6 Best Supplements for Collagen

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Best Supplements for Collagen

What is the best supplement for collagen? This is a question that many people are asking these days.

Collagen is a key protein in our bodies that helps keep us looking young and healthy.

As we age, our collagen production decreases, which can lead to wrinkles, joint pain, and other health problems.

That’s why it’s important to find a good supplement for collagen. In this blog post, we will discuss the best supplements for collagen and how they can help improve your health!

Please keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.

Food is your best source of nutrition, especially for collagen! Please check with your doctor before starting any supplement program.

Please note we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click on one of the links on our site, we may get a commission.

1 – Best Overall – Vital Proteins

  • Price = $39.99
  • # of Servings = 28
  • Price per Serving = $1.42
  • Product Reviews = 4.6/5 (161,762 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 2 scoops (20 g)
  • Taste / Absorption = Unflavored
  • Labeled Effect = Improve the health of your hair, skin, nails, joints, bones, ligaments and tendons
  • Food Allergens = None, very safe
  • Pros = #1 Amazon bestseller in Collagen Supplements, very convenient easy to add to drinks, high quality ingredients
  • Cons = higher price per serving

About Collagen Peptides

This bioavailable powder is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovines and is easily digested and absorbed by the body.

It contains ingredients like original collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to help improve the health of your hair, skin, nails, joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons.

Plus, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are Paleo-friendly certified and Whole30 approved.

Simply add one to two scoops to your favorite cold or hot beverage each day.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is the #1 best selling collagen supplement on Amazon and has over 160,000 reviews.

Made by Vital Proteins

Founded in 2013 and based out of Illinois. According to ReviewMeta.com, this specific “Collagen Peptides” supplement gets a 4.6/5 from 145,950 ratings. However, the brand itself, “Vital Proteins”, receives a 3.7/5 average adjusted rating from 3,042 verified reviews.

We normally don’t list products from companies with less than a 4.0 average rating from a third party review aggregator. The reason we decided to include Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is because:  1) the number of Amazon reviews is extremely high, and 2) the third-party reviews for this specific supplement are above 4.0.

  • Start = 2013
  • Revenue = $168 million
  • Employees = 500
  • Mission = To help others live fuller, more vibrant lives
  • Third Party Reviews = Mixed (depends on “product” versus “brand”)

2 – Best Pure Bovine Collagen – Bulk Supplements

  • Price = $12.96
  • # of Servings = 40
  • Price per Serving = $0.32
  • Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (1054 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 2500 milligrams
  • Taste / Absorption = Tasteless
  • Labeled Effect = Support connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, and muscles, bones, skin, and cardiovascular system
  • Food Allergens = None, very safe
  • Pros = high quality pure collagen powder
  • Cons = contains no other vitamins and minerals

About Bovine Collagen

Looking to give your connective tissue a little extra support? Bovine collagen may be just what you need.

Derived from cows’ tough-to-eat joints, bones, and cartilage, this hydrolyzed collagen is easy for the body to absorb and may help keep your tendons and ligaments healthy.

This is a simple, straightforward supplement if that’s what you’re looking for!

Made By Bulk Supplements

Bulk Supplements started in 2011 and is based in Nevada. Its main manufacturing facility is FDA registered. According to ReviewMeta.com, Bulk Supplement’s average adjusted rating is 4.4/5 from 39,370 verified reviews.

  • Start = 2011
  • Revenue = $10 million
  • Employees = 50
  • Third Party Certifications = NSF, cGMP
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.4/5 from 39,370 reviews

3 – Best Price Per Serving – Life Extension

  • Price = $24.00
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.20
  • Product Reviews = 4.6/5 (164 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 4 tablets
  • Taste / Absorption = Unflavored
  • Labeled Effect = Supporting skin growth and repair, healthy nail growth rate and healthy rejuvenation, this formula’s clinically-validated nutrients promote youthful and lasting beauty
  • Food Allergens = None, very safe
  • Pros = contains a blend of additional vitamins and minerals alongside collagen, highly competitive pricing, highest dosage of collagen, some limited science
  • Cons = 4 tablet serving size!

About Hair, Skin & Nails Collagen Plus Formula

Hair, Skin & Nails Collagen Plus Formula is our choice for several reasons.

