Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues. As natural collagen production slows with age, many turn to supplements as a convenient way to boost their collagen levels.
Amongst the variety available, the best collagen supplements UK market has been consistently growing. The variety of options includes hydrolysed marine collagen, bovine collagen peptides, and even vegan collagen alternatives.
Selecting the best collagen supplement for your needs can be daunting, but with the right information, you can make an informed choice. Continue reading for our top 5 collagen supplements!
5 Best Collagen Supplements
Not sure which collagen supplementation to take? Here are the 5 best collagen supplements at Proactive Healthcare.
1. Pure Hydrolysed Marine Collagen | Liquid Health
One of our bestsellers is the Liquid Health Pure Hydrolysed Marine Collagen powder. This can be added to a variety of food and beverages, including smoothies, hot drinks, juices or water.
The top benefit of hydrolysed collagen is that it can absorb quicker into the body than regular collagen molecules. This is because they become smaller once hydrolysed and thus are easier to absorb.
This means that it has a higher bioavailability percentage. What’s more, the Liquid Health collagen powder is unflavoured, so it won’t leave a strange taste in your mouth. It’s also suitable for keto and paleo diets and any balanced diets. You’ll take one 10 g scoop a day, so it’s the perfect amount for a month.
2. Premium Collagen Complex | Valens
If you’d prefer to take collagen in a liquid form, then Valens Premium Collagen Complex is perfect for you. Additionally, this collagen supplement has a range of beneficial minerals and vitamins, such as zinc, selenium, biotin and marine collagen peptides.
The Valens collagen comes with a delicious pina colada taste of pineapple and coconut, but don’t worry, there’s no added sugar. It’s sweetened with Xylitol. It’s easy to use, as a measuring cup is included. You’re recommended to take 15 ml of it per day, which you can consume directly or mixed with your favourite cold drink.
Its many benefits include supporting healthy hair and nails, reducing wrinkles, improving cartilage and bone health and lowering fatigue. Lastly, as with all of these collagen supplements, check with your health professional before taking it.
3. Whole Body Collagen Powder | Designs for Health
For someone looking for a collagen supplement that helps your immune system and body, Designs for Health Whole Body Collagen Powder is ideal. It can help you in several ways, from improving nail health to assisting muscle strength.
That’s not all, the Designs for Health collagen powder can also improve your GI tract health and create beneficial skin elasticity and hydration. If you’re looking for something that works with a paleo protein powder, this works well.
This is because it can be mixed into protein shakes, smoothies and even meal preparation – like mashed potatoes. The recommended daily use is 13 grams of powder in 8 ounces of water or your favourite drink. Just be sure to add the powder prior to the water.
4. Collagen Peptides | Vital Proteins
Another popular collagen powder is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder. It’s a suitable option for those looking for an unflavoured powder, which you can add to hot and cold drinks, like smoothies, juices, coffees and hot chocolate.
Vital Proteins collagen peptides are small pieces of protein, which means they are highly bioavailable and easy to digest. This makes it perfect for people wanting to maintain youthful looking skin and improve hair growth.
To take it, you’ll add one to two 10 g scoops of powder to your favourite beverage or sweet treat. The whole container should last about a month, depending on how much you use daily.
5. Vegan Collagen Booster | MaryRuth Organics
Lastly, for those looking for a vegan collagen supplement, we recommend the MaryRuth Organics Vegan Collagen Booster. It formulates collagen through vitamins E and C and L-lysine, an essential amino acid.
What’s more, it also contains zinc, copper and bamboo extract, which all help to improve the skin’s elasticity and health.
Don’t worry, the MaryRuth Organics collagen doesn’t contain any unhealthy ingredients. It only contains organic cacao powder, purified water, almond butter, organic maple extract, organic vanilla extract and organic vegetable glycerin.
Usage is simple, you just need to take ½ a teaspoon, either directly or in a drink. Just shake gently before using and store it in the fridge after opening.
Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Recognising the benefits of collagen supplementation can guide you to make informed choices for your health and well-being. Here's how introducing collagen supplements to your daily regimen can specifically assist your skin, joints, and bones.
Skin Health
Regular intake of collagen peptides has been associated with enhanced skin hydration and skin elasticity. This is attributed to collagen being a vital component of skin cells. Hyaluronic acid, often included in formulations such as PatchAid’s Advanced Collagen Plus topical patches, is known to complement collagen's effects by further promoting a healthy dose of hydration and potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Joint Support
Collagen supplements contribute to the maintenance of connective tissues, with types like Garden of Life Collagen Coconut MCT specifically promoting joint health. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people experience relief in joint pain after taking collagen supplements. The amino acids present in collagen, especially in hydrolysed form with low molecular weight, are more easily absorbed and can support the integrity of joint tissues.
Bone Density
The importance of collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, extends to the strength and density of bones. Collagen powder or liquid collagen products may aid in sustaining bone density because collagen synthesis is a component of bone formation. As collagen levels deplete with age, supplements could play a role in encouraging bone health by providing the necessary vitamins and amino acid profile needed for maintaining the bone matrix.
Frequently Asked Questions
When searching for the best collagen supplements in the UK, you might have questions about their benefits, recommended dosages, and effectiveness on joint health. This section addresses some of these queries to help you make informed decisions.
1. How do collagen supplements work to improve skin health?
Collagen supports skin health by enhancing skin elasticity and hydration, leading to a more youthful appearance. As natural collagen production slows with age, taking collagen supplements may help maintain healthy skin.
2. What is the advised dosage of collagen?
Manufacturers may recommend different dosages for their collagen products. However, a typical dosage of hydrolysed collagen peptides ranges from 10 to 20 grams per day, usually delivered through collagen powders, capsules, or liquid sachets. Always follow the specific dosage instructions on your supplement of choice.
3. Can collagen intake help alleviate joint discomfort?
Collagen is a structural protein found in connective tissues, and its supplementation may assist in maintaining the integrity of your joints. Regular intake of collagen supplements, like marine collagen or bovine collagen peptides, may help reduce joint pain and support overall joint health.
Best Collagen Supplements Wrapped Up
Always select supplements that suit your health needs and complements your diet and lifestyle. Remember to consider different types, such as bovine collagen or marine collagen, and forms like powders, tablets, or liquid collagen.
Keep in mind that collagen levels naturally deplete over time, making supplementation a consideration in maintaining healthy hair, skin health, and overall collagen production. To find the best fit for your needs, review the options from Proactive Healthcare's selection.