Collagen is a protein that’s important to many aspects of our health. It’s the most abundant protein in the human body and is well-known for its role in supporting skin health. Collagen also has a structural role in the bones, muscles, and joints. In the joints, collagen is present in the cartilage acting as a cushion and preventing the bones from painfully rubbing against one another.
As we age, we begin to gradually lose collagen as the internal processes that manufacture it start to slow from around the age of 25. This results in visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, as well as the physical signs of ageing including painful, stiff, and immobile joints.
For this reason, many people choose to take collagen supplements to help maintain their skin's suppleness and to support healthy, lubricated, well-cushioned joints. But with so many collagen powders available in the UK, choosing the right one for you can be challenging.
So, after 6 years of helping customers choose the best collagen powder for them, we decided it was time to share this knowledge.
1. Best bovine collagen
2. Best marine collagen
3. Best flavoured collagen
4. Best collagen for joint care
5. How to take it
6. Precautions
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Collagen powder |
Highlights |
Total collagen |
Per serving |
Price |
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Winner of the Wellbeing Awards. |
225g or 450g |
7500mg |
£24.99 - £39.99 |
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Uses wild, sustainably-caught fish and no additional ingredients. |
195g or 450g |
7500mg |
£29.99 - £44.99 |
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Blend of pure bovine collagen, cacao, cocoa, and coconut milk. |
264g |
5000mg |
£28.99 |
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Perfect for joint care as it includes MSM, chondroitin and vitamin C. |
120g |
200mg |
13p |
Like many nutritional supplements, collagen is available as capsules and tablets that contain a measured, daily serving size. Collagen supplements are also available as powders that can be made into refreshing or warming drinks that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Most collagen supplements, whether in powdered or tablet form, are derived from animal sources. This is because this important protein is found in the bodies of animals as well as humans. As part of the natural ageing process, our levels of collagen begin to decline, leading some people to choose to replace their lost reserves with animal-based collagen.
The two most common types of collagen powders are derived from bovine or marine sources:
When deciding on bovine or marine collagen, the choice should be based on your aims and dietary preferences. If you’re looking to support the youthfulness of your skin, bovine collagen powders are a good choice. If you want to support the health of both your skin and joints, a marine collagen powder is the best choice.
Vegan collagen supplements, derived from bacteria and yeasts are also available, but they’re less common. If your eating preferences mean that the collagen powders listed here are not suitable, we recommend this vegan collagen from Planet Paleo.
Collagen powders are available in various forms, we have tried many over the years but none have ever matched the quality of those on offer at Planet Paleo and our customers agree too.
It’s considered the best pure collagen powder available in the UK as it contains no artificial fillers or excipients and is derived from cows that haven’t been exposed to any pesticides or synthetic hormones. Many other bovine-derived supplements have been made using cattle that have been intensively farmed.
Since it contains hydrolysed collagen, this supplement provides an easily digestible form of collagen powder, so that it can be assimilated quickly and efficiently by the body. This powder is a fantastic source of collagen types I and III that supports the plumpness and suppleness of the skin.
Simply add one or two heaped tablespoons to 200ml of water or juice or add it to herbal tea or coffee. It can even be stirred through soups to add extra flavour.
Planet Paleo prides itself on creating the highest quality supplements, using only high-grade ingredients and no unnecessary, artificial ingredients that may interfere with the quality of the product.
This version from Planet Paleo is rich in the amino acids proline and glycine that provide structure and tone to the skin and support strong, healthy hair and nails. It’s also rich in type II collagen that supports healthy joints.
Add one or two heaped tablespoons to warm or cold drinks each day.
Most collagen powders have a savoury flavour, but Cacao Magic pure collagen powder from Planet Paleo offers a twist on this.
Use it to create a warming, evening drink with added flavours of organic raw cacao, coconut milk and vanilla.
Made using hydrolysed bovine collagen derived from free-range, grass-fed Argentinian cattle, it’s free from unnecessary fillers, synthetic hormones, and pesticides.
Add a heaped tablespoon to 200ml warm milk (dairy milk and non-dairy alternatives such as oat milk all work well) and enjoy before bed or in the evening.
Marine collagen is rich in collagen types I and II, and collagen type II is primarily found in the cartilage in the joints. Marine Collagen Extra capsules from G&G Vitamins are therefore beneficial if you’re concerned about aching, painful or stiff joints.
Made using easily digestible hydrolysed marine collagen and zero unnatural ingredients, fillers or binders, these capsules combine the benefits of powdered collagen with the convenience of a daily, pre-measured serving size.
They also have added glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin sulphate which are all known for their joint supporting properties. Glucosamine is found in the fluid that cushions the joints, whilst MSM helps to reduce joint pain caused by inflammation. Chondroitin sulphate helps to support the structure of the joints and is often taken alongside glucosamine to help maintain joint health.
Take one or two capsules daily, ideally with food.
Collagen powder is designed specifically to be added to drinks. The recommended use varies according to the brand, but generally, one or two tablespoons can be added to water, juice, or to herbal teas and coffee.
In its natural form, collagen has a large molecular size, too large to be easily digested.
For this reason, supplements contain collagen peptides. This is a form where the collagen has been broken down into smaller molecules known as hydrolysed collagen. It is more easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream than the collagen we find in our food.
Hydrolysed collagen is created via a process called hydrolysation, which involves heating the large collagen molecules and adding enzymes or acids to create peptides.
Collagen powders can be taken daily and although there is no recommended daily intake, a safe and effective daily serving is between 2.5g (2500mg) and 15g (15,000mg).
The amount of collagen you choose to take per day may depend on why you’re taking it. As a general rule:
The bodies collagen manufacturing processes is fairly slow, so it may take several weeks or months before you start to notice any significant benefit when consuming collagen powder.
It could take at least eight weeks of daily supplementation before any visible difference is seen in the skin and felt in the joints. Some studies suggest it can take as little as four weeks to see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are no known serious side effects to taking collagen powder. However, some people report that taking a higher serving size can lead to gastric symptoms including bloating and an upset stomach. Some people also experience an unpleasant aftertaste.
If you have a sensitive stomach or you’re concerned, start with a lower serving size, gradually increasing over several weeks if you experience no side effects.
Taking a collagen supplement helps to keep our natural collagen levels topped up. Some people also choose to include collagen-rich and collagen-boosting foods in their diet to further support the manufacture of collagen.
Making a conscious effort to support collagen levels can help to minimise the visible signs of ageing such as sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Collagen can also help to reduce the discomfort of stiff, painful joints due to a loss of cartilage by helping to cushion and hydrate the joints. Since collagen is a protein, there’s also evidence that supplementing can increase muscle mass and strength when used alongside a muscle-building exercise regime.
There are also benefits to the bones. Taking collagen can help slow down the process of bone demineralisation and the loss of bone mass that is associated with osteoporosis and the menopause.
We recommend taking collagen powder, for at least three months to see if you notice any significant benefits. Aim to take a collagen supplement every day and you may soon notice the difference in the health of your skin and joints.
If you would like any further advice on choosing the best collagen powder supplement for you feel free to reach out to us using the chat function or via the information on our contact page.
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We are a small but mighty team of experienced natural health researchers. We follow strict selection criteria and test everything we retail: from ground-breaking food supplements to natural skincare products. Our main area of expertise is CBD.