Linda is our resident health and wellness editor. As a long time health and nutrition enthusiast, she spends her time researching scientific studies and keeping up with the latest health and wellness trends to provide top nutrition tips.
Collagen is one of the most abundant structural proteins found in our bodies, forming much of the connective tissue in our bodies, including skin, bones, skin, tendons and muscles.
In recent years, collagen has garnered world-wide attention for its miraculous skin, hair and nail benefits. Collagen makes up over 80% of our skin, which helps us to preserve skin elasticity, improve hydration and prevent signs of aging. However, as we age, our bodies are no longer able to produce as much collagen and it becomes more difficult for our bodies to replace it. As we hit our 20s, we start to lose as much as 1% of our collagen each year and by the time we hit our 50s, we lose up to a third of it.
This loss of skin elasticity causes us to have drier skin, more wrinkles, and issues related to our heart, bones, joints and tendons1.
Numerous studies have shown that the best way to boost collagen production is by taking a high quality collagen supplement. Collagen supplements are primarily made with collagen peptides (also known as hydrolyzed collagen). Unlike the collagen our bodies produce naturally, collagen peptides are made of amino acids that are derived from animal protein, which makes them much more easily absorbed into the bloodstream2.
Most collagen supplements are made with either bovine or marine peptides. Yet, research has shown that marine collagen (type 1 collagen) supplements are the most effective for improving skin elasticity and texture, and promoting bone, joint and heart health.
What is Hydrolysed marine collagen and why is it superior?
Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, which is also often referred to as type 1 collagen, is made of peptides that come from fish and their scales. When collagen is hydrolysed, it simply means that the proteins have been broken down in order to promote better absorption into the bloodstream. Marine Collagen is the most environmentally friendly type available as it is made from the parts of fish that are typically thrown away3.
With its numerous health and wellness benefits, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a surge in demand for marine collagen supplements. Research has proven that hydrolysed marine collagen effectively helps to promote healthy skin, hair and nails, boost metabolism and support weight management, reduce inflammation and more4.
However, in order to truly benefit from the many health benefits collagen supplements have to offer, it’s important to choose the right one. Keep reading to find out what criteria to look for and what to watch out for when choosing your collagen supplement.
The powerful combination of Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen
Like collagen, Hyaluronic Acid has a multitude of benefits, but it is particularly advantageous for skin health. Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance that is produced by the human body. It is primarily found in fluids in the eyes and joints5.
In recent years, extensive research has been done to prove the effectiveness of Hyaluronic Acid. Studies have revealed that, when taken consistently through a supplement, Hyaluronic Acid is capable of preventing new wrinkles, decreasing the appearance of existing fine lines, and reversing damage from the sun6. In addition to it’s miraculous skin benefits, the substance is also an excellent treatment for joint and muscle pain.
The best brands have started to introduce supplements that contain both collagen and Hyaluronic Acid in one supplement in order to provide additional skin and joint health benefits. This powerful combination of ingredients makes for an even more potent supplement that will likely yield better results than simply taking collagen or Hyaluronic Acid supplement on their own.
Choosing the right supplement
When it comes to choosing dietary supplements, many of us are tempted to reach for the cheapest option on the shelf. Yet, there’s a reason some are more expensive than others. Often, higher quality products are also accompanied by higher price tags. Although this means you’re spending a bit more, it also means you’ll see more results and fully reap the benefits of the supplements you are taking. Keep reading to see our roundup of the 5 best collagen supplements on the market.
How You Can Benefit From Marine Collagen7
- Helps with hair and nail growth
- Supports skin hydration and prevents wrinkles
- Promotes healthy bones and muscles
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels
- Boosts metabolism and thyroid function
- Aids with weight management
- Reduces inflammation and helps with joint pain
With so many different brands and products to choose from, it can be challenging to differentiate the good supplements from the bad ones. This is why we’ve rounded up the best collagen products on the market. Keep reading to see the top 5 collagen supplements that you should buy.
What should I look for?
Considering all of the attributes listed above, we’ve compiled a list of the three essential criteria you should look for when choosing your turmeric curcumin supplement.
One of the most important things to look out for when choosing a supplement is that it’s recommended by healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are more likely to align themselves with products that are made with high-quality ingredients that truly work.
Studies have shown that marine collagen supplements achieve better results than other types of collagen, like types 2 and 3 collagen which are derived from chicken or bovine proteins. The reason for this is because our bodies are able to absorb marine collagen peptides better than other types. This superior absorption means that you will be able to take full advantage of all the benefits your supplement has to offer8.
It goes without saying, but it’s essential that the supplement you take is produced using high-quality, natural ingredients. You should look for a collagen supplement that also contains additional ingredients that support healthy skin, nails, bones and joints, such as Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. You will see more favourable results by choosing a supplement that combines clinically-studied vitamins and minerals with collagen.
Finally, make sure that the supplement you buy doesn’t have any synthetic additives or additional unnecessary ingredients.
When buying your collagen supplement, you need to ensure that you choose a potent formula. Experts suggest that in order to see results, you should seek a supplement containing at least 500mg of collagen peptides.
Make sure that the product you buy has a clear money-back guarantee on all product purchases. This is a tell-tale sign that a company knows they’re selling you a great product, so they aren’t afraid to offer you a sort of “insurance” on it.
What should I avoid?
Poor quality ingredients and low potency
In order to see the wellness results you’re looking for with collagen, it’s essential to choose a supplement that uses great ingredients in potent doses. Avoid any supplements with less than 500mg of marine collagen peptides. Also, watch out for supplements that add unnecessary ingredients or synthetic additives.
Beware of online reviews (especially on Amazon)
Before purchasing any product, one of the first things we do when researching it is check its online reviews. Unfortunately, these are not always a trustworthy way to measure the quality and effectiveness of a product. Companies often pay for reviews on popular online retailers, like Amazon, to try and trick their way to a five star rating. While you should definitely consult these reviews before purchasing, do your own research as well.
How we evaluated the top 5
In recent years, collagen has become one of the most popular natural supplements on the market. There are so many brands producing different variations of the supplement, and while this means you have an abundance of choice, it also makes it challenging to differentiate between the good supplements and the poor quality ones that won’t provide you with the benefits you’re looking for. So, we’ve made it easy for you.
We searched the internet for the most popular collagen supplements available on the market today and ranked them for you in our top 5 list.
