What is a Collagen Supplement?
All of us have natural collagen which helps slow down the effects of aging. It is a protein made up of amino acids, which are in turn made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. It helps the vitality of skin and nails and using a good quality supplement enhances the natural collagen in your body. This helps us feel healthier and younger.
A good quality collagen supplement will help you feel good as is vital for all functions of the body. It also helps the natural collagen already present in your bones, tendons, and ligaments.
The benefits of using collagen supplements have been well known for years. Everyone likes to have healthy nails and hair and feel and look younger. But taking a collagen supplement will also make your body function better and enhance your overall physical health.
Guide to Choosing Collagen Supplements
Below is a guide to some of the best collagen supplements available on the market today. As we have seen, it depends on what you are hoping to gain from using a supplement that will determine which one is best for you. Cost is a big factor but it is important to understand how your choice will impact your health.
10. NOW Supplements, UC-II Type II Collagen with Undenatured Type II Collagen
If you want to treat joint pain or mobility problems associated with this then this may be a good choice for you?
This product is a Type II Collagen. This is the structural protein in cartilage that gives it strength. It helps keep joints mobile and flexible. It’s made from chicken sternum cartilage and has over 70 trace minerals and calcium added. It has been reported to be useful for joint injury and pain associated with it.
09. Neocell Marine Collagen plus Hyaluronic Acid Capsules 2000mg
This product is great if you want to improve your skin but also helps with joints, tendons and ligaments. It is also very useful if you have a history of damaged nails, poor circulation or even thinning hair!
08. Health Logics BioCell Collagen Joint and Skin Care 120 Capsules
This is a good all-rounder. It’s an award-winning, made in the USA product, which has been used by millions all over the world.
It can help with joint pain and stiffness. It has been shown to help the formulation of cartilage, connective tissue and ligaments. It has also been clinically shown to increase circulation to the skin in the face which helps to keep your skin clear, taught and youthful looking.
07. Custom Collagen’s Hydrolyzed Gelatin | Collagen Peptides 2lb (32oz) Jar
This is a Kosher product. Not the most expensive collagen you can buy. But it has been used by many to help with joint pain, hair and nail strength, and skin tone. This is a gelatin product and the manufacturers boast their natural product can help with numerous ailments. These include recovery after surgery, leaky gut syndrome and Hashimoto’s disease.
06. youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula 1, 2 and 3, 290 Tablets
This product does not have the best reviews but claims to be good for ligaments and tendons. It is not one of the cheaper collagens available.
05. Premium Collagen Peptides (16oz) | Non-GMO Hydrolyzed Gelatin Protein Powder
This is a powdered collagen. It can be added to hot liquid or blended with cold water. It is very good added to soups or any food where it can be dissolved.
04. Vital Proteins Pasture-Raised, Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides
This product is 100% Pure Collagen. It’s a Kosher product, Non-GMO and also a powdered supplement. It is good for skin, hair and nails. It is also useful to maintain healthy joints and maintain a healthy weight.
03. Best-Selling Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin- 100% Pure-Highest Quality
This is one of the best-selling collagen products available. It has a 100% money-back guarantee and is made in the USA. It is a moisturizer and is good for diminishing fine lines on the face. It has anti-aging properties and is perfect for sensitive skin.
02. NeoCell Super Collagen Powder, Collagen Peptides
This collagen is good for building strong healthy bone, repairing split and ridged nails and promotes wound healing.
01. Neocell Super Collagen+C Type 1 and 3, 6000mg plus Vitamin C
This is very good for thickening fine hair, improves circulation, and is very good for wound healing. It repairs connective tissue and increases skin firmness and hydration.
How to use Collagen Supplement?
There are a few important things to take into account before you start taking a collagen supplement to ensure they work properly. Follow these simple steps for the best results.
- Step 1
Your stomach must be empty before you start taking it. As it must pass through your gut without any gastric juices which break down food. If you eat before you take the pills the supplement will not work
- Step 2
Take 2 pills with a glass of water before you go to bed.
- Step 3
If you take the pills just before you go to bed they will pass through your system overnight without food which would make them ineffective.
- Step 4
For best results you should continue to take the collagen supplement for 2-4 months but if you don’t see an improvement in your skin and hair by then, you should stop taking them.
Some supplements are powdered and can be added to liquids. It is important to read the instructions for the specific product you choose.
Different Types of Collagen Supplement
There are many types of collagen found in the body. Studies show that more than 90% of the collagen in the body is Collagen Type 1&3. These are made up of 19 amino acids responsible for the growth and maintenance of the body and ensure the health of the skin and muscle. Type 2 consists of 18 amino acids, which are associated with the health of the joint cartilage.
There are different types of collagen supplements on the market. Hydrolyzed and gelatin. Hydrolyzed collagen is reported to be more easily absorbed than the gelatin equivalent.
It is also important you do not combine different types of collagen supplements. If you take them together they bind to one another and the body will not recognize it as a protein. If you want to take supplements for all areas of your body take them, at least, an hour apart.
There are only 3 types of dietary collagen supplements on the market today. It is very important you know which part of your body you want to benefit from the supplement before you take any.
How do Collagen Supplements work?
There are many different collagen supplement products on the market promising to turn back the clock and give you youthful skin and vibrant hair. But are these claims true and do they stand up to scrutiny?
Recent studies have shown that taking collagen supplements can increase the natural collagen present in the cells, bones, and organs. The body naturally produces the collagen that it needs, but as we age, this production is disrupted. Women have less collagen than men and by the age of 50 most women have lost over 50% of the collagen in their skin.
Clinical research seems to indicate that there’s something real to the claims of these products.
By taking a collagen supplement you can turn back time and your skin can look and feel younger. The benefits are not only cosmetic as the supplements increase the natural production of collagen in your organs, cells, and bones.
The benefits are not only cosmetic as the supplements increase the natural production of collagen in your organs, cells, and bones.
Collagen Supplements used for and Advantages
Benefits of Collagen Supplements, Many men and women want to look younger and healthier with vibrant hair and clear unwrinkled skin. Using a collagen supplement can help them achieve this without the need for other more invasive treatments such as plastic surgery.
There are other benefits to collagen supplements that are not just cosmetic. When we look healthier, we feel brighter in the mood so using a supplement can enhance your psychological health.
Mobility is also a major issue for many people especially as they age. It has been proven that collagen supplements can improve mobility. Even reducing the pain and inflammation of the joints associated with arthritis.
Which Collagen Supplements should you choose?
It can be difficult to choose which collagen supplement is right for you and your circumstances. There are so many different products on the market.
It can be a minefield!
Cost is always an important factor in your choice but you should beware of very cheap products as they may not provide you with the quality you need.
You should look at how easily the supplement is absorbed into the tissues, which will make your skin, muscles, joints, and bones stronger.
Some studies have shown that 90% of hydrolyzed collagen is found in the tissues within 6 hours of taking it whilst only 27% of a gelatin-based collagen supplement.
Conclusion
Whatever your needs there is a collagen supplement available to meet them.
It just takes a little research and taking into consideration the specific type of collagen would be best for your circumstances. There are powdered collagen supplements, pills, and moisturizers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages but all the products mentioned here are quality products so take your choice!