A Final Word On Collagen Sources
If you want to increase production of collagen in your body, hydrolyzed collagen supplements may be your best bet despite a lack of comprehensive research on their efficacy and side effects. That said, experts are cautious about its promises. Were in yellow-light territory. We still dont have enough data to recommend oral collagen supplements across the board. Its hard to tell everyone they need to be taking it without knowing exactly how itll translate into the skin, says Garshick. But so far, initial research appears promising. A healthy diet is important for general health, so this is worth following regardless. Meanwhile, topical products may be least worthwhile.
Before splurging on a collagen supplement, consult a board-certified dermatologist who can help you develop a holistic approach that includes nutritious foods and habits that help shield your skin from environmental damage.
Why Do We Need Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It plays a key role in preserving and strengthening the health of your skin, hair, joints, and more. Losing collagen makes the structure of our skin hair and joints fall apart.
The lack of collagen in the standard American diet has only increased the demand for supplements. But are they effective? And more importantly, are they safe?
The answer is ‘yes.’
There are thousands of clinical studies that have shown positive results with daily use of collagen supplements. Many of them conclude a noticeable difference in skin elasticity, hair density, and joint mobility.
Can Collagen Be Absorbed Through The Skin
While collagen supplements have benefits for the skins appearance, there is no reliable evidence that topical collagen offers the same advantages. Collagen is not effectively absorbed through the skin when applied topically because it is large in molecule size, making it difficult to penetrate the dermis, said Kristin Gillespie, MS, RD, LD, CNSC of Exercisewithstyle.com.
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Should I Take Flavored Collagen Powder
Many people prefer the taste of flavored collagen powder, but it’s not required in order for the supplement to be effective.
You can also mix collagen powder into other beverages or recipes if you don’t like the taste on its own. No matter how you take it, just make sure you’re consistent so that you can see the maximum benefits.
How Is Collagen Powder Made
The collagen supplements we recommend are animal-derived from bovine or marine sources, and tested for heavy metals. As with our marine collagen from Crushed Tonic, the collagen undergoes a sterilization and pasteurization, filtration, UF, and demineralization process. We also recommend a vegan option that is not animal-derived.
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Best Subscription Collagen Supplements
Care/of Collagen
Price: $$$
Care/of is a personalized subscription vitamin and supplement service that allows you to take a quiz to personalize the products you receive.
Their collagen supplement is designed to support elasticity and hydration in the skin and help nails become stronger.
The supplement is made to be able to easily blend in your favorite drinks, such as coffee, tea, and smoothies.
The bovine collagen in this supplement comes from grass-fed cows. Other ingredients include organic lemon and vanilla, and there are no fillers or artificial sweeteners in this product. Its also gluten- and dairy-free.
Persona Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Price: $$$
Persona is another personalized subscription service that allows users to take an assesment about their health and sends out vitamins and supplements catered to their individual needs.
They offer a collagen supplement that supports joints that have been overworked from exercise, injuries, and regular wear and tear. It also supports healthy skin and nails.
The collagen in this supplement comes from grass-fed cows. The product contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and its also gluten- and dairy-free.
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Peptides Powder
Price: $$$
Vital Proteins produces many of the most popular collagen supplements on the market.
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen, in particular, is specifically formulated to enhance skin elasticity and hydration.
Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Beauty
Price: $$$
Price: $$
Collagen Supplements: Genuine Health
Genuine Healths Clean Collagen powder is perfect for flavouring water or boosting a smoothie or cup of tea. Go for the original Clean Collagen powder in unflavoured or Pineapple Berry if youre OK with collagen derived from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle and want a non-GMO and hormone-free source of collagens I and III . If you prefer a non-bovine option, choose Marine Clean Collagen in unflavoured or Lemon Lime. Its non-GMO, sourced from wild-caught fish in Iceland and contains collagen I. You can also add the unflavoured powder to protein balls.
Genuine Health Clean Collagen, $35 for 228g, genuinehealth.com
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Healthy Delicious And Oh So Easy
Dr. Kellyanns Bone Broth is bursting with collagen-packed protein, nourishing nutrients, and hunger-satisfying flavors in 7 convenient single-serve packets.Dr. Kellyanns Bone Broth takes all the hard work and guesswork out of getting the protein and nutrients you need to nourish your body, control hunger cravings, and even help smooth away wrinkles without any cooking or prepping. All the delicious flavors, nutrients, and health benefits of home-prepared bone broth in easy-to-prepare individual servings.
Read The Labels Carefully
There are many brands that claim their collagen supplement contains this type of highly absorbable collagen, especially the less expensive products. In actual fact, they do not contain collagen. Instead, they are predominantly made up of 3 amino acids Proline, Glycine, and Hydroxyproline, which together represent about 50% of the total amino acid content of the collagen triple helix chain.
These products also lack other minor but important amino acids necessary to construct a complete molecule helix chain. You need up to 18 different amino acids in the right quantities and ratio to create a collagen molecule in the body.
