Collagen is having its day in the sun. It’s been hyped as being good for skin, relieving joint pain and improving gut health. As one of the body’s vital structural proteins found in your hair, nails, tendons, ligaments, bones and skin, it is easy to assume that adding collagen supplements to your diet would offer benefits. And since as we age, our bodies start losing about 1 percent yearly that isn’t replaced, we’d want to take a supplement. But should we?
The collagen that we find in supplements is usually hydrolyzed, meaning that they are broken down, making them more easily absorbed into your bloodstream. But since the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements as they do medicines, you want to make sure to read the manufacturer’s label to find out each collagen supplement’s exact ingredients. While it may contain fillers and inactive ingredients, you want to make sure it contains hydrolyzed collagen, aka collagen peptides. The source is often from bovine because of its availability and compatibility, however other sources include: porcine byproducts, fish tissue, chicken, duck and rabbit skin.
However, studies have found that taking collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, increase bone density, reduce joint pain and increase muscle strength.
Here is a list of eight different types of collagen supplements that can easily be found online or in your typical brick and mortar store.
1. Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer
For those who take cream in their coffee, this could be a good substitute. It is dairy-free and has 10 grams of collagen per serving. It contains healthy fats from coconut milk powder and acacia fiber, which may contribute to gut health. It is available in three flavors, coconut, vanilla and mocha, which can take your morning joe to the next level.
2. Glotrition Super Beauty Elixir
Formulated specifically to improve your skin’s appearance, Glotrition Super Beauty Elixir is created using collagen peptides and other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, biotin, resveratrol, meant to nourish your skin. Each packet contains a 30 day supply sweetened with Palatinose — a compound made from beet sugar — and stevia.
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3. Kindroot Adaptogems Glow
Since many brands use bovine as their source of collagen, they are a no-go for those trying to avoid meat products. But Kindroot Adaptogems Glow is marine-based and uses fish like tilapia, crimson snapper, carp, cod and pollack for its collagen peptides. Another of its active ingredients is an adaptogen, organic ashwagandha root extract, a medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years. It may reduce stress and anxiety. Each bag of the product contains 20 peach-flavored lozenges.
4. Olly Collagen Gummy Rings
Gummies have become a popular way for supplements to be ingested, and Olly offers many kinds of vitamins and minerals, including Collagen Gummy Rings. They’re peach flavored and do not require any liquid to consume. Each bottle of 30 contains a 15 day supply of clinically-tested gummies.
5. Natreve
Natreve Keto Collagen is a two-in-one product boasting not only marine-grade collagen but also 100% grass-fed rBGH hormone-free whey isolate and probiotics that can keep your gut feeling soothed and healthy. It is sweetened with monk fruit, skips artificial flavors and is available in French Vanilla Wafer Sundae and Fudge Brownie.
6. Vital Proteins Bars
While many of the best collagen supplements are powders for easy mixing into liquid, these supplements are also available in quick grab-and-go bars from brands like Vital Proteins. They are available in five flavors, including peanut butter chocolate, each of which has 10g of collagen peptides, which contributes to its overall 14g of protein. Additionally, this collagen supplement bar is dairy and gluten-free.
7. Truly Vegan Collagen Facial Serum
While the fountain of youth does not exist, topical treatment of collagen may help roll back the clock ever so slightly. And Truly Vegan Collagen Facial Serum not only promises to reduce fine lines and improve texture, but its blend with retinyl and vitamin C can also lead to brighter skin.
8. Zuma Nutrition
If you are not sure if taking a collagen supplement is the best option, you can try Zuma Nutrition Vegan Collagen Precursor Daily Packs. They are 100% vegan and include vitamins and minerals such as lysine, an amino acid, l-proline, a key component of collagen, and vitamins C and B12, which are meant to nurture your body into producing its own collagen naturally.
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