Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up a large proportion of skin, cartilage, blood vessels and connective tissue. Unfortunately, collagen levels decline from the age of 25, which can lead to a loss of skin hydration, muscle mass and an accelerated onset of joint pain. However, oral collagen supplementation offers health benefits including skin health, bone health and even hair growth.
This article explores the best powder supplements, including options from Vital Proteins and Swedish Nutra. Discover the unique benefits of this type of protein supplement.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
- The best collagen powder supplements for beauty & health
- The benefits of collagen powder supplements
- Explaining the types of collagen powder supplements
- How to take collagen powder
- Frequently Asked Questions
Discover highly-rated collagen powder supplements to help you reach your goals
Read about the benefits for skin, joints and blood vessels
Is all protein created equally? Learn the difference between supplement types
Find your routine ā take collagen powder effectively for the best results
The Best Collagen Powder Supplements for Beauty & Health
1. Vital Proteins Collagen Powder
One of the most popular brands on the market offers 20g of easily digestible bovine collagen peptides per serving. The unflavoured powder can be easily mixed into smoothies or drinks; alternatively, the sugar-free cocoa flavour can make for a tasty snack, protein shake, dessert or breakfast. Explore Vital Proteins Bovine Collagen.
2. Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Powder
Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Powder provides highly bioavailable peptides, which mimics the makeup of our skinās own structures. This makes it a fantastic choice if youāre taking a supplement for cosmetic reasons. This is available unflavoured, but it mixes well into various recipes with absolutely no fishy taste.
3. Swedish Nutra Collagen Powder
Swedish Nutra collagen is a great no-nonsense option; they offer a pure bovine collagen powder with 10g per serving. Bovine sources are rich in type 1 and type 2 collagen which can support your skin, hair, joints and connective tissue.
4. Nature's Plus Collagen Peptides Powder
Containing a blend of bovine, marine and chicken collagen, this supplement supplies the six major collagen types that the body uses. It is sustainably sourced from grass-fed beef, wild-caught cod and free-range chickens. Digestive enzymes from papaya are also included to support digestion, absorption and bioavailability. Explore all the benefits of Natureās Plus Collagen Peptides Powder.
5. Juspy Collagen + Protein Blend
Juspy Collagen + Protein is the one-stop shop for cocoa-loving, beauty and fitness fanatics. It blends premium marine collagen, highly bioavailable dairy-free protein, vitamin C, fibre, ashwagandha and pink Himalayan salt. Vitamin C is crucial in the collagen-building pathway. This protein does more than just support your skin, joints and connective tissue; it supports active lifestyles and helps maintain an internal balance.
Compare all of the reviewed collagen supplements in the table below
| Vital Proteins |
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| Vital Proteins (marine) |
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| Swedish Nutra |
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| Natureās Plus |
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| Juspy |
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Key Benefits of Collagen Powder Supplements
Collagen makes up 70-80% of the skinās dry weight, and it, alongside elastin, is responsible for elasticity and strength. Collagen proteins are very long and fibrous, which, when broken down into smaller chains called peptides, are powerhouses for the skin. Peptides, in the form of protein powder, are small enough to enter the bloodstream. From there, they can trigger the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin, joints, and connective tissue.
Enhanced skin elasticity and hydration
Collagen peptides, particularly from marine sources, can upregulate skin cells called fibroblasts. These are the cells that produce structural elements such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid retains moisture in the skin, promoting a plump, youthful appearance. Therefore, collagen peptide supplementation can be an effective way to maintain or build collagen density and boost the skinās natural moisture-holding capabilities.
Support for joint health and mobility
Supporting joint function and mobility is important at every life stage, particularly if you lead an active lifestyle. Your cartilage, tendons, fascia, and connective tissue owe much of their strength to collagen. To function correctly and support good mobility, your joints and fascia also need hydration ā this is where hyaluronic acid comes in.
Over time, production declines in the joints, which can leave your mobility lacking. Collagen peptides from supplementation can accumulate in joint cartilage and can increase output in specialised fibroblast cells, helping to maintain or improve joint health.
Strengthened hair and nails
Keratin is the main protein that makes up the hair and nails, and it shares many of the same amino acids as collagen. Also, weak extracellular structures in the scalp (donāt forget that the scalp is just skin) can lead to skin laxity and excessive hair fall. You may notice stronger hair and nails when taking a regular collagen supplement.
Explaining the different types of collagen powder supplements
Sources and types of collagen
Collagen can only be sourced from animal tissue ā plants donāt produce it. However, it can be obtained sustainably from a variety of sources, most commonly cows (bovine), fish (marine), chicken and pigs (porcine). Depending on the source, your supplement will provide varying proportions of the different collagen types (there are six main ones, but 28 in total). Each source may have a different composition.
You may wish to choose your supplement based on its composition and your needs. For example, joints primarily have type 1 and 2 collagen, whereas the skin is mostly types 1 and 3.
Flavoured vs. unflavoured options
For the highest purity, you will want to select a flavourless supplement powder. Additives like sweeteners and flavourings can reduce the collagen dosage per gram. However, some prefer a flavoured supplement to help maintain a habit or make it easier to take.
Protein powder vs collagen powder
There is a myth that collagen protein powders do not contribute to your overall daily protein intake because they are incomplete. However, if you consume enough protein from other sources, then you can meet all your amino acid needs. On the other hand, a protein powder will usually contain a full amino acid profile, contributing to healthy skin, joints and connective tissue, but it may not have the same effect as collagen peptides.
How to use collagen powder?
Peptides are highly soluble, which means you can add them into a variety of hot or cold drinks, smoothies, shakes, yoghurt bowls, overnight oats and more. If you use a flavoured collagen protein powder, such as Vital Proteins or Juspy, you can create tons of delicious, skin-healthy recipes, like mocha, chocolate overnight oats, or protein-rich tiramisu.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are there any side effects to using collagen powder?
You should not consume marine collagen if you have a shellfish allergy. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical assistance. Otherwise, the side effects from protein supplement consumption are minimal and rare. Stop taking your supplement if you experience digestive problems, headaches or dizziness.
Can collagen powder be used in hot drinks or food?
Collagen peptides are heat-stable enough to add to coffee, tea, soups, bone broth and hot meals. This makes it super easy to support your health during the colder months.
Is collagen powder better than capsules for absorption?
Generally, collagen powder will be easier to digest than capsules because there is no casing to get through. However, if your supplement contains other ingredients, these can either hinder or aid the digestive process. For example, Natureās Plus Collagen Powder contains digestive enzymes to boost absorption.
Do collagen supplements really work?
Extensive research suggests that dietary collagen peptides can stimulate fibroblasts to upregulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production. They are also a convenient way to increase your consumption, especially if you donāt get enough protein in your diet.
Do I need to take vitamin C to help a collagen supplement work?
Vitamin C is a coenzyme, involved in the production of new collagen fibres and an antioxidant protecting against free radicals that can degrade existing structures. Ensuring your diet contains at least the recommended amount of vitamin C should help you get the most out of your supplement.
