Collagen supports and strengthens skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. It is the most abundant protein in our body, constituting about 30%. The three amino acids Proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline make collagen. Many factors like ageing, excessive sun exposure, increased sugar intake and habits like smoking and alcohol affect collagen production. Wrinkled skin, weak muscles, less flexible tendons, muscle pain, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, etc are the symptoms of collagen deficiency. People mostly prefer collagen supplements for skin-related concerns.
Functions of collagen
The main functions of collagen include:
- Maintain skin health: elasticity, volume and moisture.
- Involved in keratin formation which is present in skin, hair, and nails.
- Form a protective covering for organs.
- Involved in blood clotting.
Different types of collagen
There are many types of collagen. Five main types are:
- Type I makes up 90% of the body and provides structural support to the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
- Type II is found in elastic cartilage and provides joint support.
- Type III is present in muscles, arteries and organs.
- Type IV is found in the skin
- Type V is present in the cornea, skin, hair and placenta tissues
Sources of collagen:
Food
Certain food sources containing proline and glycine act as raw ingredients to support collagen production.
- Oranges, strawberries, broccoli, sprouts
- Mushroom, cabbage, asparagus
- Nuts and seeds, chickpeas, nuts, peanuts
- Green leafy vegetables
- Wheat
- Dairy products
- Fish, chicken and egg white
- Oysters
- Beef and pork
Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements are available and differ from each other in their form, composition, type of collagen, source, function, etc.
Form: powder, capsule, and liquid form,
Source: Collagen-rich animal parts, like bones, cartilage, and skin
Composition and presence of additional ingredients: The collagen supplement also contains coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate in addition to vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
There are many types of collagen supplements:
- Hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate: This type of collagen is easily absorbed by the body because it is broken down into smaller molecules. These are available in powder form and can easily dissolve in liquids like smoothies and coffee. One option is Douglas Laboratories Hydrolyzed Collagen+ provides hydrolyzed collagen from bovine along with vitamin C, zinc, copper, hyaluronic acid and peach fruit extract. The presence of these ingredients in this supplement is indicative of a rich composition.
- Undenatured type II collagen is derived from chicken breastbone cartilage. It is not broken down into smaller molecules.
- Marine collagen: This type 1 collagen is obtained from fish mostly and is known for its high collagen content. It is mostly used for skin health. Vital Nutrients Marine Collagen with type I & III collagen promotes skin elasticity, hair, nails and joint health.
- Bovine collagen: The collagen obtained from bovine and porcine is type II collagen. Bovine collagen supplements are highly popular for skin and bone health.
- Vegan collagen: These supplements are suitable for vegans. They contain nutrients that support collagen synthesis. Reserveage vegan collagen builder is one such supplement defining this category of collagen supplements. This supplement provides three major amino acids; glycine, proline and lysine along with plant extracts of bamboo, white tea and wheat to promote collagen formation. Another example is Sunwarrior Collagen Restore and Protect which provides seabuckthorn extract, panax ginseng root extract, and plant collagen preserve blend.
- Supplements containing specific collagen. For example, Dr Mercola Marine Collagen contains type 1 collagen peptides from wild-caught cod skin. This supplement is available in tablet form. Another option would be Jarrow Formulas Type II collagen complex supplement for joint health.
- Supplements containing all types of collagen: Kona Coffee Multi Collagen Peptides contain 5 major types of collagen, including, types I, II, III, V & X. This supplement is available in a chocolate mocha flavour.
- Collagen supplements containing probiotics: CodeAge Multi Collagen peptides provide vitamin C, multi collagen complex, hyaluronic acid and 2 billion CFU of B.coagulans
- Collagen supplements for pets: Dr Mercola Organic Collagen powder for cats and dogs provides organic grass-fed beef bone concentrate and collagen to support mobility and flexibility in dogs and cats. The label of this supplement describes in table form the amount and water of this supplement to be added depending on the animal type.
Functions of Collagen Supplements
This section describes the health benefits of collagen supplements.
