What if a single protein held the key to strong hair and joints, and youthful skin? Collagen is the building block of beauty and wellness, and as we age, our body produces less of it. But don’t worry—science-backed collagen supplements can help restore what time takes away!
The top 10 collagen supplements for healthy ageing will be covered in this article, along with science-backed advice to help you pick the best collagen supplement for your everyday wellness regimen.
Knowing Collagen Supplements
Collagen is a protein that works as the building block of our body. It gives the skin, bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues their structure, strength, and flexibility (Wu & Crane, 2019). With age, collagen production slows down, resulting in wrinkles, joint pain, and fragile bones. Collagen supplements are the supplements which can help to refuel this lost collagen in our body.
Collagen supplements come in different forms - collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen -made from short chains of amino acids), marine collagen (derived from fish), gelatin (commonly found in cooking and desserts), and bovine collagen (derived from cows, rich in Type I and III collagen). These collagen supplements are available in powder form, capsules and liquids.
Collagen Supplements Benefits
Collagen supplementation has been shown to:
Improves Skin Health
Research has consistently shown that collagen supplementation can enhance collagen for skin quality. Studies indicate that the daily intake of hydrolyzed collagen peptides leads to improved skin elasticity and hydration, resulting in a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In one clinical trial, people who took marine collagen had increased smoothness and elasticity in their skin compared to a placebo group (Pu et al., 2023). Furthermore, collagen type I is especially critical for skin structure, and supplements rich in this type have been noted to boost skin regeneration, supporting a more youthful appearance.
Supports Joint and Bone Health
One of the most well-known benefits of collagen supplements is their positive impact on both bone and joint health. Using collagen peptides as a joint supplement to improve mobility and reduce joint pain has been demonstrated as effective. In a randomised controlled trial, participants reported improved joint discomfort after the intake of hydrolysed collagen peptides which was due to the peptides' ability to stimulate cartilage regeneration (Mohammed & He, 2021). These supplements are a great complement for those who are at risk of osteoporosis or other bone-related disorders since they promote the production of collagen, mainly collagen type I, in bone tissue, which improves bone density and skeletal strength.
Promotes Hair and Nail Growth
Recent research suggests that collagen supplements may also help to maintain healthy hair and nails. Consuming collagen peptide has been linked to stronger, thicker nails and higher-quality hair. While the precise mechanism is yet to be studied, collagen is believed to also be an important component of the hair and nail matrix. Early studies have shown that taking hydrolysed collagen peptides, or a marine collagen supplement, may stimulate the body's natural growth process, resulting in hair and nails, that are stronger and healthier.
Enhances Muscle Mass and Recovery
Collagen supplements are commonly taken by athletes and active people to help with muscle recovery and repair. Hydrolysed collagen peptides encourage protein synthesis in muscle tissues, and they are known to help maintain and restore muscle mass. Studies have demonstrated that when combined with resistance training, these peptides enhance muscle hypertrophy and strength (Oertzen-Hagemann et al., 2019). This makes them the top choice for anyone looking for the best collagen supplement for their overall muscle wellness and post-workout recovery.
Aids in Gut Health
Collagen offers several benefits for the digestive system. Collagen peptides strengthen the gut lining by supporting the healing of the intestinal walls. According to studies, taking a collagen supplement may assist in improving digestive health by lowering intestinal permeability, also known as "leaky gut" (Abrahams et al., 2022). It has been noted that marine collagen and hydrolysed collagen peptides improve gut integrity, ensuring that the digestive system operates at its best while lowering discomfort and inflammation.
Top 10 collagen supplements
The top ten collagen supplements for healthy ageing are listed below:
- Decode Age OptiAge Marine Collagen Peptide
- HealthKart hk vitals Skin Radiance Marine Collagen Supplements
- Wellbeing Nutrition Pure Korean Marine Collagen Supplements
- OZiva Plant-Based Collagen Builder
- Carbamide Forte Hydrolyzed Multi Collagen
- Swisse Collagen+ Supplements
- Setu Skin: Youthful - Marine Collagen
- Nutrova Collagen + Antioxidants Supplements
- Kapiva Skin Foods Glow Mix
- Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula 1, 2 and 3-290 Tablets.
All of these top ten collagen supplements are formulated with a unique combination of ingredients to provide the best possible collagen supplement benefits. It's important to take your specific needs into account when choosing a supplement, whether you're searching for the best collagen supplement for joint health or skin rejuvenation.
Choose the Right Collagen Supplement
Knowing collagen—what does it do and how different forms may affect your health—is essential when selecting the optimal collagen supplement. Here are some things to consider:
Collagen's source
Marine collagen's high rate of absorption makes it popular. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides ensure that the collagen is broken down into smaller, more bioavailable molecules
Collagen Type
The health of skin and bones is largely dependent on collagen type I. Other forms of collagen may be included in many products to support different purposes
Additional Ingredients
Some supplements incorporate vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that further enhance collagen supplementation benefits
Research and Reviews
Look for products backed by clinical studies. User testimonials and expert reviews can also guide you to the best collagen supplement for your specific needs
Conclusion
Collagen supplementation is a promising strategy to mitigate the effects of collagen and ageing. By understanding collagen- what does it do and carefully selecting one of the top 10 collagen supplements, you can enhance your skin’s appearance, improve joint function, and maintain overall vitality. Whether you choose marine collagen, hydrolyzed collagen peptides, or a product high in collagen type I, the regular use of a high-quality best collagen supplement can contribute to healthy ageing.
