• Unflavored, so you possibly can mix it with anything

Cons

• Offers a lower dose of collagen than others

While many collagen supplements might help ease joint pain, Gnarly Collagen Pro is particularly helpful for joint health since it also comprises vitamin C, zinc, and copper. These three nutrients might help increase collagen production, so not only do you get an external source of collagen, you improve your body’s ability to supply more collagen by itself. And since collagen might help protect the cartilage surrounding your joints, Gnarly Collagen Pro generally is a solid alternative for those affected by joint pain.

You possibly can take Collagen Pro any time of the day, but Gnarly recommends taking it before a workout to assist kickstart collagen synthesis and make your joints more resilient during training. Because it’s unflavored, it’s easy to combine with any of the most effective pre-workouts. Our review staff also mixed it into coffee and an electrolyte drink and noted that it blended seamlessly each ways.

Gnarly Collagen Pro is sourced from one hundred pc grass-fed cows, and every serving offers 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen, barely lower than others but still enough to be effective. It’s also NSF Content Certified and NSF Certified for Sport, so you possibly can trust that the nutrition label is accurate and that the product isn’t contaminated with banned substances or toxic ingredients.

Best Collagen Supplement for Men: Momentous Collagen Shot

Momentous Collagen Shot

• Collagen source: Bovine
• Form: Liquid
• Variety of servings: 15
• Cost per serving: $2.10
• Amount of collagen per serving: 10 grams
• Protein per serving: 10 grams
• Flavors: Orange Mango
• Third-party tested: Informed Sport and NSF Certified for Sport

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Pros

• Doesn’t must be mixed with anything
• Less messy than powder
• Includes vitamin C

Cons

• Expensive
• Higher in calories and carbohydrates than powdered collagen
• Has a chalky aftertaste

As discussed, collagen supplements generally aren’t gender-specific. But for men with busy lifestyles who are attempting to optimize every aspect of their fitness and nutrition regime, the Momentous Collagen Shots are an awesome option to persist with a collagen complement routine while on the go. They are available individual packets, so you possibly can easily throw one in your bag and take it during your commute without making a large number.

One shot provides 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen. There are also 80 calories and five grams of carbohydrates per shot, and Momentous recommends taking two shots a day for the most effective results. This implies you’d devour 160 calories and 10 grams of carbs from the collagen shots alone. When you meticulously track your caloric intake and macros, you might wish to select a powdered collagen complement as an alternative, which has 60 to 70 calories and 0 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Once we tried the collagen shot, we noticed a chalky aftertaste and didn’t benefit from the gel-like texture. Downing it fairly than taking it little by little helped with each issues, though.

At around $2.10 per serving, it’s not probably the most budget-friendly collagen, but the worth could also be price it if convenience is vital to you.

Best Natural Collagen Supplement: Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate

Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate

• Collagen source: Bovine
• Form: Hydrolyzed powder
• Variety of servings: 30
• Cost per serving: $1.17
• Amount of collagen per serving: 11 grams
• Protein per serving: 10 grams
• Flavors: Milk Chocolate
• Third-party tested: Yes, by independent labs

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Pros

• Gluten-free and dairy-free
• No grainy texture
• Reasonably priced
• Transparent label

Cons

• Has a watered-down chocolate flavor when mixed in water
• No unflavored variety or other flavored options

Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate is gluten-free, dairy-free, and comprises no artificial preservatives, colorings, or sweeteners. The one ingredients are bovine collagen, cocoa powder, stevia, and natural flavors. Plus, it’s non-GMO, making it the most effective all-natural collagen you could find.

Based on our experience, it’s also the most effective dissolving collagen powder. After we stirred it right into a glass of water, we didn’t see any clumps or particles. There was no grittiness, but we found the flavour to be weak and never very chocolatey. It tasted a lot better after we mixed it in oat milk, though.

This collagen powder is amongst probably the most reasonably priced items on this list. Considering it’s third-party tested and has a totally transparent label, you get quite a lot of value out of it. I do wish it were available in other flavors or in a more versatile unflavored variety, but you’ll likely be hard-pressed to seek out collagen of comparable quality at this price point.

