Buying guide for Best collagen powder supplements
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body: it supports skin elasticity and holds your organs, muscles, and bones together. Research indicates that collagen has quite a few health benefits — potential beauty benefits, too! In fact, it’s a common ingredient in anti-aging serums. If you want to reap the benefits of collagen but don’t want to indulge in gallons of bone broth or organ meats, you might consider a collagen powder supplement.
Collagen powder supplements can be stirred into soups, breads, smoothies, and your favorite drinks. But before you click on “add to cart”, consider a few factors. You’ll want a formula that blends quickly and easily, without much of a distinctive taste. Flavored collagen powers do exist, but those often include added sugars or chemicals. Peek at the ingredient label to be sure that the powder you buy doesn’t have unwanted fillers.
Your skin, organs, and intestinal functions will thank you once you incorporate more collagen into your diet. You can help your body perform the necessary functions and combat aging in one swoop — and all it takes is a scoop of powder.
Types of collagen
Your body has three different types of collagen: type I, type II, and type III. Types I and III are the more plentiful and often appear together. Type I collagen is vital in maintaining the structure of your skin, bones, tendons, and organs. Type III can be found in cartilage and reticular fibers like bone marrow. Powder supplements usually contain both collagen types, supporting bones, skin, hair, and nails. These supplements are aimed at thickening hair, strengthening nails, and increasing skin elasticity, for example.
Type II collagen makes up cartilage and joints. Therefore, type II powder supplements are aimed at providing joint and cartilage support. These supplements may improve arthritis symptoms and combat the joint erosion that accompanies aging.
Bovine collagen vs. marine collagen
Bovine (beef) collagen is sourced from cows, particularly their hides. This is a common source of collagen in powder supplements. Bovine collagen may be taken from traditional feedlot cattle or cows that are grass-fed. Bovine collagen largely contains types I and III and is also linked to improved joint and gut health. Of the two collagen varieties, bovine is more accessible, given the massive beef industry worldwide. It is also cheaper and provides better health benefits overall. Bovine collagen is also preferable for those with shellfish allergies.
Marine collagen is derived from fish skin and scales. It works the same way that bovine collagen does, except that marine collagen is almost exclusively type I. Because marine collagen is hydrolyzed (broken up into smaller peptides), it’s easier for the body to digest. Marine collagen is linked to healthier skin and reduced signs of aging. For vegetarians, this is the better choice over bovine collagen.
Expert tip
If you are vegetarian or vegan, you should be aware that most collagen protein sources come from animal products.
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Certification
Since vitamins aren’t regulated by the FDA, check the label for third-party certification. Organizations like National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) are both credible. If you’re taking bovine collagen powder, look for supplements made with grass-fed beef. Non-GMO-verification isn’t a bad idea, either.
Collagen powder supplement features
Taste
There are many flavorless collagen powders on the market, which some people prefer. A flavorless powder is easier to mix into food and drink, and it won’t add sugar to your diet. However, some people claim that even flavorless powders have a bit of a taste — and it’s not always pleasant, either. Others notice a particular smell. Regardless, both can go unnoticed when mixed with the right foods.
If you want to add collagen powder to smoothies, yogurt, or sweet treats, there are quite a few flavored options to choose from. Chocolate and vanilla are popular, along with mixed berry.
Diet friendliness
Since collagen, both marine and bovine, is derived from animals, it is not vegan. Pescatarians will be able to consume marine collagen. Certain brands of powder are kosher, and a few are halal as well. Overall, collagen powder is bulletproof, paleo, and keto diet-friendly.
Did you know?
Type II collagen is best taken on its own. Taking all three types together may diminish effectiveness.
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Collagen powder supplement prices
Collagen powders range between $1 and $6 per ounce. Depending on the quantity you purchase, this could sum up to between $12 and $50. Given the easy availability of beef, bovine collagen will always be cheaper than marine collagen.
With anything that goes into your body, quality is important. The old adage of “you get what you pay for” is certainly true with nutritional supplements, so don’t cut costs when you buy this powdered protein.
Inexpensive
For a 7.5-ounce package, expect to pay $10 to $20. If you’re okay with bovine collagen, it’s not too hard to find a grass-fed, non-GMO supplement in this price range.
Mid-range
You’ll find plenty of powders in 16-ounce packages that cost between $20 and $35. Again, quality should not be compromised. The amount of collagen per serving, along with added flavoring, could tack a few dollars onto the price.
Expensive
For a package of 20 ounces or more, you could pay $35 or greater. Costlier collagen powders often get rave reviews, so make sure you do your research before writing them off due to the higher price tag.
Expert tip
Throw this into a smoothie in order to increase satiety and staying power. Some people prefer to take collagen as a supplement in a capsule or a powder that they add to foods such as smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal.
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Tips
● For an extra nutritional boost, try taking your collagen with vitamin C, either in food or supplement form.
● To keep it fresh, store your collagen in a cool, dark place.
● Experts recommend taking 15 to 30 grams of collagen daily, but the exact amount depends on your body’s individual needs. It’s best to start low and work your way up if you don’t notice results within a few weeks.
FAQ
Q. Do I need collagen supplements if I can just consume collagen from food?
A. As with any dietary supplement, collagen powder is great if you don’t have the time to get collagen from your diet. Bone broth is an excellent source of collagen, for example, but it takes time to prepare. A collagen powder will save you time, and it’s easy to add to a variety of foods.
Expert tip
Collagen is naturally produced by the body and is also found in food sources such as chicken skin and fish skin.
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Q. What should I mix with my collagen powder supplement?
A. Powder supplements are pretty versatile. Some users like to mix it in with their morning coffee or tea. Others may pepper it in with their food.
Q. Do collagen supplements have side effects?
A. Collagen supplements don’t have major side effects. Some people report stomach discomfort and bloating, which can occur in non-hydrolyzed supplements with larger peptides.
"There are actually more than 16 different types of collagen in the body, but types I, II, and III are the most prevalent."
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