Combining bioactive collagen peptides with other nutrients, this formula has some limited clinical science shown to promote collagen and keratin health for youthful and lasting beauty.

In addition to the clinical science, this supplement provides a bevy of additional vitamins and minerals like calcium, zinc, copper, biotin and silicon. On the other hand, most other collagen supplements provide fewer ingredients.

At a highly competitive price, this is our number one recommendation except for the 4 serving size!

Made By Life Extension

Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 verified reviews. 

  • Start = 1980
  • Revenue = $168 million
  • Employees = 500
  • Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
  • Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 reviews

4 – Best Quality – NaturesPlus

  • Price = $21.21
  • # of Servings = 28
  • Price per Serving = $0.75
  • Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (15 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 1 heaping scoop (10.5g)
  • Taste / Absorption = Tasteless
  • Labeled Effect = Boost the health of your hair, skin, nails, joints, immune system and much more
  • Food Allergens = None, very safe
  • Pros = high quality blend of collagen peptides from various sources, not just beef / bovine
  • Cons = no other vitamins or minerals besides collagen varieties

About Collagen Peptides

NaturesPlus Collagen Peptide formula includes grass-fed beef, wild-caught cod, cage-free chicken & eggshell membrane, providing your body with the nutrients it needs to produce collagen and improve overall health.

The distinctive feature of these collagen peptides is the collagen synthesis from a range of collagen sources, not just beef or bovine.

If you are looking for collagen synthesis from a variety of sources – eggs, chicken, fish, etc – then this is a good option to try.

Made By NaturesPlus

Founded in 1972 and located in New York. NaturesPlus is one of the few International health and nutrition companies that meets both US and EU organic criteria. NaturesPlus also holds several patents which is unique for a supplement company. According to ReviewMeta.com, Nature’s Plus gets a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 11,088 verified reviews.

  • Start = 1972
  • Revenue = $68 million
  • Employees = 400
  • Mission = committed to bringing consumers smart, high-quality formulations in a timely manner
  • Third Party Certifications =GMP, New York State Board of Pharmacy Registration, NSF, USNOP, EU Organic Certification, Canadian Site License, USPTO,
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating 11,088 from verified reviews

5 – Best Blend – Naturewise

  • Price = $29.99
  • # of Servings = 45
  • Price per Serving = $0.66
  • Product Reviews = 4.6/5 (131 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 1 heaping scoop (11.2g)
  • Taste / Absorption = Flavorless
  • Labeled Effect = Support the body’s own natural collagen stores that may diminish due to age or other factors
  • Food Allergens = None, very safe
  • Pros = high quality collagen and amino acid blend, collagen comes from non-GMO and grass-fed bovine collagen peptides, made in USA
  • Cons = bit higher price per serving

About Enhanced Collagen Peptides

Enhanced Collagen Peptides are manufactured in the USA at a cGMP certified facility and include both type I and type III hydrolyzed collagen for multiple benefits throughout the body.

What makes Enhanced Collagen Peptides unique, however, is the collagen comes from non-GMO, grass-fed bovine (cows).

While many other collagen supplements source from bovine, it’s rare for the bovine to be grass-fed without GMOs, meaning your bovine collagen peptides here are ethically sourced.

If you are concerned about animals’ wellbeing and are looking for collagen peptides this is a good option to try. If not for the higher price per serving this would be our top pick.

Made by Naturewise:

Founded in 2012 in California, NatureWise aims to promote health and inspire wellbeing. According to ReviewMeta.com, NatureWise has a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 32,542 verified reviews.

  • Start = 2012
  • Revenue = $31 million
  • Employees = less than 25
  • Mission = promote health and inspire wellbeing
  • Third Party Certifications = Manufactured in US
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average rating from 32,542 reviews

6 – Botanic Choice

  • Price = $14.99
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.49
  • Product Reviews = 4.1/5 (12 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 1 tablet
  • Taste / Absorption = Tasteless
  • Labeled Effect = Supplies the building blocks for healthy skin and hair
  • Food Allergens = None, very safe
  • Pros = contains calcium and phosphorus alongside collagen, contains high dosage of collagen, specifically provides type 2 collagen
  • Cons = not many reviews

About Type II Collagen

This supplement focuses on Type II Collagen.

