Collagen powders are the latest trend in the world of health and beauty products. This is because they offer a huge range of benefits for skin, hair, nails as well as bone and joint health. As we age, our collagen stores deplete so it is essential to supplement our body to ensure optimal health and well-being. There are over 16 types of collagen, with the most common being I, II, III, and V each providing a unique panoply of health and beauty benefits.
Collagen is derived from four main sources – cows (bovine), pigs (porcine), chicken and fish (marine). But when it comes to choosing the best, how do you know which one to choose? Science and clinical research hold the answer!
Many collagen powders are derived from bovine, porcine and chicken as it is cheaper to manufacture and more readily available. However, the latest research supports that the best type of collagen to consume is the collagen derived from fish because marine collagen absorbs 1.5 faster than any other type of collagen!1 This is due to its low molecular weight which makes it so much easier for the body to absorb. Marine collagen provides Type I and Type III collagen which helps support the skin’s elasticity and suppleness to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, improve hair and nail health, as well as support healthy joint function and promote bone healing. Also, look for marine collagen powders that are hydrolyzed as this means they are broken down into smaller peptides to absorb even faster. Faster absorption = faster, more effective results!
Still unsure which type of collagen will be the best fit for you? We carefully examined clinical studies and outlined what benefits different types of collagen offers. Use our in-depth research as your ultimate collagen guide to help choose the best collagen for you!
How Is Marine Collagen Produced?
After fish are harvested for food production, their skins are thoroughly cleaned and then hydrolyzed, in other words, the collagen is ‘reduced down’ into smaller pieces. This will result in smaller fragments of collagen (also known as MCP – marine collagen peptides) that are more easily digestible and dissoluble. This allows the collagen to absorb much easier and faster resulting in more noticeable results.
The source of the marine collagen is crucial as some fish can be contaminated with high levels of environmental toxins, mercury or other nasty substances. Alaskan Pollock is known to be one of the healthiest sources of marine collagen that offers immense health benefits.
What Is The Science Behind Marine Collagen?
Marine peptides are small and have a low molecular weight for easy digestion and absorption and therefore are more easily absorbed into the body. So, how much does size matter?
Here is a direct quote from a 2015 study1 published in Food and Nutrition Sciences:
“Fish collagen is absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently into the body, meaning that it has superior bioavailability over bovine or porcine types.”
Additionally, it states:
“Because it is absorbed more efficiently and enters the bloodstream more quickly, it is considered to be the best source of collagen for pharmaceutical applications.”
Better absorption leads to increased benefits for your body.
What Are the Benefits of Marine Collagen?
Anti-Aging
A 2013 study2 published in Current Protein & Peptide Science shows that marine collagen is rich in antioxidants. Oxidation is extremely harmful to skin cells which is visibly noticeable as you age. Antioxidants block free radicals from harming skin cells via oxidation to promote younger-looking skin.
Promotes Skin Elasticity
Collagen gives skin its bounce and elasticity. This study3 from 2018 evaluated the effect of a low molecular weight collagen, such as marine collagen, on skin elasticity. The results of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study proved that skin elasticity significantly improved in the marine collagen group after only 12 weeks!
Improves Skin Moisture
Collagen is known for being a natural humectant, which means it attracts water and has moisturizing properties. In this study from 20174 titled Cosmetic Potential of Marine Fish Skin Collagen, marine collagen peptides were analyzed using a variety of sophisticated techniques and was found to be an excellent, non-irritating collagen source for cosmetics.
Protects Against and Reverses Sun Damage
Can marine collagen really repair sun-damaged skin? Many clinical studies say that it does. One study5 from The Journal of International Medical Research, evaluated wrinkles, discoloration, skin dryness and brittle hair and nails in females aged 39-61. After 90 days of taking marine collagen, all of the above signs of sun damage had improved in all the participants.
Sustainable Production
Fish skin and scales are a natural by-product of harvesting fish that would be discarded otherwise. This reduces processing waste and is therefore beneficial for the environment. In April 2020, the journal Marine Drugs published a study6 titled Marine Collagen from Alternative and Sustainable Sources: Extraction, Processing and Applications on the importance and necessity of using sustainably produced marine collagen for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical purposes.
Rich in Glycine and Proline
Marine collagen peptides are composed of 8 essential amino acids, including glycine and proline.
