Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, accounting for one-third of its protein content. Collagen gives structure to bones, skin, tendons, and ligaments. In addition, collagen is present in blood vessels, corneas, and teeth. It’s like the “glue” that binds everything together. The term originates from the Greek word for glue, kólla.
Collagen helps the body’s joints and skin to stretch. It is present in your bones and muscles. It is also in blood and makes up a third of your body’s protein.
“Collagen plays an important role in building and supporting many tissues, from bones and cartilage to the skin, hair, eyes, and the digestive system,” says Sonya Angelone, RDN, who practices in San Francisco and is a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
With age, the body’s collagen production slows down. Due to this, many individuals use collagen powder or other such supplements. These are typically collagen liquids, gummies, collagen pills, and vegan collagen.
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More importantly, collagen is available in various foods. Besides, some foods help boost its production. These are bone broth, eggs, chicken, fish, citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.
Some collagen supplements are made from insect, yeast, and plant or mammal cultures. These may offer a lower risk of allergic reactions and contamination than animal or marine sources.
Collagen Supplements and Health
Liquid Collagen
Liquid collagen is a supplement that may improve skin, nail, and hair health. It comprises collagen peptides suspended in a liquid, such as purified water, juice, or bone broth. Liquid collagen may be more convenient and absorb faster than powder collagen, but it may also contain more additives, sugar, and calories.
Collagen Gummies
Collagen gummies are usually made from animal sources of collagen, such as beef, pork, or fish, and may also contain other ingredients like vitamins, minerals, or fruit extracts. Collagen gummies are intended to provide health benefits for the skin, nails, joints, and bones by boosting the body’s collagen production and preventing its breakdown.
Collagen Pills
Collagen pills are a supplement that comes in capsule form and contains hydrolyzed collagen, broken down into smaller amino acids.
They are easy to swallow and do not require mixing, measuring, or blending with other liquids or foods. They have a longer shelf life and do not need refrigeration. They may have higher bioavailability and absorption as they bypass the stomach and are directly released into the bloodstream.
Vegan Collagen
Vegan collagen is produced by genetically modifying yeast or bacteria to express human collagen genes. It is not derived from animal sources, unlike most collagen supplements. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of vegan collagen:
Benefits:
- It is ethical and sustainable, as no animals are harmed or exploited in making it.
- It has a lower risk of allergies and contamination, as it is produced in a controlled environment where common allergens or harmful substances can be removed.
- It has a higher safety profile, as the source is easily traceable and the quality is consistent.
- It is identical to human collagen in structure and function, replicating the amino acid profile and molecular structure of human type-1 collagen, the body’s most abundant and essential collagen type.
- It is a complete protein, as it contains all the essential amino acids the body cannot produce, unlike animal collagen, which lacks tryptophan.
Drawbacks:
- It is not widely available, as it is still a relatively new technology that has not been mass-produced or commercialized.
- It may be more expensive than animal collagen, as the production process is more complex and requires more resources and expertise.
- It may have unknown long-term effects, as there is not enough research or evidence on the safety and efficacy of vegan collagen in humans.
Collagen Powder
Collagen powder can be mixed with water, juice, smoothies, or other beverages. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of collagen powder:
Benefits:
- It is easy to use and versatile, as it can be added to various drinks and foods.
- It is more bioavailable than other forms of collagen, as it is hydrolyzed.
- It improves skin health by increasing skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen density and reducing wrinkles and signs of aging.
- It reduces joint pain by reducing inflammation and improving cartilage health.
- Prevent bone loss by increasing bone mineral density.
- Boosts muscle mass by stimulating protein synthesis and increasing muscle strength.
Drawbacks:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate it, meaning collagen powder products’ quality, purity, and safety may vary widely.
- It may cause side effects such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, bad taste, and kidney stones in some people, especially if taken in high doses or for a long time.
- It may interact with medications such as blood thinners, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of bleeding or infection.
Dangers of Collagen Supplements
There are no known major collagen powder side effects. These are uncommon. Some bloating or mild diarrhea is reported sometimes.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should avoid using collagen supplements. This caution is until further study is done on their safety.
Collagen supplements aren’t advised for those who are prone to kidney stones. Taken in moderation, collagen powder side effects on kidneys are unlikely.
Best Selling Collagen Powder
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
- Serving Size – 20 gm
- Calories – 70
- Protein 18 gm
- Vitamin C – 90 mg
- Sodium – 110 mg
- Hydrolyzed Collagen – 20 gm
- Hyaluronic Acid – 80 mg
Grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. Fast digestion and absorption for optimum benefit. It improves hair, skin, nails, joints, ligaments, and tendons. It is easily dissolved in hot or cold beverages such as coffee and tea. No taste or odor. It is low in cholesterol and heavy metals. Non-GMO, paleo-friendly, gluten-free.
Vital Proteins add vitamin C to their powdered collagen to help it absorb better. The collagen blend also includes hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring chemical that promotes collagen production. So, you may add it to coffee, smoothies, or other drinks.
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen
- Serving Size – 19 gm
- Calories – 70
- Protein – 14 gm
- Carbs – 3 gm
- Sodium – 100 mg
- Collagen Peptides – 15 gm
- Hyaluronic Acid – 120 mg
Sweetened with organic lemon, strawberry, and beet. A mix of bovine hides collagen peptides.
