Introduction
Collagen is a protein naturally found in the connective tissues of the human body, including bones, tendons, muscles, and skin. It provides elasticity and strength to protect against physical stress and provides structure for organs and tissues. As you age, collagen production declines which can lead to wrinkles and joint pain. Taking collagen supplements may help increase levels of this important protein in the body.
There are many different types of collagen supplements available on the market today, including powders, capsules, pills, liquids, and more. These differ based on collagen sources (such as bovine or marine), delivery format (collagen peptides or beef gelatin), additives like flavoring oils or sweeteners (such as Sucralose or Stevia) and other ingredients like probiotics or herbal extracts. Each of these have their own benefits depending on what your goals are with supplementation; however there is no one definitive product that works better than others.
It’s important to consider what type of collagen supplement fits best with your lifestyle – do you prefer to swallow a pill or mix up a powder drink? – as well as looking at things like price point, third-party test results (for purity), reviews from previous customers, recommended serving sizes etc before making a purchase decision. Your doctor can also provide guidance on what type of supplement may be most beneficial for your individual needs.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is an important protein that plays a vital role in our overall health. It can help with issues such as joint pain, skin elasticity, hair growth, and more. It’s naturally found in our body, but as we age, the levels of collagen start to decline. This is why many people opt to take collagen supplements to supplement their diet and help improve their health.
In this article, we’ll be discussing what collagen is and why it’s important to take a collagen supplement.
Types of Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it is a key structural component of all connective tissues. It serves as an important building block for skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage and acts as a source of strength and resilience throughout our bodies. There are at least 16 different types of collagen, which can be divided into two overarching categories – Type I collagen is the most common form found in our skin and bones while Types II-XV are more involved in healthy joint function.
- Type I Collagen: Often referred to as structural collagen due to its primary role in providing strength and structure. This type accounts for around 90 percent of all collagen found in humans. It is responsible for giving skin its firmness, supporting bone matrix structure and maintaining muscle integrity.
- Type II Collagen: This type provides cushioning on joints and gives rise to elastic fibers that give our skin its strength and pliability. The majority of this type can be found in cartilage, providing the soft but supportive tissue structure necessary for bones to move without friction or pain.
- Type III Collagen: This type gives rise to reticular fibers that support organs such as the liver, heart, kidney as well as anchoring layers of cells together while supporting their ability to move freely around our bodies with every movement we make. Type III also helps with wound healing by providing tension that keeps wounds closed when stressed before healing has fully occurred.
- Types IV-XV Collagen: These lesser-known forms are more involved in functions such cellular communication between cells; they also provide scaffold-like support structures within organs such as livers or hearts help give our tissues their shape; they even play a direct role when it comes to passing signaling molecules between cells throughout our body!
Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements
Collagen has become incredibly popular as a supplement in recent years due to its wide range of potential health benefits. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in the body and plays an important role in providing structure and strength to our skin, hair, nails, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. As we age, our bodies’ natural production of collagen begins to decrease which can lead to increased wrinkles and joint pain. Taking a collagen supplement may help slow down this process and improve overall health.
Collagen supplements come in various forms including capsules, powders and liquids. They are typically made from animal sources such as fish scales or bovine hides. The most common types are hydrolyzed collagen (which breaks down the proteins into small particles that can be more easily absorbed by the body) or undenatured collagen (which retains more of its original structure). Depending on your individual needs there are several potential benefits taking a regular dose of collagen supplements may offer:
- Improved skin texture – helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
- Strengthening hair – promotes healthy hair growth.
- Strengthening nails – promotes harder nails that are less prone to breakage or splitting.
- Improved joint health – helps reduce stiffness and pain associated with arthritis.
- Improved gut health – helps heal damage caused by leaky gut syndrome.
- Improved muscle mass & performance – helps build muscle mass more quickly with regular exercise.
- Increased bone density & strength – proven to improve bone density which reduces risk for osteoporosis related fractures.
- Improved heart health – linked to lower cholesterol levels which benefits but also diabetic patients.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Collagen Supplement
Collagen supplements are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious individuals. They can be a great way of getting the collagen your body needs to build healthy skin, nails, joints, and more. However, there are a few factors to consider when selecting the best collagen supplement for your needs.
