Collagen Supplements Revealed
How You Can Look and Feel Younger by Reversing the Common Signs of Aging
Updated 9:37 AM EST, May 4th, 2022.
Collagen peptides are the key component of every anti-aging supplement or cosmetic in the world. Now that research has concretely placed them as the fundamental building block of hair, skin, nails, teeth, bodily tissues, muscles, and just about everything else that holds us together and makes us look good – the number of collagen supplements worldwide has skyrocketed exponentially.
But with so many different products available on the market, it would be nearly impossible for one person to sort out which ones are effective, formulated correctly, and don’t contain any harmful additives.
USA Consumer Choice compares and analyzes verified-customer-rated supplements so that you can make an informed decision on which one will help you reach your goals.
What does Collagen do?
Collagen is a protein that connects and repairs your joints, muscles, and bones.
Basically, collagen is the glue that holds your body together.
Whether it’s repairing damage to existing structures in your body, such as your knees recovering from the daily wear of walking and running, or promoting the growth of healthy skin and hair – collagen is the fundamental building block that your body uses.
Around the age of 30, the human body slowly produces less and less collagen – the protein your body uses to repair damaged bodily tissues.
Then, your body starts to show two common signs of aging: you start developing fine lines and your skin gradually begins losing its elasticity.
There are actually 28 different types of collagen in your body, but the most important variation is Type I Collagen.
Type I collagen is stronger than steel by weight and the most widely used collagen in your body. It makes up around 80% of the outer layer of your skin and is used in nearly all of your body’s rebuilding processes.
What to look for in a Collagen Supplement
The effects collagen has on your body can be greatly improved by having an ‘overstock’ of Type I collagen. Your body will only recognize a collagen overstock if Type I collagen suddenly becomes abundant. This is because Type I collagen can be used in place of any other collagen type.
When given a sufficiently high dose of Type I collagen, the human body recognizes that it is ‘overstocked’ and triggers a ‘wound care response’ to make use of the excess collagen. Your body immediately begins repairing and replacing old or damaged cells throughout your body.
Another important factor in the potency of a collagen supplement is the source of the collagen.
Most collagen supplements you find will be labeled as being bovine (cow), porcine (pig), or marine (fish) sourced.
Bovine and Porcine sourced collagen contains both Type I and Type III collagen, whereas Marine sourced collagen only contains versatile Type I collagen.
Collagen marine is absorbed up to 1.5 times faster than any other source of collagen due to the smaller size of marine collagen particles.
#1 BlueBiology Marine Collagen
- Made in small batches from wild-caught Pacific Snapper within hours of when the fish are caught.
- 330g of pure Type I Collagen Peptides, no other ingredients, and vacuum-sealed jars which bypass any need for additives or fillers.
- 1000+ consumers, reported to improve joint movement, reduce joint pain, increase energy levels, “looking and feeling younger“.
Hair, Skin, and Nail Benefits:
- Prevents or reverses fine lines, creases and cracks
- Rebuilds proteins in skin to restore elasticity
Bone and Joint Benefits:
- Provides rapid pain relief
- Prevents recurring joint soreness
- Natural and side effect free
The reasons why BlueBiology’s Marine Collagen consistently outperforms other marine collagen supplements are:
- BlueBiology’s Marine Collagen contains no additives, dyes, or fillers.
- There are 11 grams of Type I Marine Collagen per 11 gram scoop, with a full essential amino acid profile.
- Most importantly, BlueBiology’s Marine Collagen is hydrolyzed (see below).
The process of Hydrolysis is essential to producing high quality and potent collagen supplements. This is also the area in which BlueBiology really makes their mark.
BlueBiology collagen is hydrolyzed with enzymes, not chemicals, which is a more natural way of breaking collagen down into the smallest possible size. The size of a collagen peptide the determining factor in how quickly the collagen is absorbed by your body.
With collagen supplements timing is key. The more quickly your body recognizes having an ‘overstock’ of Type I collagen peptides, the faster it jump-starts the repair of your body’s old and damaged cells. Smaller, easier to absorb collagen peptides also means that more collagen is absorbed and less collagen is wasted.
BlueBiology’s enzyme hydrolysis goes hand-in-hand with the rapid and more profound repair and restoration of joint, nail, hair, and skin health. This is how BlueBiology made a collagen supplement which can regenerate your body and make you look and feel younger.
