Are collagen supplements legit or a grand scam? Let's unveil the science behind the hype.
Ever found yourself lost in the YouTube rabbit hole of dermatologists debating the effectiveness of collagen supplements? One says they're completely useless, while the next is championing their own collagen line like it's the key to eternal youth. Confusing, right?
If you've been left scratching your head amidst the barrage of conflicting information, you're not alone. The world of collagen supplements is rife with misinformation, so let’s clear things up a bit!
In this article, we'll delve into the research and debunk some of the prevalent myths surrounding collagen supplements.
Myth 1: Collagen Supplements are Just a Social Media Fad
Fact: Collagen has been around since the 1970s
You might think collagen supplements are a recent trend fueled by social media. However, the surprising truth is that collagen has been extensively studied since the 1970s.
Initially explored for its role in tissue modulation (1), collagen is far from a mere passing fad, and has been a well-established field of scientific study well before the age of Instagram influencers.
Myth 2: Collagen Can't Be Absorbed by the Body
Fact: Collagen peptides are easily absorbed
One common misconception is that consuming collagen doesn’t do anything because the body cannot absorb it effectively. However, collagen supplements are often hydrolyzed, meaning the collagen molecules are broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides.
Studies indicate that these collagen peptides can indeed be absorbed by the body and incorporated into the skin and joints, promoting tissue repair and regeneration (2).
Myth 3: Collagen is Useless Because it Gets Digested in the Stomach
Fact: Collagen peptides have been shown to survive digestion
Digestion, the supposed graveyard of collagen supplements. Yet, we actually have plenty of evidence that collagen peptides can survive the digestive process intact.
An animal study found that collagen peptides can enter the bloodstream and travel to collagen-dense areas such as the cartilage (3). Similar evidence has been found in humans, proving that collagen peptides are tougher than you might think (4).
Myth 4: Collagen Doesn't Reach the Skin
Fact: We have evidence that collagen makes it to the skin
"But even if collagen survives digestion, does it really make it to the skin?" Yes, there's plenty of evidence.
Studies have found rapid skin accumulation of various collagen peptides in mice shortly after oral collagen supplementation (5). Admittedly, it's more difficult to prove that they reach the skin in humans. But we have evidence of their benefits in human skin to support this notion (6).
A dermatologist on TikTok said they don't work.
So, case closed, right?
Not quite. Many people (including well-known dermatologists), dismiss collagen supplements, citing a lack of proof. Ironically, as we have learned today, collagen stands out as one of the most well-studied ingredients in the beauty world.
While one dermatologist's perspective is valuable, the overwhelming evidence suggests that collagen supplements can make a noticeable difference in skin health. Many individuals have reported positive outcomes after incorporating collagen into their daily routine, experiencing smoother skin, stronger nails, and healthier hair.
Choosing The Right Collagen Supplement
As with any supplement, it's crucial to choose a high-quality product and be consistent with its use to see optimal results. If you're considering adding collagen to your routine, it's important to consider the following factors:
✅ Make Sure They're Collagen Peptides: Choose collagen peptide supplements over whole collagen for better absorption. Collagen peptides are broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed fragments, ensuring they reach where they're needed in the body.
✅ Prioritise Type 1 Collagen: Type 1 collagen is the most abundant in the skin and is particularly effective in promoting skin health, elasticity, and hydration.
✅ Choose Wild-Caught Marine Collagen: Rich in Type 1 collagen, wild-caught marine collagen is considered the purest form and offers the highest bioavailability.
✅ Look for Antioxidant Support: Look for collagen supplements that include key antioxidant ingredients to support collagen protection and production from within. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help combat oxidative stress and promote a healthy environment for collagen synthesis.
Top 5 Collagen Supplements in Singapore
We here at Superfood Reviews have done the research to find out what the best options for collagen supplements in the market are. We have graded each choice through a stringent grading based on the following criteria:
Our evaluation criteria:
1. The Purest Co Collagen Glow Berries
What we love:
✅ Potent dose (5500mg) of premium grade collagen from Japan
✅ Utilises marine collagen, which has been proven to be absorbed 1.5 times more effectively than other collagen types
✅ Hydrolised collagen peptides in liquid form for easier absorption
✅ Contains Vitamin C and Bilberry Extract that support collagen production from within
Promising review: "Best Collagen 👍 I’m 66 this year. Same, tried many beauty products from facials, to ******. Nothing seems to work till I tried your collagen berries. Just to my 4 sachets, I can see my face seems brighter n I feel energetic too😍 hope I can continue to buy if the price is cheaper 😅" -Sue.L2. Meiji Amino Collagen Powder
What we love:
✅ 5000 mg low-molecular marine collagen
✅ Value-for-money
✅ Features ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for skin & joints benefits
Promising review: "Great deal during sale. I buy this a lot for my elderly family member's consumption. It makes their skin more supple. :)" —S**3. Crystal Collagen by Itoh Hanako
What we love:
✅ 5300 mg of marine collagen peptides per serve
✅ Value-for-money
✅ Contains skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, pomegranate flower extract
Promising review: “I have been drinking this for 2 years now. Its reasonably price with very good amount of collagen and other vitamins and supplements. I can visibly see the results the after 3 bottles.” —W**4. Tsubaki Ageless Drink by AFC
What we love:
✅ 5300 mg of marine collagen
✅ Contains hyaluronic acid and vitamins B & C
✅ Low molecular weight collagen peptides
Promising review: “Effective for the price you paid for.. one of the best.” —a**5. Collagen Beauty 7000+ by DHC
What we love:
✅ 7000 mg marine collagen peptides per serve
✅ Contains Vitamin C
Promising review: "Great collagen drink, concentrated & great taste for a beauty drink." —N**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
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is based on research and the author's opinion and is not intended as professional advice.
