Collagen is a protein that’s important to many aspects of our health. It’s the most abundant protein in the human body and is most well-known for its role in supporting skin health.
Within the skin, collagen acts as a ‘biological scaffold’, keeping the upper layers of skin lifted and plump. Collagen also has a structural role in the bones, muscles, and joints. In the joints, collagen is present in the cartilage acting as a cushion and preventing the bones from painfully rubbing against one another.
However, as we age, we begin to gradually lose collagen as the internal processes that manufacture it start to slow down from around the age of 25. This results in both the visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin that’s lost its elasticity, as well as the physical signs of ageing including painful, stiff, and immobile joints.
For this reason, many people choose to take collagen supplements to help maintain their skin's suppleness and youthfulness and support healthy, lubricated, well-cushioned joints.
Collagen supplements are available as tablets and capsules, as well as powders that are designed to be made into a daily drink.
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Collagen powder |
Highlights |
Total collagen |
Per serving |
Price |
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Winner of the Wellbeing Awards. |
225g or 450g |
7500mg |
£24.99 - £39.99 |
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Uses wild, sustainably-caught fish and no additional ingredients. |
195g or 450g |
7500mg |
£29.99 - £44.99 |
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Blend of pure bovine collagen, cacao, cocoa, and coconut milk. |
264g |
5000mg |
£28.99 |
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Perfect for joint care as it includes MSM, chondroitin and vitamin C. |
120g |
200mg |
13p |
Like many nutritional supplements, collagen supplements are available as capsules and tablets that contain a measured, daily serving size, ideal for taking on the go. However, collagen supplements are also available as powders that can be made into refreshing or warming drinks that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Most collagen supplements, whether in powdered or tablet form, are derived from animal sources. This is because this important protein is found in the bodies of animals as well as humans. As part of the natural ageing process, our levels of collagen begin to decline as we age, leading some people to choose to replace their lost reserves with animal-based collagen that is like our own.
The two most common types of collagen supplements are derived from bovine or marine sources. Bovine collagen is primarily made from the bones and connective tissues of cows (sometimes from bison, yak, and buffalo bones). It’s rich in collagen types I and III which are found most predominantly in the skin.
Marine collagen is made using the bones, skins, fins, and scales of fish and is a rich source of collagen types I and II that are found in the skin as well as the cartilage in the joints.
When deciding on bovine or marine collagen, the choice is a personal one, based on your needs and dietary preferences. If you’re looking to support the youthfulness of your skin, you may decide to take bovine supplements, and if you’d like to support the health of both your skin and joints, you may decide to take marine collagen.
Vegan collagen supplements, derived from bacteria and yeasts are also available, but they’re less common.
Collagen powders are designed to be added to liquids to create drinks that can be consumed every day. The recommended use varies according to the brand, but generally, one or two tablespoons can be added to water or juice for a cold, refreshing drink, or to herbal teas or coffee.
In its natural form, collagen has a large molecular size, too large to be easily digested and therefore becomes useful for the human body.
For this reason, a type of collagen that’s been broken down into smaller molecules, called peptides, is often used in supplements. This is known as hydrolysed collagen and is more easily digested and more readily absorbed into the bloodstream, therefore hydrolysed supplements are usually the best choice.
Hydrolysed collagen is created via a process called hydrolysation, which involves heating the large collagen molecules and adding enzymes or acids to create peptides.
Collagen powders can be safely taken daily and although there is no recommended daily intake, a safe daily intake is between 2.5g (2500mg) and 15g (15,000mg).
The amount of collagen you choose to take per day may depend on why you’re taking it. As a general rule:
The collagen manufacturing processes within the body are fairly slow, so it may take several weeks or months before you start to notice any significant benefit to taking collagen powders.
More specifically, it may take at least eight weeks of daily supplementation before any visible difference may be seen in the skin and felt in the joints. Some studies suggest it may only take four weeks to see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are no known serious side effects to taking collagen powders. However, some people report that taking a higher serving size can lead to certain gastric symptoms including bloating and an upset stomach. Some people also experience an unpleasant aftertaste.