It contains probiotics and 120mg of hyaluronic acid to assist in the hydration and elasticity of the skin.
Drinkable hot or cold, including coffee, smoothies, and tea. It is important for skin restoration, wound healing, and tissue regeneration.
Vital Proteins is made in a GMP-certified facility without gluten, dairy, fillers, sugars, and additives.
NSF evaluates goods for quality and potency. Meanwhile, GMP is a quality standard established by the FDA (FDA).
Garden of Life Hydrolyzed Collagen
- Serving Size – 20 gm
- Calories – 70
- Protein – 18 gm
- Sodium – 100 mg
- Collagen Peptides – 20 gm
Bovine peptides contain essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), essential for healthy cartilage, joints, ligaments, tendons, and tissues.
Third-party tested, tasteless collagen from pasture-raised cows. Non-GMO gluten-free, Keto & paleo certified by NSF.
This implies no pesticides or fertilizers. It is then hydrolyzed into a powder for better absorption. Probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum 1.5 billion CFU. This aids with digestion, immunity, and nutrition absorption.
The amino acid protein content makes this an excellent supplement for muscle development and weight reduction. It includes all necessary amino acids.
You may also utilize hot drinks like coffee, as their website recommends.
Live Conscious Collagen Peptides
- Serving Size – 11 gm
- Calories – 40
- Protein 10 gm
- Calcium – 4 mg
- Sodium – 55 mg
- Iron – 22 mg
LiveWell Labs utilizes hydrolyzed collagen peptides from grass-fed and pasture-raised cattle. It has a moderate flavor. It contains both Types I and III collagen to promote skin health.
It also includes amino acids that help create and repair tissue. Collagen and amino acids may also accelerate wound healing. It is derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. It’s non-GMO and devoid of fillers.
It is third-party tested and manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility.
Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate
- Serving Size – 12 gm
- Calories – 45
- Protein 11 gm
- Sodium – 35 mg
- Collagen Hydrolysate – 12 gm
A nutritional supplement with a healthy amino acid combination. Aids in post-workout recovery.
100% grass-fed & pasture-raised, Paleo/Keto, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO. The product is pesticide-free and devoid of sulfates and antibiotics. It has collagen types I & III.
Consumer Labs, a third-party testing firm, has also approved this product and verified that the contents match the statements on the label. The unflavored powder blends nicely with anything from tea to protein shakes.
Orgain Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides
- Serving Size – 10 gm
- Calories – 35
- Protein – 9 gm
- Sodium – 50 mg
- Collagen Hydrolysate – 10 gm
Paleo and Keto friendly, sugar-free, no soy, no GMO, odorless and bland. It easily blends into any meal or drink. Use in protein shakes or smoothies.
These collagen peptides come from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals for the purest protein available. It is vital for collagen products since the cattle’s quality influences the collagen’s quality. None of the common allergies are present in this collagen product.
Each serving of collagen peptides contains eight important amino acids we need in our diets. There’s no sugar or preservatives.
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen
- Serving Size – 10.1 gm
- Calories – 35
- Protein – 9 gm
- Vitamin C – 90 mg
- Multi Collagen Complex – 10 gm
Each scoop contains hydrolyzed collagen types I, II, III, V, and X from 4 food sources (Beef, Chicken, Fish, and Eggshell Membrane). It is non-GMO, grass-fed, pasture-raised, hormone-free, cage-free, and cruelty-free. Available in single servings unflavored or flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or cucumber lime.
This collagen powder has no carbohydrates or sugars. As a result, it’s devoid of antibiotics, growth hormones, and toxins and is good for your skin, stomach, and joints. In addition, this unflavored powder blends readily into liquids without clumping or chalkiness, making it ideal for hot or cold beverages, cooking, and baking.
NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides
- Serving Size – 10 gm
- Calories – 35
- Protein – 8 gm
- Sodium – 50 mg
- Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen – 10 gm
Neocell’s collagen comes from grass-fed bovine. The sole active component is hydrolyzed type I and III collagen. Each dose of this collagen supplement includes 10,000 mg of collagen types 1 and 3. No soy or artificial flavors.
It promises to boost collagen production for younger-looking skin, hair, and nails. It comes in unflavored, berry lemon, and French vanilla tastes. It may also be used in other dishes, like baked products and soups.
Neocell has been making collagen supplements for over two decades. They have utilized their expertise to create a line of collagen supplements that are highly bioavailable and readily absorbed by the body.
In addition to supporting increased skin hydration and firmness, NeoCell Super Collagen is designed to treat some of the most prevalent symptoms of aging.
Wholesome Wellness Multi Collagen
- Serving Size – 7.8 gm
- Calories – 30
- Protein – 7 gm
- Sodium – 45 mg
- Multi Collagen Complex – 7.8 gm
Bone Broth Collagen Peptides The All-in-one powder supplement provides collagen types I, II, III, V, and X
Produced using GMP standards, 100% hydrolyzed grass-fed beef, eggshell membrane, certified wild fish, and organic and gluten-free ingredients.
Wholesome Wellness’ collagen supplement supports hair, nails, and skin. It supports our bones and joints. Most importantly, it may assist with hormonal balance, sleep, and even cellulite.