Best Collagen Supplement for Weight Loss: Swolverine Collagen Protein

Swolverine Collagen Protein

• Collagen source: Bovine
• Form: Hydrolyzed powder
• Variety of servings: 30
• Cost per serving: $1.23
• Amount of collagen per serving: 10 grams
• Protein per serving: Nine grams
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Third-party tested: Lief and Micro Quality Labs

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Pros

• Certificates of research available on the web site
• Sourced from grass-fed cows
• Made within the USA
• No added sugars or artificial ingredients

Cons

• Small amount of collagen per serving

On the subject of reducing weight, most individuals know they’ve to cut back the variety of calories they eat. Nevertheless, some don’t realize that supplements can contribute to their each day caloric intake. Swolverine’s collagen protein has just 35 calories per serving, which is pretty negligible and won’t take up an excessive amount of of your each day calorie budget.

Each serving offers nine grams of protein and 10 grams of grass-fed collagen. The collagen content is lower than other options, but the worth is more attractive. You may take two servings a day as an alternative of 1 in the event you wanted to extend your collagen intake, and though you’d undergo a bathtub more quickly, you continue to won’t break the bank each time you may have to switch it.

Swolverine Collagen Protein is simply available in an unflavored version, but you possibly can mix it with anything — including baked goods or savory dishes — and never even know it’s there. It also dissolves in hot liquids immediately, a plus for individuals who can’t be bothered to stir their coffee.

Best Vegan Collagen Supplement: HUM Nutrition Glow Sweet Glow™

HUM Glow Sweet Glow

• Collagen source: N/A
• Form: Gummy
• Variety of servings: 30
• Cost per serving: $0.87
• Amount of collagen per serving: N/A
• Protein per serving: N/A
• Flavors: Tangerine
• Third-party tested: Certified C.L.E.A.N.

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Pros

• Affordably priced
• No animal by-products, gluten, GMOs, soy, nuts, artificial flavors, or artificial food dyes
• Formulated by registered dietitians

Cons

• Can have a gritty texture

Since collagen comes from animals akin to cows, fish, or poultry, there aren’t many vegan-friendly collagen supplements available. Nevertheless, there are supplements like HUM Nutrition’s Glow Sweet Glow™ that don’t contain animal products but support collagen production within the body. These tasty tangerine-flavored gummies contain vitamins C and E, which each help promote collagen synthesis and have a number of the same advantages as collagen supplements, akin to improved skin elasticity and hydration. (4)

Glow Sweet Glow™ gummies even have hyaluronic acid, which might help prevent saggy skin. They’re suitable for those allergic to gluten, soy, or nuts. There are also no artificial sweeteners, but there are two grams of added sugar per serving from evaporated cane juice and tapioca syrup. Nevertheless, that is such a small amount that it’s unlikely to cause significant issues if the remaining of your each day sugar intake is low.

Best Multi-Collagen Supplement: Ancient Nutrition Collagen Powder Protein With Probiotics

Ancient Nutrition Collagen Powder Protein With Probiotics

• Collagen source: Bovine, eggshell, marine, and poultry
• Form: Hydrolyzed powder
• Variety of servings: 20 to 60
• Cost per serving: Starts at $1.62
• Amount of collagen per serving: 10 to 11.7 grams
• Protein per serving: Nine grams
• Flavors: Chocolate, Cold Brew, Cucumber Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, Unflavored, Vanilla, plus a Mixed Berry-flavored recovery formula
• Third-party tested: Yes, by an ISO 17025-certified laboratory

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Pros

• Constituted of 4 different collagen sources which are cage-free, pasture-raised, and cruelty-free
• Comprises 10 kinds of collagen
• Various flavors and sizes to pick from
• Includes probiotics to assist improve gut health

Cons

• Gritty texture
• Doesn’t dissolve well

Most collagen supplements only include one collagen source (typically bovine) and kind I and/or type III collagen. The Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen protein powder stands aside from the remaining since it uses bovine, eggshell membranes, marine, and poultry collagen and comprises 10 kinds of collagen. Having quite a lot of sources and kinds of collagen in a single complement might help make sure you get as many advantages as possible without having to take multiple collagen powders.

Each flavor of Ancient Nutrition’s collagen offers nine grams of protein per serving, but the quantity of collagen varies from 10 to 11.7 grams. The flavored varieties are freed from added sugars, artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and other unnecessary fillers. The unflavored version had an odd taste after we mixed it in water, however it was undetectable in flavored beverages. It also has a grainy texture and settles in the event you let your drink sit for some time, so you must keep stirring it.

Ancient Nutrition’s Multi-Collagen comprises two billion colony-forming units (CFUs, or the variety of lively microorganisms in a probiotic complement) of probiotics and one hundred pc of the each day advisable value of vitamin C. These additions can aid digestion, help support gut health, and ensure maximum nutrient absorption.