Glycine stimulates building muscles, protects against stomach ulcers and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Proline stimulates collagen synthesis and also has antioxidant properties in order to prevent cellular damage.
How Is Bovine Collagen Produced?
In order to extract collagen from cow hides, collagen is hydrolyzed, which means it’s broken down to smaller components, i.e. peptides, that are composed of amino acid chains, by using water. The process of hydrolyzation is essential for all types of collagen in order to be absorbed into the body for optimum health benefits.
The cow hides are removed after cows are harvested for their meat, which makes it important to know where cattle came from. Some bovine collagen is sourced from grass-fed cattle and others from cows which have been subjected to inhumane feeding options. You want to ensure the cow hides you’re ingesting were not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones.
What Is The Science Behind Bovine Collagen?
Bovine collagen is composed of type II collagen.
Type II collagen makes up 50-60% of the collagen in your cartilage and joints and just 10% of the amount of collagen found in the body meaning that this type of collagen is great for joints and bones.
What Are the Benefits of Bovine Collagen?
Bovine collagen is cheaper to products making it more widely available and therefore relatively affordable. However, as we well know, cheaper doesn’t always equate to quality. It also has known benefits in the body, such as:
Osteoarthritis
Shown to help osteoarthritis, which is when the cartilage at the ends of bones wears down, bringing with it stiffness and pain. Many people find great relief when taking type II collagen supplements.
Joint pain relief
By replenishing declining levels of collagen with bovine collagen, it may support joint health and aid with knee flexion during exercise. It may also help extend exercise time by delaying joint pain.
Our Research On Collagen Products
When looking for effective collagen products to achieve great results, you must read product labels to know what you are buying and putting into your body. We were able to immediately spot manufacturers that were simply out to make a quick return and cash in on the latest trends versus the products that we consider to be high quality and effective collagen powders that will bring positive results.
Our research identified key clinically-proven ingredients which should be included in a collagen powder for optimal effects. These include:
Purity – Pure, unadulterated collagen for maximum strength – many add extra ingredients which can dilute the effectiveness.
Hydrolyzed – Smaller segments of collagen for faster absorption – many do not use this type of collagen which means it takes longer to see results.
Marine – Absorbed 1.5 times faster than other types of collagen – many use inferior bovine, porcine or chicken collagen of which you would need to take more for the same results.
Sourced from Wild Alaskan Pollock – Healthier fish derived collagen provides optimal benefits – many use other sources of marine collagen which may be tainted with heavy metals which is what you do not want!
Thorough research takes time and money, which most people don’t have an endless supply of. So, we did the work for you, saving you both. We researched numerous collagen powders to ascertain an in-depth analysis of what is out there on the market and which ones are likely to get you great results.
To determine those products that we could rate as beneficial, we looked to see if they contained the correct concentration and ingredients, how potent they were and their grade of purity. We eliminated products that we found to contain synthetic fillers and unnecessary ingredients.
However, that was not all, we didn’t stop there. We understand that facts and figures don’t always tell the whole story. So, we looked for real consumers who had purchased and used the products and asked them for their feedback. Their testimonials helped us to establish a list of the best possible products currently available based on the experience of real consumers.
How To Find High-Quality Collagen Powder Manufacturers
OK, so….there are several key elements to look out for that can pretty much guarantee the product’s authenticity.
Optimal Dosage and Purity: We eliminated any products with synthetic fillers, unnecessary ingredients and inconsistent collagen powders.
Verified Customer Reviews: We reviewed testimonials of real consumers who had purchased, used the products and given feedback.
Monitoring by a Third Party: Using third-party organizations to independently monitor and track the reputation of a manufacturer and assess their customer satisfaction levels is crucial.
100% Money Back Guarantee: A strong guarantee demonstrates the confidence that manufacturers have in their products.
External Testing: Third-party testing substantiates and verifies the quality of the manufacturer’s product. It can be very expensive for manufacturers to undertake and even disqualify entire shipments of products that don’t reach the correct standards.
We are very confident in the brands that we did pick. Given our stringent parameters and reasons for choosing our recommendations, we are sure our suggestions will help you achieve the results you are looking for.