If you want a true supplement that works for your skin and body, look for one that contains Type 1 Collagen with high bio-availability.
More helpful reading: The effects of alcohol on skin by RenewSkin Inc.
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The 4 Best Collagen Supplements You Should Be Taking
Stronger joints start here.
You may have heard of collagen , but if you’re a little unclear on what exactly collagen actually is, we’re here to clear a few things up.
Collagen is a fibrous protein that provides structural support for the skin, joints, tendons, bones, and other connective tissues. Its essentially the glue that holds the body together, says Kim Yawitz, RD, a gym owner of CrossFit 26 in St. Louis, Mo., of the role of collagen in our bodies.
More specifically collagen is used to make skin, bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, joints, muscles, and blood vessels. Ahead, a look at why some people may benefit from collagen supplements, and four of Yawtizs top picks for collagen supplements.
Your body makes collagen by breaking down dietary protein into amino acids, then repackaging those amino acids with some help from vitamin C, copper, and zinc, explains Yawitz. Unfortunately, this process slows down with age, starting as early as our 20s. Theres not a great way to test collagen levels in your body, but crows feet and creaky joints are good clues that you might be producing less than you used to, she says, noting that the demand for collagen supplements has grown exponentially in the past few years, though the research hasnt quite caught up to that demand yet.
Do Hair Skin And Nail Vitamins Really Work
The research on the effectiveness of supplements is limited. Most hair, skin and nail vitamins are loaded with biotin, which is essential to keep your hair shiny, nails strong, and skin moisturized. But if you eat a healthy diet, taking hair, skin and nail supplements won’t make your hair grow faster or thicker. Vitamins balance out deficiencies in the nutrients our bodies naturally produce.
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Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplement Vs Amino Acids And Bio
The problem with collagen molecules is that in their native state they are simply too large for our body to absorb efficientlyunless theyve been transformed into hydrolyzed collagen supplements.
Hydrolyzed collagen is a processed form that is obtained when collagen fibers are broken down into small chains of amino acids called “collagen peptides” through a process using a combination of enzymes and high-pressure steam known as “hydrolysis”.
This revolutionary technology was invented and patented by a Japanese company some years ago and enables these collagen peptides, which are much smaller in size than the original collagen molecule, to efficiently deliver small, usable peptides into our body.
Clinical studies show that this type of collagen hydrolysate supplement gets absorbed into the bloodstream and blood vessels, penetrates and remain in the dermis, and triggers production in the skin. See Clinical Studies.
Lacks Evidence: Topical Collagen
Topical collagen as an ingredient added to creams or serums my not provide the best results. Because collagen is a big molecule, its unlikely to be absorbed effectively in order to stimulate collagen production, says Garshick. A topical collagen cream might provide a temporary plumping effect on skin, but isnt the best use of your skin-care budget.
Retinoids, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids like glycolic have been proven ways to boost collagen production in skin and are accepted ways that we can improve collagen production, she says. Retinoids, and retinol in particular help drive collagen production by targeting collagen type 1 and 3 genes, according to a study published in March 2016 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. People who used a retinol for 12 weeks saw their collagen levels improve and thus wrinkles diminish.
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Common Types Of Sugars And Preservatives Used
From organic collagen powder to pills and drinks, supplements come in just about any form you desire. Some organic supplements may be taken on their own, while others have a plain taste and can be added to food and beverages.
On its own, collagen tends to have a strong aftertaste, which is why sugars, sweeteners, or fruit juice are often added to formulations to improve taste. To find the best product without sacrificing taste, choose a supplement containing a healthy sweetener rather than a form of sugar that is detrimental to your health.
Unfortunately, many collagen brands still contain unhealthy sugars such as fructose or high fructose corn syrup, and it is often the second or third ingredient because it is cheap and masks the poor quality and taste of the collagen ingredient.
When choosing your preferred supplement, you also need to watch out for artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose in your collagen, which can cause long-term health issues. Artificial sweeteners are used to provide sweetness without calories.
According to a recent research review published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Critical Reviews, Sucralose has been found to cause a variety of harmful biological side effects in the body.
So, what types of sweeteners should you look for in a collagen powder or drink? According to health officials, the best type of sweetener to use is one that is natural and plant-based, with a low Glycemic Index . Some good options include:
Best Organic Hair Skin And Nail Vitamin
If you’re shopping for an organic hair, skin and nail vitamin supplement, Garden of Life mykind Organic Collagen Builder may be what you’re looking for. According to Garden of Life’s website, this hair, skin and nail vitamin helps restore and maintain your body’s collagen, keratin, and elastin levels. It’s both vegan and organic, and made from whole food ingredients like blended fruit and vegetables.
Like other hair, skin and nail vitamins, you get a modest dose of vitamin A , vitamin C and vitamin E . You do get a significant amount of biotin at 2,500 mcg per serving. Like Revly, you’ll also find green tea extract in this product.
Price: $35 for 60 tablets
Dosage: Two tablets a day
Garden of Life vitamin best features:
- These vitamins are both certified vegan and organic.
