How to Choose the Best Collagen Supplement

Find Your Collagen Supplement

Not all supplements are created equal. These guidelines will help you choose the best collagen supplement among the many on the market. Remember what is good for one may not be good for all. Pay attention to the specific pointers that will help you decide which supplement is best for you! Here are things to look for when choosing your collagen supplement:

Hydrolyzed Collagen

It is best to look for hydrolyzed collagen (also known as collagen peptides). This means the collagen has been broken down and is easy for your body to absorb and digest.  Hydrolyzed collagen is available in many forms and is simple to incorporate into a daily diet.

Which Form is Best?

Is it a capsule, a powder, a gummy, or a lotion? The different ways collagen is prepared and presented may determine how effective it is. Some may not be as good of a fit for you as others.

There isn’t enough research to support whether or not collagen lotion is very effective. On one hand, hydrolyzed collagen molecules are too large for your skin to actually absorb, so putting a collagen lotion on your skin doesn’t make much sense. On the other hand, these creams and lotions are often able to help your skin retain moisture, they often contain other helpful herbs and vitamins, and they can help your body produce more collagen. Try it to see if it works for you! [1] [2]

Collagen gummies may be an easy and tasty way for you to get collagen in your diet, but there are even fewer studies than the lotion to say whether or not this form is effective. Again, you might need to experiment and note if gummies make a difference for you. [3]

Liquid collagen can be a ready-made, quick, and easy way to consume collagen. Not to mention, liquids are easily absorbed by your body. Not everyone is a fan of the flavor, however. If you would rather skip the bitter taste, consider trying a pill or a powder.

Collagen powder and collagen pills are more commonly used, but which one is right for you? There really isn’t much difference between the two in how well your body absorbs and uses it. In the end, it just comes down to preference. Would you rather quickly swallow your collagen or do you prefer mixing them in with a drink or smoothie? It’s your choice here.

Type Matters

There are five types of collagen. Most supplements will contain types I and III. Others contain all five. What types to look for depends on what you need.

• Type I. Type I collagen is the most abundant and improves your skin, tendons, muscles, bones, organs, nails, and hair
• Type II. This type is most abundant in you joints and cartilage and is often take to relieve joint pain.
• Type III. Though less abundant than type I it is very similar in its location and properties; it addresses skin, bones, and muscles as well as addresses the vascular system and eyes.
• Type IV. This type may help filtration system in kidneys and offer protection to the brain.
• Type V. Type V is found in the skin and in the placenta.

Your body is more abundant in collagen types I, II, and III, which is why most supplements focus on those types. Other supplements include types IV and V.  Ideal Collagen is packed with 10,000mg of types I, II, and III of hydrolyzed collagen for peak performance. SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen contains all five.

Be sure to match collagen type to your needs. Are you taking collagen for younger-looking skin? Look for collagen types I and III. If you are experiencing joint pain, make sure the supplement has type II collagen. [4]

Look to the Source

Where does the collagen come from? Supplements usually get collagen from other animals, including cows, pigs, chicken, and fish. Make sure the supplement obtains its collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals (like Keto Collagen does) or from sustainable seafood sources.

Extra Helpful Ingredients

Most collagen supplements don’t just contain collagen. They have other nutrients that are also good for your skin and joints. Here are some other beneficial ingredients to look for:

• Vitamin C. This vitamin is good for you for many reasons, like boosting your immune system, but did you know that it also promotes collagen production in your body? No wonder it’s included in the best collagen supplements!
• Hyaluronic acid. This helps retain collagen in the joints and skin, improves skin elasticity, and provides extra lubrication for the joints
• Glucosamine. One of the building blocks of cartilage and an anti-inflammatory, glucosamine can help relieve joint pain and reduce swelling in the gut.
• Chondroitin. Like glucosamine, it is found in the joints and is often taken to relieve joint pain.
• Key enzymes. Enzymes are biological catalysts. Key enzymes in collagen supplements enhance absorption, so you see faster and longer-lasting results.

Where can I find recommended collagen brands?

There are several premium hydrolyzed collagen supplements for an affordable price. No need to start from square one–check out our list we compiled just for you!

Resources

1. https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/beauty/skincare/a29497/do-collagen-supplements-work/
2. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/hope-in-jar-do-skin-creams-work#1
3. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chewable-collagen-candy-younger-looking-skin_n_56fbf925e4b0a06d580445bd?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKsyetHeOfLa5Umbsqe8iCtyDp4XShZRxWFI_2qZ6RNVQkasnp0kMUPk1EuqemT1YmO0HduTZM11Zkr2AUoUieoJgi4UZwOXXju9JhkTKnuNbSaBKNeX5RIvKVI4ApXUyNAK5ixdGYD9gN4FGHqRAE6kK0bktjxMLUO5iIY6kiGu
4. https://amazingwellnessmag.com/departments/buying-using-collagen