Are your favourite supplements the real deal or just a lot of hype?
In 2021, Olympian and trainer Sarah Lindsay shared on Instagram that she adds collagen to her morning coffee every day. "Great for hair, nails, joints, and SKIN!" she said.
Other celebrities like Kate Hudson and Jennifer Aniston have also endorsed collagen supplements, even launching their own brands. This sparked a widespread fascination with collagen supplements as an easy way to achieve youthful skin, strong nails, and supple joints.
Jennifer Aniston claims collagen helps maintain her ageless appearance
However, a closer examination reveals that the efficacy of collagen supplements might not be as straightforward as it seems.
In this article, we explore why most collagen supplements don’t live up to their grand claims and how you can make better choices when shopping for one.
What is collagen?
Derived from the Greek "kolla" (glue) and the French "gene" (to produce), collagen is like a scaffolding that holds our bodies together.
When we’re young, collagen is what gives our skin that plump, smooth, and wrinkle-free appearance. It also helps our joints stay cushioned, supports digestion, helps muscles grow, and aids in burning fat. These are the qualities that make us feel youthful and full of energy.
But as we age, our body’s collagen production decreases, leading to more wrinkles, cellulite, and sagging skin. We might start feeling achy joints and encountering digestion issues.
No wonder collagen supplements are so popular!
Collagen levels start to deplete at age 20
Types of collagen supplements
Collagen supplements come in two forms, each with its limitation:
Topically Applied Collagen: This comes in the form of creams. Collagen molecules are generally too large to penetrate the skin effectively. Even if there are methods to shrink these molecules, absorption through the skin remains an obstacle.
Edible Collagen: Pills, powders, and bone broths promise an internal boost in collagen levels. Yet, the reality is that consuming whole collagen molecules doesn't guarantee absorption. Many supplements pass through the digestive system without significant impact (More on this below).
Why most collagen supplements don’t work
Size does matter
One main problem with collagen supplements is the size of the collagen molecules. These molecules are naturally large, which makes it hard for the body to absorb them well. This is where the distinction between collagen peptides and whole collagen becomes crucial.
Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed into smaller, more easily absorbable units. This process not only enhances their bioavailability but also allows them to be effectively transported through the bloodstream, reaching the skin and joints where they are needed most.
When buying collagen, always choose hydrolised collagen peptides
Survivability matters too
Collagen supplements need to survive the acidic stomach environment to be effective. Unfortunately, many supplements lack microencapsulation, a process which involves encapsulating collagen molecules in protective coatings.
Without microencapsulation, stomach acids can break the molecules down before they even reach our skin. This coating shields collagen from degradation and allows for better absorption by the body.
Most collagen supplements don't survive stomach acid
Summary: Most supplements don't work because they utilise whole collagen instead of collagen peptides and they are not microencapsulated
Choosing Collagen That Actually Works – Here's How
1. Choose collagen peptides supplements rather than whole collagen for better absorption.
2. Look for the magic word – microencapsulation for better collagen survivability.
3. Choose wild-caught marine collagen as it is considered the purest form and offers the highest bioavailability.
4. Look for key antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C to support collagen protection and production from within.
Top 5 Collagen Supplements in the Philippines
At Superfood Reviews, we’ve conducted comprehensive and thorough research to shortlist the best collagen supplements in the market. We’ve graded each choice through a stringent grading based on the following criteria:
Our evaluation criteria:
Key differentiators: Superior ingredients, large amount of collagen
Pros:
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides from Japan
Contains complementary ingredients
Made in an FDA-approved facility
Cons:
Frequently out of stock
The Purest Co’s Collagen Glow Berries contains a potent dose (5500mg) of marine collagen sourced from Japan in each sachet, and follows it up with supporting ingredients like vitamin C (250mg), bilberry extract, and mixed berries concentrate juice.
Collagen Glow Berries uses a patented technology to extract their collagen peptides, ensuring faster and more effective absorption of collagen into the body.