Ancient Nutrition doesn’t disclose much about its third-party testing practices on its nutrition label, but I contacted the corporate’s support staff to ask in the event that they could provide more information. They told me they use an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory that must follow stringent guidelines for manufacturing, packaging, and labeling their products. So, you possibly can trust that this collagen complement is made to high standards.

How We Selected the Best Collagen Supplements

We performed several hours of research and used our personal experience with various collagen supplements to provide you with the 13 best options in the marketplace. To cover a wide selection of budgets and dietary needs, we included products with various price points and ones which are derived from various animal sources. We even included a vegan option, which isn’t a real collagen complement but supplies vitamins and minerals that may aid collagen production.

Because we all know that folks should want to take collagen for various reasons, we also offered options that might help address various concerns, akin to skin hydration, hair and nail growth, and joint discomfort.

What Are the Advantages of Collagen?

As a dietary complement, collagen has many health advantages. Many individuals are aware of how it may help with hair and nail growth and improve the looks of their skin, but there are other advantages that make it a worthwhile complement to devour repeatedly.

• It could improve the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Certainly one of the essential reasons people complement with collagen is that they need stronger hair, skin, and nails. Studies show that collagen supplements might help increase skin elasticity and hydration and will even have anti-aging advantages. (5) Moreover, collagen may help prevent damage to the hair follicles, stimulate hair growth, and reduce the frequency of broken nails. (6)(7)
• It could help reduce joint pain. One other common reason for taking collagen supplements is to assist ease joint discomfort. The truth is, research shows that collagen supplementation might help ease joint discomfort related to osteoarthritis. (8) It is because collagen is present in the ligaments and cartilage surrounding the joints, and supplementing with it may help supply the tissues with more collagen than they will make on their very own.
• It could improve bone health. Because collagen can also be present in bones, supplementation might help increase bone mineral density and reduce the danger of fractures. This is particularly vital as you become older, as bone mass deteriorates with age. (9) 
• It could help promote wound healing. Collagen dressings are sometimes placed on large wounds to assist reduce inflammation, encourage the body to repair damaged tissue, and support recent tissue growth. (10) Taking a dietary collagen complement can promote these same processes and thus help speed up wound healing. (11)

What To Look For When Buying a Collagen Supplement

When searching for the most effective collagen complement, you’ll need to contemplate greater than just the collagen types used and the animal it comes from. The general ingredient list, whether or not it’s third-party tested, what form it’s available in, and the structure of the collagen are also vital to take a look at.

Collagen Type

There are 28 various kinds of collagen. Types I and III are probably the most abundant within the human body and mostly present in collagen supplements. They may offer probably the most advantages for the skin, hair, and nails. Type II collagen can also be prevalent within the body but isn’t often utilized in supplements because it may inhibit the absorption of the opposite types. It’s best to search for a collagen complement that primarily includes types I and III.

Collagen Source

Collagen comes from the bones, skin, and connective tissues of humans and animals. Most collagen supplements in the marketplace come from cows or fish, though some are also derived from chickens.

Bovine, marine, and chicken collagen all have a superb absorption rate, but marine collagen has the very best. It’s also probably the most abundant in types I and III collagen. Nevertheless, bovine, marine, and chicken collagen can all be effective, so which one you select relies on your dietary preferences and any allergies you’ll have.

No matter which collagen source you select, search for a complement that’s derived from grass-fed or wild-caught animals. They’re less prone to develop diseases from being in close quarters with other animals, and, subsequently, aren’t treated with antibiotics. There may be conflicting research on the risks of consuming products from animals treated with antibiotics, but some studies show that avoiding antibiotics in your food and supplements might help prevent resistance to bacteria. (12)

Lack of Added Sugars, Fillers, and Artificial Ingredients

A protracted list of unnecessary junk ingredients can weaken the standard of your collagen complement. When buying powdered collagen, search for one which only comprises collagen and some other ingredients that may aid absorption, akin to digestive enzymes. When searching for flavored collagen, avoid ones that contain food dyes, artificial flavors, and faux sugars — because you’ll be taking the complement repeatedly, it needs to be as natural as possible.

When you’re searching for liquid collagen, search for one with little to no sugar, as it will help keep the calories and carbohydrate content low.

