10 Best Collagen Protein Powders

What is Collagen Protein Powder?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and serves as the foundation for your bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen is derived from the Greek word kolla, which means "glue." It's actually quite fitting because it's the glue that holds your body together.

Collagen protein accounts for roughly one-third of your body's total protein composition, and there are four main types that your body requires on a daily basis. Here's a closer look at the four main types of collagen and their functions in the body:

• Type One: This type of collagen accounts for 90% of your body's collagen and is composed of densely packed fibers. It gives skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth structure.

• Type Two: This type is found in elastic cartilage, which cushions your joints, and is made up of more loosely packed fibers.

• Type Three: This type helps to keep muscles, organs, and arteries in place.

• Type Four: This type is found in the layers of your skin and aids in filtration.

Collagen is naturally produced by the body but starting in your twenties, your body begins to produce less and lower quality collagen. One of the visible signs of this is a loss of firmness and suppleness in your skin. In addition, your cartilage deteriorates with age from a lack of collagen production as well. Therefore, adding a collagen protein powder supplement to your diet could be the game-changer your body is looking for.

Below are our picks for the 10 Best Collagen Protein Powders available on the market today! 

10 Best Collagen Protein Powders

What Are the Benefits of Collagen Protein Powders?

Because collagen lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan, it is not a complete protein. However, the amino acids found in collagen can truly benefit your body when it comes to having healthy skin, hair, nails, and bones.

COLLAGEN IS THE FOUNDATION OF YOUTHFUL SKIN

The majority of the dermis, or the second layer of your skin, is made up of collagen. As you get older and your skin loses elasticity and begins to sag, it's possible that taking a collagen supplement will help slow the signs of aging and even prevent wrinkles. Collagen has been shown in studies to increase elasticity and keep skin moisturized when taken on a regular basis. For centuries, collagen has been used to improve skin texture, and many cultures have referred to it as the fountain of youth.

HEALTHIER BONES AND JOINTS

When consumed on a regular basis, collagen protein powder may help prevent muscle soreness, which is a huge benefit for those of us who work out regularly. Collagen also aids in the repair of cartilage tissue, which can improve joint flexibility and mobility while reducing overall joint pain. If you lead an active lifestyle, taking collagen peptides makes sense because you don't just want to build muscle, but you also want a strong support system in your bones and joints. Collagen protein can also help to keep your bones flexible, which reduces your chances of developing osteoporosis.

HAIR AND NAILS BENEFIT FROM COLLAGEN PROTEIN

Because collagen supports every part of our body, many people use it to strengthen and prevent brittle nails. Collagen contains arginine, an amino acid that aids in nail growth. In terms of your hair, proline, another amino acid found in collagen, is required by the protein Keratin (which your hair is made of) to build hair. Keratin cannot stimulate hair growth if there is insufficient proline. Collagen also helps provide nutrients to your hair follicles, which may help hair grow stronger and even prevent greys, which is why it has been dubbed the "Fountain of Youth."

WHY DO YOU REQUIRE COLLAGEN PROTEIN POWDER?

So, why do you need more collagen if your body already produces it? Aside from the natural decrease in collagen production that occurs with aging, there are other things you can do in your daily life to harm collagen production, such as eating too much sugar or refined carbohydrates. You may also have a collagen deficiency if you smoke or are overly exposed to sunlight. If your body's collagen production is low, you can help it by taking collagen supplements.

It is simple to incorporate collagen into your diet. Collagen peptides are odorless and flavorless dietary supplements that blend well with almost anything. Most people mix collagen powder into their morning coffee as a quick way to strengthen their nails and skin. You can also mix it into protein shakes or smoothies, soup, or simply stir it into a glass of water. 

What to Look for in Collagen Powders

Testing by a Third Party

Third-party tested supplements are sent to a lab and tested to ensure they contain what they claim to contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants. However, it's worth noting:

• Third-party testing does not determine whether a product is effective or safe for everyone, nor does it guarantee that the supplement will not interact with other supplements or medications.

• Third-party testing is not created equal. Supplement companies are not uncommon in paying labs for certificates after conducting little to no testing.

• Products tested by these three companies are sometimes more expensive in order to offset the cost of certification.

• Simply because a supplement hasn't been tested by one of these three companies doesn't mean it's a dud. We recommend conducting some research on the manufacturer's reputation and contacting the manufacturer and their testing lab to determine their protocols and determine whether you feel comfortable consuming the supplement.

Form

Collagen powders are typically derived from bovine (cow), porcine (pig), eggshell, and marine (fish) sources and typically contain collagen types I, II, and III. Types I and III promote skin, hair, and nail health, while type II promotes joint health and bone density. Type V and X collagen are also found in some powders, though they are less common.