Our Collagen Powder Product Recommendations
Our product recommendation stands tall against its competition, we think you will agree. The company’s excellent reputation, quality product, external independent monitoring, and testing, coupled with an incredible money back guarantee policy, makes this a good product to consider if you are looking for a quality collagen powder.
Collagen Powder Report
APPROVED
Rating: Excellent
✓ Effectiveness
✓ Potency
✓ Money Back Guarantee
✓ Value
✓ Consumer Feedback
✓ Company Reputation
Approved Science Collagen Powder
If you are looking to reap the incredible benefits of collagen, then Approved Science Collagen Powder is something that deserves your undivided attention. Of all the collagen powders currently available on the market, this is the one that deserves a closer look and very likely, the one that will get you the results you are searching for!
It contains a whopping 8 grams of pure hydrolyzed marine collagen, which is completely unadulterated by any other ingredient. The collagen itself is the highest quality hydrolyzed marine collagen, which is sourced from Wild Alaskan Pollock, the purest marine collagen available. Because of this, it is highly absorbable in order to achieve the maximum effects for plumping skin, and improving joints and bone health.
Quality: Approved Science Collagen Powder contains high-grade, natural, hydrolyzed marine collagen, clinically-verified ingredients that are GMP certified.
Reputation: Its reputation is top quality. This manufacturer has several third-party monitoring services, including buySAFE, Norton, and Trustee, as well as an A+ rating from the quality monitoring company QualityTrusted.
Money Back Guarantee: Every item sold, is supported by a 60-day 100% money back guarantee. Such guarantees from manufacturers show strong confidence in their products’ ability to deliver results. Great news for consumers.
What’s more, they are well known in the industry and an established company that provides great customer support service, secure and easy checkout as well as prompt, efficient delivery.
Their commitment to the health industry and consumer is excellent, providing further qualification of efficacy by producing their products in an FDA registered laboratory.
If you are looking for a product that ticks all the boxes for an effective collagen powder, from an established reputable company with an excellent money-back guarantee, this is the product for you.
It would be good to note that, due to high demand, Approved Science Collagen Powder is often sold out. To avoid having to back order, don’t hesitate to make that purchase when you see it in stock.
Premium Collagen 5000 hails from the UK with promises to deliver smoother skin and healthier nails. This powder claims to leave you with radiant skin and avoid plastic surgery in the future. It also comes with a considerably hefty price tag. All of this left us wondering: does this product really deliver or is this powder nothing but fluff?
When reviewing this product, we were pleased to see that its only source of collagen is from fish. Marine collagen has been shown in studies to be the easiest absorbed collagen compared to all the sources. As mentioned above, this product contains a price tag that suggests quality. What was lacking, however, was the source of the fish collagen. Many types of fish contain dangerous level of mercury which should are dangerous to ingest.
Furthermore, what we found puzzling was how difficult it was to find a label. Even on a third party site, such as Amazon, there are many photos but they are all of the front of the label and not of the ingredients in the back. Due to this issue, it took a bit of digging to find that this powder contains 2 servings per day to deliver 7 grams of collagen.
Additionally, Premium Collagen 5000 also contains Vitamin C. While this is shown to contain health benefits, our criteria for collagen powders is that they are pure and unadulterated of any extra ingredients. So, is this worth $116 for a one-month supply? We weren’t persuaded to buy it.
DivinusLab Multi Collagen Protein powder does not contain any added artificial ingredients, such as growth hormones or antibiotics. It is also free of dangerous harmful chemicals. We like that this contains fish collagen which has been shown to be the type of collagen most easily absorbed by the body. However, it also contains many other types of collagen such as bovine, chicken and even eggshell! Our review takes a closer look at this powder to determine if this is a quality collagen product.
We liked that this powder delivers 7.8 grams of collagen, which is a significant dose. However, we were disappointed that there were so many different sources of collagen. While this strives to supply many different types of collagen, we worry that it does not efficiently deliver enough of any type to make a real difference to the consumer.
✓Which Collagen Product is the BEST BUY and comes with a great GUARANTEE!
✓Which formula and ingredients are the most EFFECTIVE and work the fastest?
✓How NOT to get ripped off! BE AWARE of poor quality and cheap products.
Top 6 Items to Consider:
Ingredients
Cost Per Serving
Product’s Testing Results
Company’s Reputation
Consumer Reviews
Return Policy & Satisfaction Guarantee
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