If you have a sensitive stomach or you’re concerned about side effects, start with a lower serving size, gradually increasing over several weeks if you experience no unpleasant symptoms.
Taking a collagen supplement helps to keep our natural collagen levels topped up. Some people also choose to mindfully include collagen-rich and collagen-boosting foods in their diet to further support the manufacture of collagen.
Making a conscious effort to support collagen levels can help to minimise the visible signs of ageing such as sagging skin and fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen helps to improve the elasticity and plumpness of the skin, effectively improving its strength and youthfulness.
Collagen supplements can also help to reduce the discomfort of stiff, painful joints due to a loss of cartilage, helping to cushion and hydrate the joints. Since collagen is a protein, there’s also evidence that supplements can increase muscle mass and strength when used alongside a muscle-building exercise regime.
There are also benefits to the bones. Taking a collagen supplement can help slow down the process of bone demineralisation and the loss of bone mass that is associated with osteoporosis and menopause.
Many people prefer to take collagen powders over tablets or capsules as they have more control over how much they take each day. Collagen powders are also popular as many people enjoy the taste of drinking a collagen drink.
Collagen powders are available in various forms.
It’s considered the best pure collagen powder available in the UK as it contains no artificial fillers or excipients and is derived from cows that haven’t been exposed to any pesticides or synthetic hormones. Many other bovine-derived supplements have been made using cattle that have been intensively farmed.
Since it contains hydrolysed collagen, this supplement provides an easily digestible form of collagen powder, so that it can be assimilated quickly and efficiently by the body. This powder is a fantastic source of collagen types I and III that supports the plumpness and suppleness of the skin.
Simply add one or two heaped tablespoons to 200ml of water or juice or add it to herbal tea or coffee. It can even be stirred through soups to add extra flavour.
Planet Paleo prides itself on creating the highest quality supplements, using only high-grade ingredients and no unnecessary, artificial ingredients that may interfere with the quality of the product.
This version from Planet Paleo is rich in the amino acids proline and glycine that provide structure and tone to the skin and support strong, healthy hair and nails. It’s also rich in type II collagen that supports healthy joints.
Add one or two heaped tablespoons to warm or cold drinks each day.
Most collagen powders have a savoury flavour, but Cacao Magic pure collagen powder from Planet Paleo offers a twist on this.
Use it to create a warming, evening drink with added flavours of organic raw cacao, coconut milk and vanilla.
Made using hydrolysed bovine collagen derived from free-range, grass-fed Argentinian cattle, it’s free from unnecessary fillers, synthetic hormones, and pesticides.
Add a heaped tablespoon to 200ml warm milk (dairy milk and non-dairy alternatives such as oat milk all work well) and enjoy before bed or in the evening.
Marine collagen is rich in collagen types I and II, and collagen type II is primarily found in the cartilage in the joints. Marine Collagen Extra capsules from G&G Vitamins are therefore beneficial if you’re concerned about aching, painful or stiff joints.
Made using easily digestible hydrolysed marine collagen and zero unnatural ingredients, fillers or binders, these capsules combine the benefits of powdered collagen with the convenience of a daily, pre-measured serving size.
They also have added glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin sulphate which are all known for their joint supporting properties. Glucosamine is found in the fluid that cushions the joints, whilst MSM helps to reduce joint pain caused by inflammation. Chondroitin sulphate helps to support the structure of the joints and is often taken alongside glucosamine to help maintain joint health.
Take one or two capsules daily, ideally with food.
We recommend taking any supplement, including collagen powders, for at least three months to see if you notice any significant benefits. Aim to take a collagen powder supplement every day and you may soon notice the difference in the health of your skin and joints.
If you would like any further advice on choosing the best collagen powder supplement for you feel free to reach out to us using the chat function or via the information on our contact page.
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We are a small but mighty team of experienced natural health researchers. We follow strict selection criteria and test everything we retail: from ground-breaking food supplements to natural skincare products. Our main area of expertise is CBD.