Collagen for Skin
With ageing, skin elasticity is reduced due to depleting collagen levels. A study revealed that people taking collagen supplements experienced improvement in skin firmness, hydration and suppleness. These also reduce skin roughness. Wrinkles also become less noticeable with the usage of collagen supplements. Another study highlighting the anti-ageing potential of collagen supplements elaborated that oral collagen supplements, as well as those in topical form (applied on the skin directly), reduce or delay skin ageing. Dermatologists consider collagen peptides to be a miraculous anti-aging remedy.
Joint Support and Bone Health
With age, the risk of joint issues increases. Collagen supplements may be beneficial in improving the symptoms of arthritis and reducing joint pain. High-quality collagen supplements can provide better joint support and reduce inflammation.
Benefit Post-Menopausal Women
Collagen supplements when taken by post-menopausal women with low bone mineral density are associated with improvement in bone mineral density.
Muscle Health
Muscle strength declines with age. Taking collagen supplements can help regain muscle mass. These are more effective when combined with exercise.
Top-Rated Collagen Supplements
CodeAge Multi Collagen Peptides Powder
CodeAge Multi Collagen Peptides Powder supplement is unflavored and provides collagen I, II, III, V & X. The multi-collagen complex contains grass-fed hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, organic Chicken Bone Broth, Organic Beef Bone Broth, Wild-Caught Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides (Cod, Snapper) and Egg Shell Membrane Collagen. It can be added to your favourite beverage, coffee, smoothies & baked treats to add more value to your daily wellness regime.
CodeAge Marine Collagen Peptides
CodeAge Marine Collagen Peptides pure fish (deep ocean white fish in North America) collagen powder supplement provides hydrolysed type I & III collagen in high concentration along with 18 amino acids. It's a good option for those who want meatless and shellfish-free collagen supplement
Genestra COLLAGEN LIQUID ENHANCED
Genestra Collagen Liquid Enhanced supplement is available in raspberry flavour. It supports skin health by promoting skin elasticity, improving skin tone/texture and boosting collagen production. Zinc, bovine hydrolysed collagen and biotin are the main ingredients of this supplement. For consumption, it can be added to water or your favourite beverage.
Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
Ligament Restore is a high-quality collagen supplement beneficial for ligament, tendon, and joint health. Its unique composition provides vitamin C, glucosamine sulfate, Biocell collagen hydrolyzed collagen complex with 60% hydrolyzed collagen, L-proline, L-lysine, silica, devil’s claw, and turmeric. The supplement needs to be refrigerated after opening. It is also available in 120 capsules or 240 capsules.
Collagen JS
Collagen JS is another collagen supplement by Pure Encapsulations formulated to support both skin and joints. Two major ingredients form the composition of this supplement: Biocell Collagen Hydrolyzed collagen complex from chicken sternal cartilage providing hydrolyzed collagen 60%.
Klean Collagen + C
Klean Collagen+ C supplement is available in a natural berry flavour and provides vitamin C along with collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen is sourced from bovine while vitamin C is sourced from amla fruit extract. The collagen is easily absorbed by the body and the formulation supports joint health and connective tissue. Klean Athlete products are NSF-certified.
Collagenics
Metagenics Collagenics supplement supports connective tissue and collagen. The composition is exceptional containing vitamins, iron, magnesium, copper, L-Proline, L-cystine, L-lysine, MSM, Horsetail 4:1 aerial parts extract, D-Xylose, L-Taurine, alpha-ketoglutaric acid.
Specific Category Collagen Supplements
Best Collagen for Skin:
Type I & III collagen is considered the best collagen for skin. Do you know there are specific supplements formulated for skin health?
Some of those options are:
- New chapter Multi-sourced Collagen Glow: This supplement provides collagen along with sea buckthorn. The main skin health benefit of this supplement is it revitalises and hydrates skin.
