The latest buzzword in the world of health and beauty is collagen. Collagen is an abundant component in our body that helps maintain skin elasticity, strengthens nails, and supports joints and muscles. Any quantitative or qualitative decline is known to cause cutaneous ageing. Collagen supplementation has been shown to improve skin hydration, reduce joint stiffness, and support heart and gut health
But do you know how it works and the steps to choose the right collagen supplements? Let’s understand collagen and how to choose the best collagen supplements for you through this blog post.
Understand the Different Types of Collagens
While getting collagen through diet is beneficial, getting it all is not easy. High-quality collagen supplements are the right way to fill the nutritional gap, but there’s a range of options from hydrolyzed collagen to collagen peptides, making your choice harder. Here’s what you need to keep in mind for choosing the best collagen supplement for you:
To obtain the necessary amino acids, choosing a product with collagen types with I-V is the most ideal. This densely packaged collagen can provide structure to our skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones (Alcaide-Ruggiero et al., 2021). The benefits can also differ based on the type of collagen opted for.
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Type I: The type I collagen makes up for 90% of our body’s collagen composition.
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Type II: This collagen is commonly found in our cartilage. Collagen supplements abundant with type II collagen supports joint health and alleviates joint pain.
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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.
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Type IV: This collagen type is found in layers of our skin and supports skin health.
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Type V: Collagen type V is found in the cornea of the eyes, some layers of skin and hair. Intake of collagen supplements of this type supports hair and skin health.
Look for Hydrolyzed Collagen for Better Absorption
A collagen supplement labelled hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides simply means the collagen molecules have been broken down into individual peptides that are easier to absorb by the intestine and transport to different tissues of the body. Since hydrolyzed collagens are readily absorbed, they are more efficient in improving skin and hair health, supporting mobility and overall well-being. These collagen peptides also readily dissolve in any liquid, making them easier to consume.
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 sourced from fish skin and scales and primarily contain type I collagen. They are beneficial for improving skin elasticity, hydration, and healing, and also promote nail and hair health. Since the molecular size of collagen peptides is smaller, they are easily absorbed by the body. Whereas bovine collagen is derived from cow hides and primarily contains type I and III collagen. Although less bioavailable than marine collagen, they are abundant in glycine and proline which promotes joint repair, muscle growth, and overall skin health.
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).
Ensure the Collagen is Sourced from High-Quality, Safe Sources
Collagen supplements from high-quality sources and taken as directed, are generally safe. To ensure the high quality of the collagen supplement, choose the one sourced from bovine or marine collagen. Bovine collagen has a complete amino acid profile and is effectively utilised by the body. Especially the collagen sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows is free from hormones, pesticides, and metals, and is a healthier option. Marine collagen is derived from parts of fish that would go to waste and supports sustainable practices. Choosing a brand that is transparent about its sourcing is always the top choice as a collagen supplement.
Verify Certifications and Quality Standards
Ensure the collagen supplements you are opting for are clinically tested by a third party. This ensures that the product is safe and meets the high standards as promised. Certifications such as “ISO certified” and “GMP certified” provide reassurance regarding product quality and safety.
Read Reviews and Brand Reputation
While selecting collagen supplements, look for brands that have good reputation for customer satisfaction and quality. You can read the customer reviews about the product online to get deeper insights into the product's efficacy.
Match the Collagen Supplement to Your Health Goals
Choosing the best collagen supplement is key for optimal efficiency. Therefore, identify your health goals and choose the right supplement, whether collagen for hair or collagen for skin to achieve the best results.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Skin, Hair, and Health
Collagen supplements offer a wide range of benefits, from improved skin and hair health to enhanced overall health. Understanding different types of collagen supplements and their sources and quality can help you make informed decisions on the best collagen supplements. Decode Age’s OptiAge 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.
