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Best collagen supplements of 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Some look at collagen as the glue that holds our bodies together. But what is collagen, really? And how can it benefit you and what are the best collagen supplements? "Collagen is a crucial structural protein in the human body, found in connective tissues like skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. It forms triple helix structures with amino acids like glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine, providing these tissues strength, design and elasticity," says Morgan Bray, a medical professional and lifestyle expert out of Canada.
Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but it makes less as you get older. According to registered dietitian Victoria Whittington, "Collagen production starts to decline as early as 25 years old by 1% each year. At around the age of 50, this decrease accelerates, and by age 70, endogenous collagen production is low. This can have a significant effect on your skin, hair, nails and joints." This is where collagen supplements come in. Collagen supplements can help replenish the decreasing collagen levels and slow down some of the effects of aging.
How we chose the best collagen supplements
We chose the best collagen supplements based on several factors.
- Hydrolyzed collagen only: We only chose products with hydrolyzed collagen (also known as collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate). Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into smaller pieces of proteins, which makes it easier for your gut to absorb.
- Supplement form: We tried to include a couple of forms of collagen supplements to meet a variety of needs. Collagen powder generally offers a higher concentration of collagen per serving, but gummies are more convenient and palatable for some people.
- Third-party testing: We chose products with third-party testing to ensure quality and purity. But always remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Top collagen supplements
- Best multi-collagen: NOW multi-collagen protein
- Best bovine collagen: BUBS Naturals collagen peptides
- Best marine collagen: Vital Proteins marine collagen
- Best collagen gummies: Vital Proteins collagen gummies
Best multi-collagen: NOW multi-collagen protein
- Powder made with bovine (cow), chicken bone broth and fish skin collagen
- 11 grams of collagen per serving (13.1 grams)
- Unflavored
About NOW multi Multi-collagen protein
NOW multi-collagen comes from bovine, chicken and fish, so it provides types I, II and III collagen. This range of collagen types offers comprehensive support for the health of your skin, joints and bones. The bovine collagen included in the product is derived from BSE-free and hormone-free cattle.
NOW multi-collagen also incorporates vitamin C into its formulation. This vitamin plays a crucial role in your body's ability to make collagen. This product is unflavored and easy to mix into your favorite recipes.
Why we like it
- Uses three different sources of collagen
- Includes vitamin C, which helps with collagen synthesis
- Unflavored, so you can mix it with any beverage or food without altering the taste
What to consider
Does not mix well in cold liquids
Best bovine collagen: BUBS Naturals collagen peptides
- Powder made with bovine (cow) collagen
- 20 grams of collagen per serving (20 grams)
- Unflavored
About BUBS Naturals collagen peptides
BUBS Naturals collagen peptides is a powder supplement sourced from Brazilian grass-fed cattle. This collagen supplement is NSF Sport certified, indicating it adheres to strict standards for quality and safety. It’s unflavored, so it can blend into your meals or beverages without altering the taste.
BUBS Naturals collagen peptides is also budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-effective supplement. The product comes in two convenient forms: a standard tub of powder suitable for regular use at home and travel-size packets you can carry on the go. This flexible packaging offers a versatile solution for maintaining your collagen intake no matter where your day takes you.
Why we like it
- Sourced from cows that are grass-fed
- Budget-friendly
- NSF Sport certified
What to consider
Customers consistently report packaging problems
Best marine collagen: Vital Proteins marine collagen
- Powder made with marine (fish) collagen
- 12 grams of collagen per serving (10 grams)
- Unflavored
About Vital Proteins marine collagen
Vital Proteins sources their marine collagen from the scales of fresh, non-GMO-certified, wild-caught cod from waters off the coast of Alaska. It’s a good choice if you are a pescatarian. The product is unflavored, so you can incorporate it into water, juice, smoothies, baked goods and other foods and drinks.
This collagen supplement offers flexibility in terms of packaging. It's available in a tub or individual single-serving tubes. These compact, portable tubes make it easy to maintain your supplement routine wherever you are.
Why we like it
- Perfect choice for pescatarians
- The source of collagen is non-GMO-certified wild cod
- Unflavored so you can mix it with any beverage or food without altering the taste
What to consider
- Pricey
Best collagen gummies: Vital Proteins collagen gummies
- Gummies made from bovine (cow) collagen
- 2.5 grams of collagen per serving (4 gummies)
- Grape flavored
About Vital Proteins collagen gummies
Vital Proteins collagen gummies offer a delicious and convenient way to incorporate collagen into your diet. They are made from bovine collagen sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows.
Despite their convenience and taste, these gummies do contain a lower amount of collagen compared to most collagen powders. And they contain 5 grams of added sugar per serving, which may be a concern for those monitoring their sugar intake. While these gummies may not replace collagen powder for everyone, they serve as a tasty, portable option for those looking to incorporate collagen in a more manageable way.
Why we like it
- An option for people who dislike powder supplements
- Sourced from cows that are grass-fed and pasture-raised
- Convenient
What to consider
- Low in collagen compared to the other supplements on this list
- Contains added sugar
How to choose a collagen supplement
Choosing the right collagen supplement depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, budget and specific health needs. It's important to consider the following aspects to make the best choice:
- Form of the supplement: Collagen supplements come in various forms, such as powder, liquid or gummies. You might prefer powders you can blend into drinks or gummies you can chew. Make sure to read the label for how many grams of collagen are in each serving. Additionally, finding a liquid collagen supplement that utilizes third-party testing can be difficult.
- Flavor: Some collagen supplements are unflavored, while others come in various flavors. If you want to mix your powder in water, you may want a flavored supplement. But if you plan to mix the supplement in a variety of foods and drinks, an unflavored version might be the best choice.
- Added ingredients: Some collagen supplements contain added vitamins or other beneficial compounds. These added ingredients might be beneficial if you're looking to address specific health concerns. But watch out for unnecessary additives and fillers.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top supplements on the market. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best collagen supplements for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
Do collagen supplements really work?
Yes, collagen supplements really work and are quite safe. It's been shown that collagen supplements can improve hair, skin and nails. Additionally, they have been linked to improved muscle mass. Collagen also plays a role in preventing bone loss and alleviating joint pain.
Who should avoid taking collagen?
Collagen supplements are safe for most people. However, if you have an egg, fish or shellfish allergy, you should be cautious, as many collagen supplement options use marine collagen. Additionally, traditional collagen supplements may not work for you if you have a Kosher diet or are vegan or vegetarian.
What's the best form of collagen to take?
Collagen peptides are considered the best type of collagen to look for in supplements. You'll regularly find them labeled as Hydrolyzed collagen. This means the collagen has been broken down into peptides that are small and easy to digest, decreasing your risk of stomach upset and other side effects.
References
Al-Atif H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022 Jan 1;12(1):e2022018. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1201a18. PMID: 35223163; PMCID: PMC8824545. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824545
de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. 2021 Dec;60(12):1449-1461. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15518. Epub 2021 Mar 20. PMID: 33742704. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33742704
Shin JW, Kwon SH, Choi JY, Na JI, Huh CH, Choi HR, Park KC. Molecular Mechanisms of Dermal Aging and Antiaging Approaches. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Apr 29;20(9):2126. doi: 10.3390/ijms20092126. PMID: 31036793; PMCID: PMC6540032. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31036793
Skov K, Oxfeldt M, Thøgersen R, Hansen M, Bertram HC. Enzymatic Hydrolysis of a Collagen Hydrolysate Enhances Postprandial Absorption Rate-A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019 May 13;11(5):1064. doi: 10.3390/nu11051064. PMID: 31086034; PMCID: PMC6566347. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566347
