If your main goal is skin hydration or elasticity, look for a clearly labelled hydrolysed collagen-peptide product and keep expectations realistic. If you have ongoing joint pain, swelling, or reduced mobility, speak with a doctor rather than relying on a supplement alone.
Collagen is known as a structural protein, providing structure to skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. The body produces collagen naturally using amino acids obtained from food, but this natural production decreases slowly with age.
Shop Now: OptiAge™ Marine Collagen Peptides
Types of Collagen:
- Type I: Type I collagen makes up for 90% of our body’s collagen composition.
- Type II: This collagen is commonly found in our cartilage. Collagen supplements abundant in type II collagen support joint health and alleviate joint pain.
- Type III: Collagen type III is found in our muscles, arteries, and organs. Collagen supplements of this type can be beneficial for muscle recovery and skin health.
- Type IV: This collagen type is found in layers of our skin and supports skin health.
In supplements, it is commonly sold as hydrolysed collagen peptides, which are smaller fragments created through processing.
High-quality collagen supplements are the right way to fill the nutritional gap, among the many kinds of products available like collagen peptides but all that makes a choice of the one more complicated.
What is a good collagen supplement?
Choose the format that fits naturally into your routine, whether that means mixing a powder into water, coffee, or a smoothie, or taking a capsule with a meal.
A clearly stated collagen source
The product should state whether its collagen is bovine, marine, chicken, or from another animal-derived source. For example, people with fish or shellfish allergies should carefully check marine collagen labels, while vegetarians and vegans should remember that conventional collagen peptides are animal-derived.
Hydrolysed collagen and the amount per serving source
This means the collagen has been broken into smaller peptides for use in food and supplement formulations. The product should clearly state the amount of collagen provided in each serving, ideally in grams.
A simple and purposeful formulation
Some formulations include added vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, biotin or other nutrients. Vitamin C is involved in normal collagen formation in the body. However, its inclusion should not be treated as a reason to overlook the rest of the formula.
Limited unnecessary extras
Check the full ingredient list for added sugar, multiple sweeteners, artificial colours, flavours and fillers. This is especially important with gummies, flavoured powders and ready-to-drink collagen products.
A format you can use consistently
Collagen is available as powders, capsules, tablets, gummies and liquids. Powder may offer a straightforward way to see the amount of collagen per serving, while capsules and tablets can be convenient for travel. Gummies and flavoured options may be easier to take, but they may also contain more sugar or additives.
Look for Hydrolysed Collagen for Better Absorption
A collagen supplement labelled Hydrolysed Collagen or collagen peptides simply means the collagen molecules have been broken down into individual peptides that are easier for the intestine to absorb and transport to different tissues in the body. These collagen peptides can also be dissolved in any liquid, making them easier to consume. Since hydrolysed collagen is readily absorbed, it is more effective at improving skin and hair health, supporting mobility and overall well-being.
Different sources of collagen
- Bovine collagen: Sourced from cattle, it commonly contains types I and III collagen and is widely available in powders, capsules and flavoured supplements.
- Marine collagen: Derived from fish skin, scales and bones, and is a type I collagen. It may suit people who avoid bovine sources, but it is not suitable for people with fish or shellfish allergies.
- Chicken collagen: Usually sourced from chicken cartilage or sternum. It is commonly associated with type II collagen and is often found in formulations positioned for joint support.
- Porcine collagen: Derived from pigs and commonly contains types I and III collagen. It may be unsuitable for people who avoid pork for religious, cultural, or personal reasons.
- Eggshell membrane collagen: Sourced from the thin membrane inside eggshells and can contain several collagen types. It is not suitable for people with egg allergies and is also included in joint-focused formulations.
- Plant-based collagen support formulas: Plants do not naturally provide conventional collagen peptides. These products usually contain nutrients such as vitamin C, amino acids, and minerals that support the body’s normal collagen formation.
Choose Between Marine and Bovine Collagen Based on Your Needs
Bovine and marine collagen supplements are the most commonly available ones. Marine collagen supplements are typically sourced from the skin and scales of fish and are composed of one type of collagen known as type I collagen. They possess a myriad of benefits, including promoting skin elasticity, moisture retention, and wound healing, as well as assisting in the health of nails and hair. The smaller size of collagen peptides allows the body to absorb it readily.