- Garden of Life Collagen Super Beauty: This blueberry acai-flavored supplement contains clinically studied ingredients. Along with 10 g of collagen, it also provides melon extract and Astaxanthin, 500 million CFU of Bacillus subtilis, organic acai fruit and vitamin C.
- Bioelements collagen rehab: This topical collagen supplement is a lip and face mask formula that provides skin with amino acids helpful in fighting ageing signs like fine lines, wrinkles, etc. It contains plant collagen and mango, aloe vera, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate etc.
- Other options are Hyalogic Collagen Facial Mist for super moisturisation and firmer appearance, Hyalogic Collagen HA Triple Boost with hyaluronic acid, etc. There are advanced peptides of collagen serum and moisturiser available by Derma-E.
Best Collagen for Hair and Nails
Type I & III collagen are best for hair and nails. There are supplements containing collagen and additional ingredients that support hair and nail health. Garden of Life Collagen Beauty is a unique composition cranberry pomegranate flavoured supplement that provides biotin, silica, vitamin C, type I & III collagen peptides and probiotics.
Collagen Supplements for Beauty and Skin
CodeAge Multi Collagen Beauty Night is a dietary supplement providing collagen, 5HT, magnesium and melatonin. There are two complexes in this supplement. Multi collagen complex has collagen derived from five sources while the beauty night complex has 5 hydroxy tryptophan, english lavender flower powder and L theanine. Along with skin health, this supplement also promotes calmness and sleep.
What do Experts Say about Collagen Supplements?
Collagen supplements with protein also present as one of the ingredients is a good option to watch out for protein intake. Powdered supplements give the option to adjust the serving size depending on the needs of an individual and can be easily mixed into hot or cold beverages.
Dr Shand explains that collagen begins to drop naturally in the early 20s and declines significantly after menopause. This is why some people take collagen supplements early to maintain their collagen through their 30s and top up losses into their 40s,50s, and 60s.
Important Considerations and Tips to Remember While Buying Collagen Supplements
- Know the type of collagen supplement you want: Bovine, marine or vegan collagen?
- Expert-recommended collagen supplements are enriched with peptides and contain amino acids like proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. They may also contain vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, etc.
- Check the type of collagen present. (I, II, III, V & X).
- Check for terms like prolyl hydroxyproline and hydroxyprolylglycine
- Avoid supplements containing additives or fillers. The best would be to choose a high-quality supplement.
- You can choose from oral collagen supplements, topical, collagen drinks, powder, etc. depending on your doctor's recommendation, preference and concern.
- While buying collagen supplements, check the label to get information on the list of ingredients and the protein profile.
- Products containing high quantities of prolylhydroxyproline and hydroxyprolylglycine may reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration.
- Collagen is derived from animals. If you are vegan, choose supplements with nutrients that support collagen synthesis.
- Avoid taking marine collagen supplements, if you are allergic to shellfish.
- When buying collagen supplements, one must check the flavour, type of collagen (bovine, marine or vegan), nutrient profile for additional nutrients, extra ingredients, storage requirements, etc.
Conclusion
The article provides information on the different collagen types, Best collagen for skin, collagen peptides, marine collagen, Best collagen for hair and nails, hydrolyzed collagen peptides and much more. These supplements are growing popular due to their beneficial effects on skin health, joint support, etc. While choosing these supplements make sure to check the collagen type, source of collagen, quality, and brand, to make a more informed decision. If you have any queries regarding collagen supplements, drop us an email or comment below. You can connect with our expert to learn more about collagen supplements.
FAQ
1. Which collagen supplements are best for skin and hair?
High-quality, GMP-certified, NSF-certified collagen supplements by reputable brands are considered good for skin and hair. Doctors' recommendations and guidance are important before starting any supplement.
2. Does collagen help with joint pain?
Yes, collagen helps with joint pain, there are many collagen supplements available for joint pain.
3. How long does it take for collagen to work?
It may take a few weeks to a few months for collagen to work.
4. Are collagen powders effective?
Yes, collagen powder can be added to water, smoothies or beverages and is considered effective. They may be flavoured or unflavored.