Collagen supplements may contain one of three types of collagen: collagen peptides, gelatin, or raw or undenatured collagen. All powder supplements we found, however, contained collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen. This is collagen that has been broken down into smaller units (peptides), and it is said to be more absorbable than raw collagen, though research to back up this claim is limited.

Potential Interactions and Ingredients

It is critical to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to determine which ingredients are included and how much of each ingredient is included in relation to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to your healthcare provider so that they can review the various ingredients in the supplement as well as any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements or medications you are taking.

• Vitamin C. To improve absorption, many collagen supplements contain vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is generally considered safe by the majority of people. However, taking too much vitamin C in supplement form can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, so use caution when taking collagen powders with other vitamin C supplements.

• Zinc. Zinc is also found in some collagen supplements. Too much zinc (more than 40 mg) in supplement form can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, so keep track of how much you're taking.

• Enzymes for Digestion. Digestive enzymes are also found in some collagen powders. Digestion enzymes have no benefit for healthy people in general, and only specific enzymes help people with specific conditions when eating specific foods. While they are generally considered safe, some people do experience unpleasant digestive side effects, so it is something to be aware of and possibly avoid.

Other ingredients to keep an eye out for include added sugar and alternative sweeteners. While they are generally safe, some people prefer to avoid them, so reading ingredient labels is essential.

Dose of Collagen Powder

There is no established dose for collagen because it does not need to be consumed orally. The amount of collagen powder recommended varies depending on the type and use. The majority of studies use 5 to 15 g of collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen. Lower doses (2.5 g) of specific collagen peptides Verisol, on the other hand, have been shown to potentially provide some skin benefits.

What is the limit?

Most people tolerate collagen powders well, and there is no set upper limit because protein requirements vary from person to person. It can provide a good source of protein to people who don't get enough otherwise. However, because it is not a complete protein, it should not be the only source of protein, and it is best to get your protein from a variety of food sources. It is best not to exceed 36% of your protein intake from collagen peptides without sacrificing overall diet needs for a mix of amino acids, according to research.

Are Collagen Peptides a Muscle Building Protein?

Collagen peptides are a type of protein found in the connective tissue of animals, including humans. It is a structural protein that helps to strengthen and support the body's tissues, including skin, hair, nails, bones, and tendons. Collagen accounts for a large portion of the body's total protein content and is an important component of the body's natural repair and maintenance processes.

Collagen peptides have sparked a lot of interest as a muscle-building protein, with some claiming that they can help increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance. However, the scientific evidence on this topic is somewhat mixed, and it is unclear whether collagen peptides are an effective muscle building protein.

One of the primary reasons that collagen peptides have been proposed as a muscle-building protein is that they contain a high proportion of the amino acid glycine. Glycine is an important amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of proteins, including muscle proteins. Some studies have suggested that glycine may help to stimulate muscle growth, though the evidence is not yet strong.

Some claims believe that collagen peptides can help with exercise recovery and muscle soreness. This is because collagen is a major component of connective tissue, and it is thought that consuming collagen peptides may aid in the recovery and repair of damaged connective tissue. However, the evidence for these claims is still strong.

Despite the lack of strong evidence, many people continue to use collagen peptides as a muscle-building protein, often in the form of supplements. Collagen peptides are available in powders, capsules, and protein bars. They are frequently marketed as a way to improve athletic performance, increase muscle mass, and shorten recovery time.

It is important to note, however, that there is currently no scientific consensus on the effectiveness of collagen peptides as a muscle building protein. Some studies have suggested that collagen peptides may have a minor benefit on muscle mass and athletic performance, while others have found no significant effects.

One of the major limitations of the research on collagen peptides as a muscle building protein is that the studies have been small and not always of high quality. As a result, based on the current evidence, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of collagen peptides.

Overall, it is unclear whether collagen peptides are a useful protein for muscle building. While there is some evidence that they may have a minor benefit on muscle mass and athletic performance, more research is needed to confirm these findings. It is best to approach claims about the effectiveness of collagen peptides with caution until more is known about their effects on muscle building.

Aside from the lack of strong evidence on the effectiveness of collagen peptides as a muscle building protein, there are some concerns about the safety of collagen supplements. Some collagen supplements are derived from animal sources, such as cowhide or fish scales, and there is a risk of contamination with heavy metals or other toxic substances. There is also a risk of allergic reactions to collagen supplements, particularly in people who are allergic to fish or other animal products.

Finally, collagen peptides are a type of protein found in the connective tissue of animals, including humans. While some claim that collagen peptides can help increase muscle mass and athletic performance, the scientific evidence on this topic is mixed, and it is unclear whether collagen peptides are an effective muscle building protein. It is best to approach claims about the effectiveness of collagen peptides with caution until more is known about their effects on muscle building.

Frequently Asked Question - Collagen Protein Powder