Compared to marine collagen, bovine collagen is taken from cow hides and contains both type I and type III collagen. Although it is less bioavailable than marine-based ingredients, it is a rich source of glycine and proline.
|
Diet preference |
What to choose |
Food or drink combinations |
|
Vegetarian / vegan |
Ordinary plant foods do not provide collagen peptides. Choose a plant-based formula designed to support normal collagen formation, if appropriate. Check whether a “vegan collagen” product is a collagen-support formula or a bioengineered/recombinant collagen product. |
Solid options: Oats topped with amla, guava or berries; soy yoghurt with kiwi or citrus fruit. Liquid options: A smoothie made with soy milk, fruit and plant protein; water with lemon or amla juice. |
|
Non-vegetarian |
Choose hydrolysed collagen peptides from a clearly disclosed bovine, marine or other animal source. Check the collagen amount per serving and the full ingredient list, particularly for flavours, sweeteners or other active ingredients. |
Solid options: Stir into oats or yoghurt; add to a smoothie bowl. Liquid options: Mix with water or almond milk; blend into a fruit smoothie. |
The collagen supplements available in the market are predominantly derived from animal sources, such as chicken, pig, cow, or marine animals. Therefore, your food allergies or dietary restrictions (vegan, halal, or vegetarian) may dictate your supplement choice (Wang, 2021).
Check for Added Ingredients like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
To get the most benefit from your collagen supplement, look for products containing additional skin-supporting ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. The vitamin C in collagen supplements works as an antioxidant and aids in collagen synthesis and skin protection. The hyaluronic acid present in the product can enhance skin hydration and support joint mobility. These added ingredients can improve the signs of skin ageing (Žmitek et al., 2024).
Check for Quality Standards and Certifications
Always look for collagen supplements that have been tested clinically by a third party. This proves that the product is safe and meets the required parameters. Certifications like “ISO certified” and “GMP certified” will give you peace of mind about the quality and reliability of the product.
Check Reviews and Brand Reputation
While selecting collagen supplements, look for brands that have a good reputation for customer satisfaction and quality.
Match the Collagen Supplement to Your Health Goals
Selecting the right collagen product is very important for its effectiveness. Hence, consider your health needs when looking for a product that matches your goals, whether it may be collagen for skin or hair.
An Informed Decision for Healthy Skin, Hair, and Overall Wellbeing
Collagen supplements have a host of advantages including that of making your skin look healthy. By knowing the various forms of collagen supplements that exist in the market, you will be able to make the right decision when it comes to sourcing the right quality of collagen supplements. Decode Age’s Opti Age Marine Collagen is a premium unflavoured collagen peptide that offers superior benefits for skin, hair, joints, and muscles. Whether you choose collagen for hair or skin, there is always a type of collagen right for you.
FAQs
What are the reasons for using collagen supplements?
Collagen production declines as we age, leading to our skin starting to show signs of aging and weakening of the bones and joints. Taking collagen helps in combating these problems, improving skin conditions, making joints healthy, boosting bone density, and stimulating hair and nail growth.
Are collagen supplements good?
Studies show that collagen supplements are effective in promoting the production of collagen. This helps replenish collagen deficiency in the body, preventing the formation of wrinkles, loss of bone strength, and joint problems.
Can collagen supplements make you gain weight?
Collagen supplementation does not lead to weight gain. But collagen does make a significant positive change in body composition when combined with exercise and a physically active lifestyle.
What is the recommended amount of collagen for an individual in a day?
According to the research, one might safely take hydrolyzed collagen supplements in the amount of 2.5 to 15 grams (Paul et al., 2019). Usually, people take collagen supplements in doses of 2.5-5 grams; higher doses are used to treat a person reaching 10-15 grams to treat joint, skin, and hair problems.
Does collagen interact with medicines?
There are no data showing that collagen interacts with other medicines.
Which collagen supplement is the best?
Hydrolysed collagen is the best supplementary option. These supplements have collagen in the form of peptides or amino acids, which aids in rapid absorption within the body.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.