Collagen supplements are not for everyone, but I have always had success ie experienced a tangible improvement when taking them.
The naysayers will cite scientific studies claiming collagen cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream because stomach enzymes break this form of collagen down to such an extent that it changes its molecular structure and therefore is of no benefit.
Then there are claims that certain collagen supplements do work because of their super-bioavailability (how effectively the body absorbs nutrients) and therefore these supplements can enter the body and be effective.
I don’t know. I’m just in the camp that sees results and that’s good enough for me.
COLLAGEN DRINK SUPPLEMENTS
I’ve tried both liquid and powder supplements. The drinks have always been my first choice because of the convenience, but there’s a premium to pay for being lazy not having to spoon the powder into a beverage and stir it (oh the effort) and instead just drinking it.
GOLD COLLAGEN PURE
Developed by our scientists and nutritionists with our NutriGlow® patented complex to promote younger-looking, healthy, radiant skin, strong and shiny hair and nails whilst supporting your immunity.
The original ‘Pure” formula is still Boots best-selling collagen supplement after ten years, and I guarantee they’re all repeat buyers.
That’s another thing, you must take collagen supplements regularly to see improvement. If there are no physical changes after three but usually four, months then they’re just not for you.
I loved these original drinks, even though I found them slightly peppery and a little sweet.
However, it wasn’t just the changes to my skin, hair and nails that swayed me.
I fractured my ankle many moons ago skittering along ice on a cold February morning in my high-heeled black suede boots – ruched they were too.
Ahh, those were the days. It’s all thick, rubber-soled flat boots now with me gingerly making my way across a slippery path as if I’m 100 years old. Once you’ve showered with one leg encased in a black plastic bin bag, you never want to go back.
If you’ve ever broken a bone, you’ll know the pain comes back to haunt you tenfold when it’s damp outside. I used to get twinges in the autumn whenever it rained (that old wives’ tale is true) but I noticed they completely disappeared after taking collagen supplements – I’m talking about ALL the collagen supplements I’ve ever taken, hence I’ll try any of them.
At 58 my knee joints should be screaming in pain anyway, but nope, nothing. That’s why I believe in these supplements. Never mind anti-ageing the skin, pain-free joints are everything as evil 60 looms on the horizon.
GOLD COLLAGEN FORTE
Our award-winning FORTE is a powerful anti-ageing shot perfect to add to your morning routine.
This clinically tested and proven formula includes 20 skin-supporting active ingredients and antioxidants to support the more advanced signs of ageing, help support collagen formation and promote skin, hair and nail health.
I moved to the Forte range (for over 40s obviously) when I spotted them at Costco for an unbelievable price. Costco bores me to tears but I like having a nose around their beauty offers. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen the drinks in Costco for some time, but their stock changes regularly so I’m always on the lookout.
My other favourite collagen drink is from Skinade. It’s easily the best-tasting drink and also comes in convenient sachet packaging for travel. There’s a hefty price tag though, around £128.00 for a 30 day supply depending on where you shop.
COLLAGEN POWDER SUPPLEMENTS
I’ve tried a lot of these and again all have delivered results for me. Joints, nails, skin, and hair all greatly improved with regular intake.
I tend to slack at Christmas and on holiday – it feels too much of a chore to stir the powder into coffee or herbal tea, but I always notice a difference if I don’t take them.
VITAL PROTEINS COLLAGEN PEPTIDES
Vital Proteins is the number one collagen powder with a whacking 20g of collagen per serving.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and helps give structure to our hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons in our body.
Thanks to collagen, we’re better able to move, bend and stretch. Collagen is also behind helping hair shine, skin glow and nails stay strong.
VITAL PROTEINS MARINE COLLAGEN
However, this is the one you’ll see the most on feeds. Loved by bloggers and celebrities alike, it’s a pescatarian-friendly alternative to bovine (cow) collagen.
Marine collagen powder is an easy, convenient way to introduce a collagen supplement into your routine.
Our marine collagen features type I and type III collagen and it’s sourced from the skin and scales of fish – these are natural by-products of the seafood industry that would otherwise be discarded.
VEGAN COLLAGEN ALTERNATIVES
There aren’t enough studies (as yet) regarding the effectiveness of vegan collagen supplements, though there are vegan alternatives on the market.
To help get a collagen boost on a vegan diet you can try:
- Quinoa is rich in protein as is pea protein, both contain all 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. These amino acids provide some of those that are essential for collagen production.
- Glycine is a key amino acid in the generation of collagen, and it can be found in foods such as beans, nuts and seeds. Another amino acid, proline is found in asparagus, mushrooms and cabbage.
- Soy products such as tempeh, tofu and soy protein are rich sources of amino acids as are beans and pulses.
- Vitamin C is a key nutrient that enhances the absorption of amino acids. It supports healthy collagen formation and works to protect skin cells from the sun and other environmental damage.
Source: Rejuvenated. They sell vegan collagen capsules.
CHEAPER COLLAGEN POWDER ALTERNATIVES
Neocell Super Collagen Powder 198g £22.99 HOLLAND & BARRETT
I’m not keen on the design of this tub so much, it looks innocuous, but the powder always goes everywhere! Still, it delivers results.
Weider Collagen Powder 300g £11.89 COSTCO
I’m on my second tin of this. It comes in a sturdy foiled-lined cardboard tube with a flexible plastic lid, much more user-friendly than the other tubs and of course, it’s lighter to take away on holiday.
The jury’s out as to how well this performs as I need to work my way through another two tubs. Takes a little stirring into hot drinks to ensure it dissolves completely, my only gripe.
UNFLAVOURED
Powder collagen drinks come in a variety of flavours, but I would stick to unflavoured, you really don’t need any more additives just to make it taste more palatable.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
Collagen supplements aren’t recommended for those at a high risk of developing kidney stones.
I didn’t know this until now, it’s something to be aware of if you have any kind of kidney issues. Mark has suffered from kidney stones in the past (he was in fact, hospitalised) so I know how extremely painful they are.
SHOPPING INFO
VITAL PROTEINS
BOOTS
Gold Collagen offers at Boots * (at 28/1/22)
Think they’ve run out of the Pure Gold Collagen 10 Day Programme as they’re only allowing me to put two bottles into my online basket, it might be because the site is busy also. I’m buying the Forte version then.
COLLAGEN GOLD WEBSITE
Gold Collagen website * Prices vary as they also run regular promotions and cheaper subscription packages. A 10-day programme is £42.00
Keep the cards that come with the boxes, you can redeem them (eventually, because you’ll need a good few) for Gold Collagen products, I’ve nabbed some good offers.
*Affiliate links