With its mixed berries concentrate juice, the taste is a hit amongst consumers and feedback is that it is just right in terms of sweetness. Not only does this make for a delicious supplement, but the Vitamin C in these berries provide added antioxidant support and improve your body’s rate of absorption.
Key differentiators: Comprehensive formulation, diverse supporting ingredients
Pros:
Antioxidant support with vitamins A, C & E
Cons:
Tablet form may be inconvenient for some people
Swisse Ultiboost Collagen Plus boasts a well-rounded formulation that includes collagen hydrolysate, hyaluronic acid, copper, beta-carotene, and vitamins C & E. This blend is designed to provide comprehensive nourishment and support for overall wellbeing.
The inclusion of Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen formation, contributing to the health and maintenance of connective tissues. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of vitamins A, C & E provide protection against oxidative stress by free radicals.
Key differentiators: Widely available online
Pros:
20g of Collagen per serving
Popular brand
No sugars and artificial flavorings
Widely available online
Contains Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid
Collagen Peptides by Vital Proteins is a high-quality powdered collagen supplement and is one of the more well-known brands in the market.
This type of collagen is soluble in hot or cold liquids, making it easy to mix in beverages like water, smoothies, and some even to their morning coffee.
The supplement from Vital Proteins contains grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen that helps support healthy hair, skin, bones and joints. A scooper is included to measure 2 scoops of powder per serving - which contains 20g of Collagen Powder. The collagen powder is flavorless and free of gluten, dairy, and cholesterol.
It is also stated to contain high levels of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. However, some reviews have shown that the inclusions of these two are inconsistent.
This soluble collagen supplement is a good option that offers a good amount of collagen if you want your daily collagen intake to be mixed into your daily drinks or food.
Key differentiator: Popular, well-known brand
Pros:
Available in unflavored and flavored types
Contains Vitamin C
High dose of collagen per scoop
Neocell’s Collagen supplement contains 6g of collagen per serving. They utilize types 1 & 3 of collagen, and provide a keto-certified and gluten-free daily collagen supplement. Neocell uses hydrolyzed collagen that provides the body building blocks that aid in collagen formation.
According to their website, the suggested way of taking it is by dissolving and mixing it into your favorite beverages and taking it with an empty stomach. However, this format isn’t ideal for people who are on-the-go and have little time every morning to prepare a supplement.
Additionally, their product listing notes that this product may contain traces of sulfite residue - a chemical preservative.
Key differentiator: Healthy dose of Vitamin C
Pros:
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides
Contains daily dose of Vitamin C
Similar to the majority of collagen supplements in the market, Youtheory’s collagen capsules contains Vitamin C, which helps against the effects of aging and revitalizes skin, hair and nails.
This brand offers a gluten-free daily supplement, while using hydrolyzed collagen. Youtheory contains 6,000mg of collagen per serving, with 18 amino acids and highly absorbable peptides. However, adults require taking 6 capsules per day to ensure optimum daily collagen intake.
Customer feedback shows that this can get quite tedious. This is also not recommendable for those who have a hard time swallowing or taking supplements in pill or capsule format.
Buying The Best Collagen Supplement in the Philippines
Our body’s collagen production naturally decreases over time, so it’s ideal to take collagen supplements that prevent a lack of this substance that keeps our skin, nails, hair, joints, and bones in their top shape.
It’s important to check the nutritional values of the drinks and powders you’re considering to buy and compare their health standards and especially collagen contents for optimum collagen absorption and to reap the benefits that come with it.
Best Product Overall:
Collagen Glow Berries
30 Sachets
Clinically proven to: Firm, Lift, & Moisturize skin
Collagen peptide: 5,500mg premium grade Japan Nitta-Wellnex™
Infused with: 250mg Vitamin C & 100mg Bilberry extract
Lightly sweetened with: Real fruit juice
Risk-free money back guarantee
Sustainably-harvested from: Tilapia fishes
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