This section will cover all of the important considerations for choosing the right supplement for you:
Type of Collagen
When choosing a collagen supplement, it is important to consider the type of collagen that is included in the product. Collagen comes in three forms: Type I, II and III. Type I is the most abundant form of collagen found in the body, and it helps to give structure to skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Type II is found in cartilage, joint fluid and synovial fluid. It plays an important role in providing cushioning between bones and joints. Type III belongs to a group of fast-acting proteins and works alongside Type I to form strong fibers that give support, shape and volume to skin.
Different collagen supplements may feature combinations of different types based on their intended purpose; for example, supplements meant for strengthening joints may include higher amounts of Type II than other products. Additionally, there are some formulas which combine different types or even include additional ingredients such as vitamin C which helps with absorption and overall health benefits.
Knowing the difference between types can help you make an informed decision about which supplement is best for you!
Quality and Purity
When choosing a collagen supplement, it is important to look for one that is high quality and pure. Quality can be judged in various ways, such as through reviews from other customers or independent third-party certifications from laboratories that have vetted the product for purity and potency. Additionally, look for a lab to test the product for any contaminants, heavy metals or fillers. Some companies even display their Certificate of Analysis on their website so consumers can see exactly what ingredients are in each nutritional formulation.
Purity also refers to how a product is sourced and manufactured. For example, animal-based collagen is generally made up of three types: bovine (from grass-fed cows), porcine (from pigs), and marine (from cod). It’s important to choose a collagen supplement that comes from naturally sourced animals wherever possible, as this will ensure a higher quality. The manufacturing procedure should involve low temperatures throughout all processing steps so that the beneficial properties of the collagen are not diminished and it still retains its potency when ingested.
Dosage and Serving Size
When choosing a collagen supplement, one of the most important factors to consider is the dosage and serving size. Collagen supplements are available in a variety of amounts and forms, from powders to capsules and tablets. While most labels list an average daily recommended dose, generally 25-30 grams per day (1 scoop or capsule), you should consult with your healthcare provider before taking any collagen supplement to ensure that it’s right for you. Certain products may contain higher concentrations of specific ingredients which could be beneficial depending on your health goals. Additionally, some products may include additional nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, amino acids or herbs that could further aid in joint support or skin health.
It is also important to look at other factors such as ingredients purity, manufacturer standards and product reviews when choosing a collagen supplement as these can influence the effectiveness of the product as well as its safety. Many reputable manufacturers will also specify if their products are sustainably sourced and animal cruelty free, so you can make sure you’re buying from an ethical company if this matters to you.
Taking all these points into consideration when selecting a collagen supplement will help set yourself up for success with achieving your individual health goals.
Cost
When choosing a collagen supplement, cost should be considered carefully, as quality and prices can vary greatly. Usually, the higher the cost of a supplement, the better quality it is likely to be. However, this does not necessarily mean that it is always safe to assume that a more expensive supplement is always of better quality than a cheaper one. It is important to research each brand in order to make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients and meets your expectations in terms of end results.
Before deciding on which collagen supplement is best suited for you, compare the different prices and factors of each brand thoroughly. If possible look at customer reviews as well to determine how satisfied users tend to be after using a particular product. Also consider terms like whether or not the purchase includes free shipping or if there are any return/refund policies available should you need them.
There are many other factors to consider when searching for high-quality collagen supplements on the market today, so make sure you have done your research before purchasing any product!
Best Collagen Supplements
With so many collagen supplements on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Collagen helps to promote healthy skin, nails, and hair. It also supports joint health, muscle recovery, and overall health. Each collagen supplement is unique, so it is important to do your research and understand the different types of collagen before making a purchase.
Let’s take a look at the best collagen supplements available:
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are considered one of the best collagen supplements available. It’s made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides and provides essential amino acids that your body needs to help support joint, ligament, and bone health. The peptides easily mix into hot or cold liquids and one serving contains 10 grams of collagen, 18 grams of protein per serving, no carbohydrates or fat and only 55 calories.