We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from BlueBiology’s customers, so much that many of our staff members ordered it (myself included) and swear by it. But, of course, we would love to hear from you as well!
READ FULL REVIEW > >
#2 Vitadirect Premium Grade Collagen Hydrolysate
VitaDirect’s Premium Grade Collagen Hydrolysate is a very popular collagen powder. Designed to be mixed into any liquid from coffee to soup, this collagen supplement is easily accessible for everyone and priced very fairly. Sourced from pasture-raised, grass fed bovine, you can depend on this supplement to be free from unnatural chemicals.
Vitadirect sells through Amazon.com, which means faster and more efficient shipping as well as possible bundling discounts. They have a great reputation as a company, although their supplement line is a little limited.
Features:
- Powder that can be mixed into any liquid
- 11 grams of collagen per serving
- Contains 18 different amino acids
What’s Special?
- Hydrolyzed
- Type 1 and 3 (not type 2)
- Sourced from Grass-fed cattle
- Include vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
Price:
$25
#3 Perfotek Hydrolyzed Collagen
If you’re looking for a collagen supplement that’s designed to renew youthful energy, restore your skin, hair, and nails, and support your joints as you grow older, you may want to look into Perfotek Hydrolyzed Collagen. This 11 gram-per-serving collagen supplement offers everything we expect from a collagen and more, including easy-to-mix powder; pasture-raise, grass fed bovine sourcing; and hydrolyzation for ready absorption.
One of the more cost effective brands available, this can be purchased online at either Amazon.com or their brand website. Perfotek is a lesser known supplement brand, so as always, be sure to check their return policy so you know if it fits your needs.
Features:
- Powder that can be mixed into any liquid
- 11 grams of collagen per serving
- Kosher
What’s Special?
- Benefits for joints and cartilage, hair, skin, and nails
- Revive and renew
- From Pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle
Ingredients:
100% Natural Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides
Price:
$19
#4 Sport Research Collagen Peptides
Sports Research is one of our favorite sports and fitness nutrition brands. We were particularly happy to see that they have formulated a collagen supplement. Too often collagens are designed only as preventive care for aging, and it’s important for people of all ages to remember to take good care of their skin and joints. This supplement has everything you want to see in collagen from hydrolyzation to 11 grams per serving and absolutely no binders and emulsifiers. Sourced from pasture raised, grass fed bovine, you can rely on Sports Research for a clean supplement.
Sports Research has also gone the extra mile in offer more specific suggestions for the type of liquid to use as your mixer, pointing out that collagen may clump in colder liquids. We appreciate this level of customer support, and give these our good-to-go thumbs up.
Features:
- Powder that can be mixed into any liquid, but works best in warm or hot liquid
- 11 grams of collagen per serving
- Grass fed, pasture raised
What’s Special?
- Designed for Sports Nutrition
- Supports Joint and Skin Health
- Type 1 & 3 Collagen
Price:
$30
Ingredients:
Grass-fed, pasture-raised, bovine hide collagen peptides.
#5 G-Biotics Natural Marine Collagen Complex
G-Biotics Natural Marine Collagen Complex is a little different from the other collagens we have reviewed here in that it comes in capsule form and the company seems to be based in the UK. Never fear, they are both easy-to-swallow and available on Amazon.com for US customers.
This supplement is specifically formulated to promote healthy skin, and gears all of it’s ingredients towards this goal. It includes hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture, Vitamin C for skin health and Vitamin E for the combined benefits of skin health and aiding absorption. This supplement only include Type 1 collagen, from a marine source. This emphasizes the skin-health focus of this supplement, as without other types of collagen it won’t double as a joint or bone health supplement.
If you’re looking for an easy way to boost the health of your skin, G-Biotics Natural Marine Collagen Complex may be right for you.
Features:
- Easy-to-swallow capsules
- Added vitamins for better results
- Marine-sourced
What’s Special?
- Supports skin health, helps protect from UV damage, helps retain moisture, and may reverse some effects of aging
- Include hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture
- Offers bundle and shipment incentives
Price:
$70
Ingredients:
Marine Collagen Prep (Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Type 1, Citric Acid, Natural Flavourings, Maltodextrin) (Fish, Molluscs, Crustaceans), Capsule Shell: Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C Prep (Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose), Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate).
There are no known collagen risks or collagen side effects, but it is always important to consult with a physician to see whether collagen supplements are safe for you to take.