Don’t be so quick to dismiss collagen supplements as the latest health fad. Collagen is important as it’s the primary building block of your body’s tendons, ligaments, skin, muscles, and bones. So, supplementing with this structural protein may increase bone strength, improve body composition, and benefit your joints and skin. And it’s because of these benefits that we searched the web to find the best collagen supplements available, according to experts.
This substance that your body produces naturally may play a role in a much larger act. In a recent study, researchers out of The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai say, “Cancerous tumors secrete a form of the protein collagen that keeps them quiet for years, even as they spread to other parts of the body.” This means that tumor cells turn malignant only when their collagen supplies run out, so collagen may be a key factor in curing cancer. Collagen is used with great success to treat wounds that do not respond to other treatments, and now research shows that encasing a tumor in collagen may result in a similar result.
And because of how well collagen helps to reverse skin aging, it may be replacing Botox. In a new study out of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, scientists are using a new therapy that boosts the production of collagen while remaining safer than Botox injections. Botox paralyzes muscles and can lead to many unpleasant side effects, but these new injections contain messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), which tell cells to make proteins. Experts say that this new way of delivering mRNA shows promise in treating many diseases, not just in replacing collagen.
That being said, collagen plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy body. Below is our list of the five best collagen supplements, that were recommended most across 10 health expert reviews. Of course, we want to hear from you. Comment below to let us know which collagen supplement works best to keep your body looking and feeling young and strong!
The List: Best Collagen Supplements, According to Experts
1. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Blowing away the competition is this brand that you see on most store shelves these days. Rating it best for versatility, Good Housekeeping explains that this collagen comes from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows, giving them no taste. They suggest adding the powder to coffee, water, smoothies, or sprinkled onto your dinner.
Very Well Health also loves that this blend contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for a healthy skin boost. The brand is NSF Certified for Sport, so rest assured it does not contain substances prohibited by sports organizations. It is also free from gluten, dairy, and sweeteners, as noted in their review.
And if you’re looking for a collagen product focused more on skin health, Healthline recommends Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Powder. This variety is carefully formulated for improving skin elasticity and hydration. It also contains probiotics and hyaluronic acid, which is another great ingredient for your skin.
2. Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein
If you’re looking for a supplement with a collagen blend, Medical News Today recommends Ancient Nutrition. There are five different types of collagen in this product deriving from beef, chicken, fish, and fermented eggshell membranes. This is another brand that includes vitamin C and probiotics. The four tasty flavors to choose from are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry lemonade, and a Brain Boost Vanilla flavor. They also offer an unflavored kind for those who like to keep it simple.
Treeline Review places this powder at the top of their list. This is because the five types of collagen make it suitable for to target many different concerns like joint health, skin health, and gut repair.
And if you’re looking for convenience, Forbes lists the Multi Collagen Protein Stick Packs as a go-to. These portable packs provide all the same benefits, but it comes in a travel size that you can keep with you for any time you need an extra boost. This would be a great product to always keep in your gym bag.
3. Youtheory Collagen Powder & Tablets
Healthline suggests that incorporating Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C into your daily regimen provides an uncomplicated and convenient method to increase your collagen intake. With each serving delivering 90 mg of vitamin C and 6 g of bovine collagen, it contains less collagen than many other capsules. Vitamin C, a crucial nutrient, plays a vital role in stimulating collagen synthesis, supporting wound healing, and shielding the skin from damage. Notably, this product is NSF-certified and does not contain dairy or soy.
Mixing powder not your thing? Not to worry, According to Health.com, if you prefer getting your collagen through pills, Youtheory Collagen Advanced could be a suitable choice. Each capsule contains one gram of collagen, and a full recommended serving size of six capsules provides six grams along with 100 percent of your daily vitamin C requirements. Research indicates that an adequate collagen dose typically ranges between five to 15 grams, a quantity that can be challenging to find in capsule or pill form. The product undergoes third-party testing for heavy metals and contaminants, ensuring the capsules accurately match the listed amount on the supplement facts panel. Moreover, it is notably more affordable than most powders. It’s important to note that capsules, unlike powders, do not serve as a substantial source of protein, they add in their review.
And for some science-based information on this product, The Derm Review highlight that each serving of Youtheory Collagen delivers 6,000 mg of hydrolyzed collagen. Why is this important? The use of hydrolyzed collagen is essential because the body struggles to absorb collagen in its complete form due to its large and intricate protein structure. To enhance collagen’s bioavailability, manufacturers opt for hydrolyzed collagen. This involves breaking down collagen’s lengthy amino acid chains through a chemical or enzymatic process into peptides composed of just two or three amino acids. Consequently, these peptides can be readily absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, they mention.
4. HUM Collagen Love
According to Healthline, HUM Nutrition’s collagen capsules provide 0.6 g of collagen per serving, sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine animals. The capsules include additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, red wine extract, and grapeseed extract to support skin health. This non-GMO and gluten-free product is devoid of artificial sweeteners or flavors, and it undergoes triple-testing for purity, verified by an independent lab to ensure potency.
As per Medical News Today, HUM Nutrition emphasizes the production of sustainable, hypoallergenic collagen supplements without GMOs, gluten, or artificial colors/flavors. The capsules, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, aim to enhance skin elasticity and firmness while also addressing concerns about free radicals and visible signs of aging.
While Garage Gym Reviews acknowledges the positive aspects of the product, it highlights its expensive nature compared to alternatives. So, if you are balling on a budget, you might want to consider one of the more affordable options on our list.
5. Momentous Collagen Peptides
Eating Well reports that the collagen peptides powder from this brand delivers two proprietary collagen types—one targeting joints and the other beneficial for hair, skin, and nails. The inclusion of vitamin C is noteworthy, as it enhances collagen absorption.
Health.com mentions that the brand also offers a liquid form, known as the Momentous Collagen Shot, providing a convenient way to take collagen anytime, anywhere. This liquid shot, individually packaged for on-the-go consumption, is recommended for active individuals. With 10 grams of collagen per serving, it’s suggested for athletes to incorporate into their pre or post-workout routine, potentially supporting recovery when paired with carbohydrates. For optimal collagen synthesis support, Momentous suggests taking two shots 30-60 minutes before exercise or one shot per day for non-exercisers.
Very Well Health also endorses this brand, particularly for those leading an active lifestyle. Momentous Collagen peptides, recommended for athletes, may be beneficial for reducing joint pain due to the inclusion of FORTIGEL collagen hydrolysate. The suggested intake time is one hour before exercise for optimal results, though the review does note that adherence to this recommendation may be challenging.
You may also be interested in:
- Best Anti-Wrinkle Creams
- Best Whey Protein
- Best Vitamins for Healthy Skin
- Best Vitamin D Supplements
- Best Vitamin C Serums
Sources:
- Verywell Health
- Forbes
- Healthline
- Health.com
- Eating Well
- Medical News Today
- Good Housekeeping
- Treeline Review
- The Derm Review
- Garage Gym Reviews
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
I’ve used both vital protein,Ancient , and Further Food. They all taste the same which is basically tasteless. I add it to protein shakes, soups, chili,or any food with a sauce. You can’t even tell.
How do I get the best collagen supplement in warri, delta state
Tried an expensive “Life” brand in a dark blue jar. Bad taste and smell. Tried the Walmart store brand. Realized it was from China. Pitched it into the trash after one use. I’ve been happy with a product called EVL Collagen Peptides. Very little taste in my morning coffee. Made in USA. Competitive price. You can almost watch your fingernails grow on this stuff.