- Garden of Life Collagen Builder is made from 30 whole foods.
- Customer reviews have positive comments about hair and nail health after taking.
Things to consider:
- Garden of Life’s hair, skin and nail vitamins are not third-party tested to ensure purity.
- The tablet is large and people who have trouble swallowing pills may have to break them in half.
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What Are The 5 Types Of Collagen
Type I collagen is the strongest type of collagen and is easily absorbable by the body. Its sourced from bovine or marine collagen. Type II is the main collagen found in cartilage and can be sourced from chicken and bone broth. Type III is the main collagen found in skin and organs and can be sourced from bovine collagen. Type V collagen is one of the main types of collagen found in connective tissue and can be sourced from egg whites. Type X collagen is a protein found in joint cartilage.
The Best Collagen Supplements To Try Now
Jennifer Aniston credits this bioavailable collagen formula for her next-level glow. Add to basket, immediately.
£40, available at Vitalproteins.co.uk.
This powder contains collagen types one and three from bioavailable bovine collagen and is free from sugars and artificial sweeteners.
£27, available at .
Thanks to a patented ingredient called BioCell Collagen II, these capsules have been clinically shown to boost collagen and soften fine lines. They also contain vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for firm and plump skin.
£37, available at Cultbeauty.co.uk.
Employing collagen from hydrolysed wild codfish skin , Bare Biologys Skinful supplement is also great added to soups, stews and other foods, because its peptides can withstand high heat.
£35, available at .
Tasty as they come, this berry-infused flavour combines hydrolysed marine collagen with biotin and vitamin C for a product that really works.
£28.17 for members, £100 for non-members, available at Beautypie.com.
Antioxidant-rich ingredients are vital in helping to fight collagen-damaging free radicals, and to protect our skin from premature ageing, says Carla Oates, founder of the brand. The Collagen Inner Beauty Boost is rich in antioxidants like acai, papaya, goji berry and blueberry, alongside zinc and vitamin C to help collagen synthesis.
£29, available at Cultbeauty.co.uk.
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Is Collagen Regulated By The Fda
The Food and Drug Administration considers collagen a dietary supplementand the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA1. In other words, its up to the manufacturer to make sure their products are safe.
Collagen production starts to gradually drop off around age 20, but it doesnt usually become noticeable to us until were in our 30s. Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN and Nutrition Expert.
The rules for marketing dietary supplements are fairly strict. Companies can make some general claims on the health benefits of collagen concerning their products, but they must also print the disclaimer: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.2 The FDA keeps tabs on supplements and how theyre marketed, taking legal action against those who make false claims or whose products are unsafe.
When choosing any type of supplement, its crucial that the manufacturer hasnt been reprimanded by the FDA for any of these violations.
What Is The Point Of Taking Collagen Supplements
‘Your skin is made up of 75% collagen, but after the age of 25, collagen synthesis reduces at a rate of 1.5% a year and after the age of 45, your collagen levels may have fallen by as much as 30%’, says Kathryn Danzey, Founder of Rejuvenated.
‘Collagen is responsible for the firmness of the skin’ says Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, Cosmetic Doctor and Founder of SKNDOCTOR. ‘Hence, when your collagen levels start to deplete, the skin will gradually become more “saggy” and less plump’.
The visible effects of this breakdown dont just appear as wrinkles, fine lines and dry skin it can also materialise as physical ailments, as collagen is basically the glue that holds your ligaments, joints and bones together.
‘Hydroxyproline is the amino acid which is most effective at creating collagen and hydrolysed marine collagen contains a higher concentration of this amino acid over and above other types of collagen’, Danzey continues.
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Sports Research Collagen Peptides Powder
Image courtesy Amazon
The only collagen peptides powder on the market that has been verified as non-GMO, ketogenic, and paleo-friendly.
1 scoop provides 11 g of collagen peptides and 18 amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline helps to promote skin health, bones, joints, and post-workout recovery.
If you’re not happy with the product, they offer a 90-day money back guarantee.
Which Nutrient Improves Hair Skin And Nails
Several vitamins and nutrients play a part in improving the health and appearance of your hair, skin and nails. Some help directly, in the case of biotin, while others, like vitamin C, help indirectly.
- Vitamin B7: Also known as biotin, vitamin B7 is essential for the health of your hair, skin and nails. But it isn’t the type of thing you can stock up on — taking a ton of biotin doesn’t amplify the benefits.
- Collagen: Our bodies naturally produce collagen — a protein that makes up connective tissue. As we age and our production of collagen decreases, the once-tight fibers become more like a maze. This translates to wrinkles on the face. Supplements include collagen to help your skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
- Vitamin C: In addition to the various benefits of Vitamin C, it also increases collagen production in your body.
- Omega-3s: Omega-3s help maintain the cholesterol-derived layer of our skin cells. They contribute to the shine of your hair and keep your scalp healthy. Studies have found that it can also help treat the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions.
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