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Collagen Supplements: 2022 Buyers Guide

Avoid getting ripped off when buying collagen. Here's what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for quality product.

Collagen supplements are guaranteed to show up after a quick Google search for products to get rid of wrinkles, have luscious hair, and keep joints and bones strong.

After checking a couple (or more) of these search results you might be wondering -- will collagen supplements really keep you feeling and looking young? Or is it just another passing hype?

Look no further, here's everything you need to know about collagen supplements and what they can do for you!

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Structurally, collagen proteins are like tiny ropes of glue inside your body that holds you together and helps with cell regeneration.

It makes up 75% of your skin, 90% of your tendons, 30-40% of your bones, and is a major component of your joints and ligaments.

You’ll usually hear collagen is the “fountain of youth”, and rightly so.

Collagen is the secret to moisturised, radiant, and plump skin. It is rich in amino acids used by your body to build keratin for your hair and nails. It helps repair worn-out cartilage tissue to keep you mobile without the pain.

There are 28 types of collagen, but 90% of the collagen in the body is Type 1, 2, and 3.

Why Do Collagen Levels Deplete as We Age?

As you age, your collagen levels decrease. Studies show that around your mid-20s, your collagen production slows significantly and you lose 1-1.7% of collagen per year.

This is why as early as 25 - 30, you start seeing crow's feet, deeper laugh lines, more hair in the drain, and god forbid -- painful joints; everything we want to avoid as we get older!

This is a natural process that happens to everyone. It is inevitable and outside of your control.

However, UV exposure, vitamin C deficiency, diabetes, smoking, inflammation-triggering diets, stress, and other unhealthy lifestyle factors may speed up the process.

Things To Consider When Choosing Collagen

Taking collagen supplements is one of the easiest and hassle-free ways to replenish your collagen levels.

Along with a diet of collagen-rich foods like bone broth, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, you’ll drastically see the difference with consistent supplementation.

Choosing the right collagen supplement can be overwhelming.

One search will yield results showing different types, forms, and sources of collagen.

Don’t worry. Here’s a roundup of everything you need to know before choosing a collagen supplement!

Types:

Type 1 - Helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Improves skin elasticity and hydration.

Type 2 - Best collagen support for connective tissue and bone & joint health.

Type 3 - Found abundantly in organs, arteries, and muscles. Helps with wound healing and tissue formation.

Forms:

Powders: Popular form of collagen supplements that need to be prepared before taking. They’re usually dissolved in smoothies or other drinks. Some incorporate them into foods.

Capsules: No need to stir, shake, or prepare so typically the most convenient option - especially if you're always on the move.

Liquid: Another ready-to-consume collagen supplement form. Most liquid collagen supplements come in ready-to-drink bottles.

Gummies: Candy-like but not similar to regular candy gummies. They’re available in different flavours but don’t expect the same texture and taste as the gummies you love! They may also contain sugar and other added fillers.

Sources:

Bovine: Sourced from cows, raised on farms. While there are grass-fed and ethically raised, some bovine collagen supplements come from cows that were raised in non-ideal conditions and treated with antibiotics or contaminated feed.

Marine: Marine collagen is derived from open water, wild-caught fish. It is the most bioavailable source of collagen which means it’s easier for your body to absorb and use. Since fish is sourced directly from their natural habitat, they contain no antibiotics or food additives.

3 Things To Look For:

1. Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Peptides

The best collagen supplements are formulated with hydrolysed marine collagen peptides.

Marine collagen is 1.5x more efficiently absorbed by the body because of its small particle size compared to bovine collagen.

Hydrolysation on the other hand breaks down the particles into more digestible amino acids (peptides). Hydrolysed marine collagen is therefore the most bioavailable form of collagen.

2. Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid

Vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen synthesis and maintenance thus increasing the effectiveness of your supplements. Plus, it provides additional skin hydration, brightening, and wound healing benefits.

On the other hand, Hyaluronic acid is a natural acid that plays a vital role in cell growth and adhesion.

3. Satisfaction Guarantee

It's important that any manufacturer stands behind their product and is willing to give your money back if you aren't happy with the results.

Some products offer a money-back guarantee which allows you to try the product first and protects you in case things don't work out as expected.

What To Avoid

1. Fillers & Additives

Read the back label of any supplement carefully and watch out for any sketchy fillers or additives.

Avoid any unnecessary ingredients or bulking agents such as magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, starch, iron oxide, or microcrystalline cellulose which don't offer any nutritional benefit.

2. Unbranded Collagen

Don't settle for cheap, low quality collagen from untrustworthy sources. Instead look for branded collagen to ensure you're getting a good quality product.

The pick of the bunch right now are Peptan® hydrolysed collagen peptides which have been rigorously tested for ingredient quality. As well as being odourless and tasteless, these type 1 marine peptides are fully traceable and sustainably-sourced from 100% wild caught fish.

Best Collagen Supplement 2022:

Purolabs Collagen Complex

A highly rated supplement formulated with hydrolysed marine collagen plus 9 other science-backed ingredients.

Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles

Peptan hydrolysed collagen peptides

Sustainably sourced & MSC certified

Boosts skin elasticity & firmness

Pescatarian-friendly & plant-based capsules

Made in the UK to GMP standards

Free from synthetic additives & fillers

60-day money-back guarantee

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