For joint health, Type II collagen (especially undenatured UC-II) and hydrolyzed collagen peptides (Types I & III from bovine/marine sources) are best, targeting cartilage repair, flexibility, and supporting ligaments/tendons, with hydrolyzed forms easier to absorb and UC-II potentially reducing inflammation. Quality sources like grass-fed bovine or wild-caught marine collagen are recommended, and look for brands with third-party testing for purity.
Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to contain biologically active peptides that are able to reach joint tissues and exert chondroprotective effects. There are preclinical and clinical studies showing the safety and efficacy of ingredients containing native type II collagen or hydrolyzed collagen.
Australia's best collagen options vary, but popular brands include Vida Glow (marine), Nutra Organics Collagen Beauty (bovine/wholefood), The Beauty Chef Deep Collagen (marine/wholefood), and Nutraviva (grass-fed bovine), offering powders, gummies, and bars, with choices depending on source (marine vs. bovine) and added ingredients like Vitamin C or superfoods. Key factors are sourcing (marine/bovine), format (powder, liquid, bar), and added benefits (vitamins, hyaluronic acid).
Your specific needs: If you're primarily concerned with skin health, marine collagen might be a good choice. For joint health, bovine collagen could be more suitable. Allergies and sensitivities: If you have seafood allergies, bovine collagen is a safer option.
So, we know that hydrolyzed collagen supplements can be good. This is especially true in older individuals. One of the places where we have good evidence is in osteoarthritis. Individuals who supplement with collagen show a decrease in osteoarthritis symptoms, such as knee pain or restricted movement.
Five signs collagen is working include improved skin hydration/firmness with fewer fine lines, stronger/faster-growing nails, thicker/shinier hair, reduced joint pain/stiffness, and faster post-workout muscle recovery. These benefits show up gradually, with skin improvements often seen first, followed by joint and hair/nail changes over a few weeks to months of consistent use, notes Oreate AI Blog and Ancient + Brave.
There's no authoritative statement on whether or not bovine collagen is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplement. Some may contain additional ingredients that may not be safe for you and your baby.
Collagen should be taken over a longer period of time to support healthy joints, as it may take a few weeks for noticeable effects to occur. Studies suggest that initial improvements in joint function and relief of pain are usually noticeable after approximately 8 to 12 weeks of regular intake.
Jennifer Aniston uses Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, specifically the unflavored powder, which she adds to her morning coffee or smoothie for easy integration into her wellness routine, as she is also the Chief Creative Officer for the brand. She uses it to support hair, skin, and joint health, emphasizing its role in her "inside-out" wellness approach, according to E! News, Vogue and Live Naturally Magazine.
While it's never too late to start taking collagen supplements, the earlier you begin, the better. Incorporating collagen into your routine in your 20s can help to prevent collagen loss and maintain your skin's youthful appearance.
Buy Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Unflavoured 284g online at Chemist Warehouse.
If you're using Collagen supplements, avoid these things for best results.
Type II collagen is one of the main proteins in cartilage. It's been suggested that taking collagen hydrolysate can improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis by stimulating your body's production of joint collagen.
The choice is clear-cut, given the scientific literature surrounding collagen vs glucosamine for joint health. TLDR, only collagen has consistently shown beneficial effects in enhancing joint comfort in individuals with osteoarthritis and those without.
Avoid collagen saboteurs: Sugar and ultra-processed foods (they trigger glycation, damaging existing collagen) Smoking + pollution (oxidative stress = collagen breakdown) Unprotected sun exposure (UVA rays are collagen's worst enemy)
You may be wondering if collagen makes your joints hurt, but collagen probably isn't the cause. With rheumatoid arthritis (RA), uncontrolled inflammation damages cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, which causes joint pain.
These signs and symptoms include:
Collagen supplements are generally made from connective tissue, bones and other parts of cows, pigs, chicken and fish. They can contain toxins and heavy metals that could be harmful. As with all supplements, collagen is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Boosted Immune System
A healthy gut is crucial for immune function, making this combination beneficial for overall health and disease prevention. By taking vitamin D and collagen together, we can maximize the benefits of each supplement, supporting our bones, joints, skin, and immune system in a holistic manner.
Research Link is external, Link opens in new window shows that taking 2.5 to 15 grams daily of hydrolyzed collagen is safe. A smaller dose benefits your joints and skin, while a larger amount may help with body composition and muscle mass.
Skinade: the collagen supplement Victoria Beckham, Millie Macintosh and Emma Louise Connelly all swear by. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body – it's in your skin, bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and blood.
Examples of High Collagen Foods