Hydrolyzed Collagen or Collagen Peptides

The terms hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides mean the identical thing and check with collagen that’s broken down into smaller particles to make them easier for the body to soak up. There isn’t any harm in taking non-hydrolyzed collagen, but hydrolyzed collagen can provide a stronger dose, and your body may give you the chance to put it to use higher.

Powder vs. Pills vs. Liquid

Collagen is offered in powder, capsule, or liquid form. Powdered collagen is probably the most common, but it may be inconvenient because you may have to measure it in the event you want precise doses. Plus, it’s messier to travel with. Collagen capsules and liquid collagen are more convenient since you don’t should measure anything and might easily take them while on the go. Nevertheless, they will also be dearer. Which type of collagen you purchase will depend upon your budget and lifestyle.

Third-Party Testing

When you take a low-quality collagen complement, there’s a likelihood you would possibly devour ineffective doses of collagen or that the product can be contaminated with toxins. They might also contain substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list.

Searching for a third-party tested collagen complement might help offer you peace of mind that it comprises effective doses of collagen and only includes the ingredients listed on the label.

Examples of third-party verification seals to search for include NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Selection, and Informed Sport.

What Is the Best Method to Take Collagen?

Collagen is a flexible complement, and there are various ways you possibly can take it. I prefer to mix mine into my post-workout protein shake on my workout days and add it to my morning coffee or mix it into my afternoon snack of Greek yogurt and fruit on my rest days. I’ve also had success mixing it with oatmeal and know individuals who add it to soups or sauces.

Most adults can safely take 2.5 to fifteen grams of collagen per day. The advisable serving size each brand provides often falls inside this range, but some are higher. Vital Proteins, for instance, recommends a each day dose of 20 grams of its powder. It’s best to follow the rules provided by whichever brand of collagen you purchase in the event you’re undecided how much to take. It’s also price speaking with a physician or registered dietitian to seek out the optimal dose for you.

The most effective time to take a collagen complement relies on the person. For instance, as you saw above, I take mine at different times daily, depending on my workout schedule and what I would like to combine it with. But when taking it at the very same time daily helps you develop a consistent routine, you might wish to select one particular time and persist with that.

Final Thoughts

Caring for our skin, bones, and joints is crucial for helping us look our greatest and maintain mobility, especially as we become older and our bodies produce less collagen. Taking one or two scoops of collagen peptides powder daily might help the body replenish its collagen levels and forestall joint pain, weak bones, thinning hair, and signs of skin aging.

Whether you’re searching for flavored or unflavored collagen or prefer powder or pills, the list above has several products that may suit a wide selection of needs. There are also pre-mixed liquid options which are great for travel or on-the-go lifestyles. It doesn’t matter which form you utilize or while you take it so long as you’re consistent — you’ll see a lot better results in the event you take it each day than in the event you only take it once every couple of weeks.

FAQs

What’s the most effective collagen complement?

Our top pick for the most effective collagen complement is BUBS Collagen Peptides. This hydrolyzed collagen powder provides 20 grams of collagen per serving, dissolves seamlessly into hot liquids without stirring, and doesn’t change the taste of anything you combine it with.

What’s probably the most effective collagen to take?

Probably the most effective collagen to take is hydrolyzed collagen, also called collagen peptides. Hydrolyzed collagen consists of smaller molecules that might be easier to digest and are more rapidly absorbed by the body. Beyond that, supplements made with type I and kind III collagen are best because some of these collagen are probably the most abundant within the body.

What’s the #1 collagen in the marketplace?

Vital Proteins is one in all the highest collagen brands in the marketplace due to its high collagen content (20 grams per serving) and since it’s third-party tested to make sure it’s freed from banned substances. BUBS and Transparent Labs are two other high-quality collagen supplements in the marketplace that also provide 20 grams of collagen per serving and are third-party tested.

What collagen does Jennifer Aniston recommend?

Jennifer Aniston uses Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, which can be found in chocolate, lemon, or vanilla flavors and an unflavored variety. This collagen powder provides 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen and 18 grams of protein per serving and is offered in containers with seven to twenty-eight servings.

Research

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6. Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Oct 7;23(19):11904. doi: 10.3390/ijms231911904. PMID: 36233206; PMCID: PMC9569759.
7. Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec;16(4):520-526. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12393. Epub 2017 Aug 8. PMID: 28786550.
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9. König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018 Jan 16;10(1):97. doi: 10.3390/nu10010097. PMID: 29337906; PMCID: PMC5793325.
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