Collagen is a popular health supplement with a host of anti-aging and wellness benefits. It helps promote healthy skin, hair, and nails, build bone density, and support joint health.
It also contains glycine, which has been shown to improve gut health. Collagen can be found in a number of forms, including powders, capsules, and creams.
1. Know Your Ingredients
Collagen is one of the most important proteins in our body. It’s found in our skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage and plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy. But with so many products in the market claiming to boost collagen, it can be difficult to know what works. Collagen supplements generate $2 billion in revenue annually, and many people use them to achieve supple, flexible joints. However, is this the fountain of youth we’ve all been looking for?
Knowing your ingredients is key to understanding what makes a good collagen supplement. Collagen comes in many forms: it can be found in skincare formulas that promise to boost its levels or in a variety of liquid and powder supplements that are taken on their own or mixed into drinks.
When purchasing collagen supplements, looking for a product that contains undenatured type II collagen is essential. This is the only form of collagen that has been proven to be effective for joint health. Undenatured collagen is produced from natural sources, such as grass-fed cows or fish, which haven’t been treated with heat or chemicals to alter their basic structure.
This form of collagen is then broken down into amino acids, which are able to be absorbed through the gut into the bloodstream. The body then reassembles these amino acids to create new protein molecules.
The best way to ensure you’re getting a quality collagen supplement is to buy one that is made from grass-fed, happy cows and sustainable, wild-caught fish. Grass-fed collagen is more likely to be bioavailable, which means it is more easily absorbed into the body.
If you’re looking for a collagen supplement that’s easy to take with you on the go, the Beauty Collagen from Vital Proteins is a great option. This product includes collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics and is available in a variety of flavors and formats (powder, tablets, or canister). It’s also free from gluten, soy, dairy, nuts, grains and GMOs.
2. Know Your Sources
As one of the body’s most abundant proteins, collagen is the “glue” that holds us together. It’s no wonder that it’s become the latest trend in beauty and wellness—we see it in smoothie bowls, infused drinks, and even in our skincare formulas. But what exactly is Collagen, and how does it help us?
Collagen is the protein found within all of our skin, joints, bones, and muscles. When taken in supplement form, it’s often added to the diet as a way to promote healthy hair, nails, and skin and even to support bone and joint health. In addition, many people take it as a natural anti-aging ingredient by boosting their collagen levels—which can have amazing skin results!
Despite the many collagen supplement benefits, collagen supplements are not all created equal. In fact, some of the collagen powders commonly sold in stores and found in many drinks and moisturizers are not hydrolyzed and, therefore, unable to be absorbed by the body. Additionally, some of these sources could contain GMOs, antibiotics, growth hormones, or other additives through cross-contamination.
For the best results, look for hydrolyzed supplements sourced from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals. This will ensure you get high-quality, clean collagen that your body can absorb and use.
In terms of specific types of collagen, research is most promising for type II collagen (from chicken cartilage). It’s been shown to reduce joint pain in both arthritic patients and healthy individuals.
If you’re looking to specifically address joint health, type III collagen (from fish scales) may also be beneficial. It’s been shown to help improve joint function and decrease inflammation, especially after exercise. However, the research is not as robust as for type II collagen, so it’s not as clear-cut.
3. Know Your Dose
Collagen is a plentiful protein that’s part of structural components and connective tissues like skin, tendons, and ligaments. It also helps with wound healing and protects nerves. But how much collagen do you need to consume?
Getting enough collagen is key to your health. It helps with joint pain, hair, and nails and can improve the appearance of your skin. In addition, it promotes a healthy gut and is an important component of digestive health. The best way to get more collagen is through your diet, especially through consuming foods rich in the amino acids glycine and proline. These include chicken, beef, fish, dairy, and leafy vegetables. You can also take a collagen supplement to help you get more amino acids.
Studies have shown that supplementing with undenatured type II collagen can help reduce joint pain and improve the appearance of the skin. However, more research is needed to determine if this type of collagen can help with osteoarthritis pain and inflammation.
When evaluating collagen supplements, be sure to consider the source and form of the supplement. Look for high-quality ingredients and third-party testing. You should also read customer reviews, which can give you a good idea of whether the supplement will work for you.
In general, you should aim to ingest about 2-15 grams of collagen daily. This will depend on your unique needs, age, and condition. For example, if you are an athlete, you may need to take more collagen than the average person. In addition, if you have an eating disorder or other conditions, you should discuss your dose with your doctor.
Generally, you should choose a collagen powder that is easy to add to food and drink. This will make it easier for you to meet your collagen intake. SWOLVERINE collagen powder is unflavored and virtually tasteless, so you can easily add it to your morning coffee or smoothie. It contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows and is non-GMO and gluten-free. It also undergoes third-party testing and shares the results for transparency. This is the perfect supplement to add to your routine to improve joint health and skin elasticity.
4. Know Your Options
The good news is that many options are available to you regarding a collagen supplement. From powders that can be added to your favorite smoothie or drink to capsules and gummies that are easy to swallow, there is sure to be something for everyone! The key to finding the right collagen for you is choosing a product that is sourced from high-quality animals and doesn’t contain any additional fillers or additives.
All types of collagen can be found in the body, but it is important to choose a type that will be beneficial for your specific needs. Collagen from bovine (cow) and porcine sources is known as type II collagen, which is found in cartilage, while marine collagen, which is derived from fish, is referred to as type I collagen, the most abundant form of collagen in the human body. Marine collagen is also a great option for vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians, as it does not contain any animal products.
When choosing a collagen supplement, look for one that is rich in the amino acids glycine and proline. These amino acids are necessary for the production of new collagen and can be found in foods such as leafy greens, tomatoes, dairy, beans, nuts, and seeds. It is also important to find a supplement that contains vitamin C and zinc, as these are essential for boosting collagen production.
In addition, it is best to choose a supplement that provides a mix of both type I and type II collagen. This will help to ensure that you get a well-rounded supply of collagen throughout the day. Finally, make sure you are taking a supplement designed to be easily digested and has been third-party lab tested for quality and transparency. This will allow you to feel confident that your collagen supplements are safe and effective!