Collagen is a major structural protein in humans and animals, accounting for about 25% to 35% of your body’s protein content. As we age our body’s production of collagen naturally decreases. That’s why it’s important to supplement with collagen products like Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in order to retain the healthy benefits that come with having enough collagen in your diet.
Some potential benefits associated with certified Paleo and Keto friendly Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides include:
- Improved digestion
- Enhanced skin elasticity
- Hair growth support
- Improved musculoskeletal system health
- A source of amino acids for overall improved health and wellness.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides have been rigorously third party tested so you can be sure that you get the best product available out there on the market today. Whether you are looking for muscle building support or just an overall improved natural health boost then adding this type of supplement could be beneficial for you!
NeoCell Super Collagen
NeoCell Super Collagen is a popular brand of collagen supplements that makes several different formulas. It is one of the most popular and well-known brands of collagen supplements, with a wide range of products available to suit various users’ needs.
NeoCell Super Collagen consists of Type 1 and 3 hydrolyzed collagen peptides that help to replenish the body’s collagen depleted by age, lifestyle stress and exercise. This supplement works as a kind of “building block” for the body’s connective tissues such as skin, hair, nails, arteries and ligaments. The special NeoCell advanced formula contains 18 essential amino acids to support healthy collagen replenishment in the body. This supplement also contains biotin, vitamin C and other ingredients that support the growth and development of these connective tissues.
The NeoCell Super Collagen powder comes in an unflavored version which can be added to any favorite beverage for ease-of-use. It has received numerous positive reviews from users who claim to have seen results within days or weeks after use. It also features an easy mixing into liquids as well as being able to easily mix with other liquids such as your morning coffee or smoothie recipes!
Reserveage Nutrition Collagen Booster
Reserveage Nutrition Collagen Booster is a dietary supplement designed to help you look and feel young, while providing essential skin nutrition. This formula contains a proprietary blend of plant-based sources, including collagen, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, along with antioxidants to fight the signs of aging.
The collagen in this product helps promote elastin and strengthen hair, skin, nails and joints. Vitamin C helps produce collagen for skin elasticity and youthful complexion. Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin hydrated and looking healthy from the outside in. Antioxidants like resveratrol combat damaging free radicals that can lead to wrinkles or age spots.
This product is GMO-free, gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians. It is an easy way to get all the benefits of collagen in one convenient daily dose.
Youtheory Collagen Advanced
Youtheory Collagen Advanced is a supplement made up of Verisol®, a type of bioactive collagen peptide. These peptides are small enough that they can be absorbed directly through the digestive system, increasing the availability of collagen proteins in the body. This helps replenish some of the natural loss of collagen that happens over time, as aging plays a major role in collagen breakdown. Youtheory Collagen Advanced includes Vitamin C, which helps support our body’s production of new collagen.
Verisol® is sourced from pasture-raised cattle and its high bioavailability means that you only need to take it once per day for full benefits – great if you’re looking for an easy-to-remember daily routine. It also contains type I and III most abundant form in skin and connective tissues for maximum effectiveness. The supplement works best if taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals or at bedtime, but users can experience about 45% absorption even when taken with food – more than many other formulas on the market today.
When combined with regular exercise, Youtheory Collagen Advanced may help support healthy skin, nails and hair as well as keep joints supple and well lubricated. This product also helps enhance detoxification by supporting healthy liver function and metabolism, helping keep our body detoxed while we sleep.* Plus it tastes great so there’s no need to worry about an aftertaste or texture!
Conclusion
When choosing the best collagen supplement for your needs, it’s important to pay attention to the type of collagen used, whether or not it’s combined with ingredients that aid absorption, and the amount of each serving. Ultimately, selecting the right collagen supplement depends on your goals and individual needs.
Keep in mind that adding collagen to your diet won’t make up for a lack of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. When trying to regularly achieve optimal health, nothing beats a balanced diet packed with nutritious foods. However, if you’re looking to target certain concerns or maintain healthy skin and bones as you age, taking a quality collagen supplement is an easy way to help support those efforts.