Type 1 collagen is the most common type of collagen found in humans. Collagen is also present in skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. The majority of supplements on this list include Type 1 Collagen.

Type 2 is the collagen in the cartilage.

Cartilage is found in your ears, and is a connective tissue that acts as a cushion between your joints and gives structure to things like your nose and trachea.

If you are looking for Type 2 Collagen this is a good supplement to try.

Made By Botanic Choice

Botanic Choice started in 1910, over 100 years ago. The company is family owned and has millions of customers worldwide. They are one of the oldest supplement companies still around today. According to MetaCritic, Botanic Choice has a 3.8/5 rating with 1,496 reviews.

  • Start = 112 years old, founded in 1910
  • Revenue = $18 million
  • Employees = 107
  • Mission = dedicated to making effective natural health solutions available to all
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP
  • Third Party Reviews = 3.8/5 with 1,496 review

What factors do we use to rank supplements?

1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?

  • At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration. 

2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?

  • We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.

3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission? 

  • We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.

4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?

5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?

6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?

7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?

8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?

Who benefits most from collagen supplements?

Because collagen is already in a pre-digested form, there are three main groups of people who may benefit the most.

One group of people who may benefit more from taking collagen supplements are those who have a diet that lacks sufficient protein.

This is because collagen is a source of protein. If you’re not getting enough protein from your diet, then taking collagen supplements can help to make up for that shortfall.

Another group of people who may benefit more from taking a collagen supplement are those who have trouble absorbing nutrients from their food. This includes people with conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.  

The third group of people who benefit most from the best collagen supplements are those with less collagen production – aka, elderly people whose bodies are slowing down.

How can you tell if you would benefit from a collagen supplement?

If your skin health is poor or your skin elasticity is diminished you may want to try a collagen supplement.

Collagen supplements come in a variety of forms:

  • Collagen capsules
  • Collagen powder
  • Collagen peptides powder

When should I take collagen supplements?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to take collagen supplements will vary from person to person. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you determine when to take collagen supplements.

If you want to improve the health of your skin, hair, and nails, then taking collagen supplements in the morning may be best. This is because collagen levels tend to be lowest in the morning.

So collagen supplementation at this time can help give your body a boost of protein.

If you’re looking for joint or bone support, then taking collagen supplements before or after exercise may be best. This is because exercise can increase inflammation levels, which can lead to joint pain. Taking collagen supplements can help to reduce this inflammation and improve joint health.

Who may not benefit from collagen peptides or supplements?

People with allergens, people with active acne, and vegetarians are among those who may not benefit from taking collagen supplements. This is because food allergens can trigger allergic reactions in some people, while others may find that the supplement does not agree with their skin.

Additionally, vegetarians may not benefit from taking collagen supplements because they do not consume animal products, which are a major source of this nutrient. Therefore, it is best to speak with a doctor or registered dietitian before beginning any supplement regimen.

Food sources of collagen

While supplements are one way to get collagen, you can also increase your intake by eating foods that are rich in collagen.

Some good food sources of collagen include:

  • bone broth
  • chicken
  • fish
  • eggs

You can also find collagen in smaller amounts in dairy products and other animal-based proteins.

How can I boost my collagen levels quickly?

You can take a collagen supplement, which will help to improve the health of your skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, you can eat foods that are rich in collagen, such as bone broth, chicken, fish, and eggs.

How soon after taking a collagen supplement will I feel better?

Collagen is important because it plays a role in supporting the health of our skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. Additionally, collagen helps to reduce inflammation levels and improve gut health.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how soon you will feel better after taking collagen supplements, most people begin to notice improvements within a few weeks or months. However, it is important to be patient and consistent when taking these supplements.

Best Supplement for Collagen Conclusion

Collagen is an important part of our overall health and well-being, whether we’re young or old. It plays a vital role in keeping us looking and feeling our best.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure we get enough collagen in our diets every day. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to do that, including supplements.

If you’re interested in learning more about supplements and how they can benefit you, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to supplements.

There, you’ll find all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether supplementation is right for you. Thanks for reading!

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

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