The best collagen powder? Check out these 3 supplements.

If you're looking for the best collagen powder supplement, I advise you to pay attention to the following criteria: The best collagen supplement contains:

• Hydrolyzed collagen – this is the most absorbable form and is also the most effective.
• A patented form of collagen – these are standardized so the quality is consistent: peptan® and solugel®
• Vitamin C as a supplement - this is good for the body's own production of collagen.
• Sustainable Collagen - Collagen from grass-fed cattle or cold-water fish
• Natural flavors – many brands use cheap synthetic fragrances, colors, and flavors.

Hydrolyzing collagen causes the collagen protein to be cut into smaller pieces by enzymes.

The smaller pieces of collagen dissolve more easily in water and are better absorbed by your body.

When collagen is fully hydrolyzed, you get so-called collagen peptides, also called the building blocks of collagen.

Raw collagen is not hydrolyzed and therefore does not dissolve well in water and is also less well absorbed by your body, because it must first be broken down.

So if you want to start using a collagen supplement, I always recommend using a product with hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides).

If you want to take good care of your body, go for a collagen supplement that is free from unnecessary additives, such as:

• Added sugars , fructose, glucose, and artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame
• Artificial flavors
• Fillers and binders (maltodextrin, silicone dioxide, magnesium stearate)

Choose collagen powder with a natural flavoring to enhance the taste.

Pure collagen powder often has an unpleasant taste, which can range from fishy or meaty to "chemical" or "grassy," especially with lower quality or poorly mixed powder.

If the collagen powder has glucosamine from shellfish added, that can also leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Look for collagen powder with glucosamine from fermented corn, which usually has a more neutral flavor!

Much research is being done into the effects of collagen on health and more and more is becoming clear.

There are currently indications that collagen can contribute to:

• Maintaining the normal structure, elasticity and appearance of the skin.* (5) (6)
• Supporting the formation of cartilage in the joints.* (7)
• Is good for the blood vessels, because collagen plays a role in the strength of the blood vessel walls.

Collagen comes in different types, each with its own functions and applications. But the most important is Type I. Five types of collagen are found in our bodies:

• Type I collagen - In our body, this type makes up 90% of all collagen in our body, especially in the skin, bones, tendons and connective tissues.
• Type II collagen - Found primarily in elastic cartilage and plays a role in joint health. This type is often used to support cartilage.
• Type III collagen - Found in the skin, blood vessels, and organs. It is often present in tissues that require high levels of stretch and elasticity, such as the skin.
• Type IV collagen - It is a key component of the basement membrane, a thin layer that surrounds and supports the cells of various tissues. This type is best visualized as a network structure.
• Type V collagen - This type of collagen is found in the placenta, the strata of the skin, hair, and the outer layers of the cornea (eye). It supports the structure and function of these tissues.

Because collagen occurs naturally in the skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage of animals, collagen powder is always made from animal sources such as cattle, pigs, and fish.

Bovine collagen

Made from cattle. Always choose grass-fed collagen, as it's less exposed to pesticides and more animal-friendly.

• Type - mainly type 1 with sometimes type 3 included.
• Benefits – perfectly absorbable for humans and high quality amino acids.

Marine collagen

Collagen powder derived from the skin or scales of fish, such as cod or halibut.

• Type - Predominantly type I, but some type II may be present.
• Benefits - Often praised for its high bioavailability, as it is absorbed by the body faster than bovine or porcine collagen.

Pig collagen

Made from pig bones and/or skin.

• Type - Usually type I and type III.
  Benefits - Supports skin, joints, and tendons. Often used in powders and supplements for general health.

Chicken collagen

This type of collagen is primarily derived from chicken cartilage and is often used for joint support.

• Type - Predominantly Type II.
• Benefits - Helps support joint health.
  
  

Eggshell collagen

This collagen comes from the eggshell.

• Type - Mixture of type I, II, and V collagen, as well as other building blocks such as hyaluronic acid.
• Benefits - Supports joint health and may help with joint pain and joint flexibility.

No, plant-based collagen does not exist, because collagen is a protein that only occurs naturally in animals.

Plants do not contain collagen, but there are herbal supplements that contain substances that can support collagen production in the body.

• Vitamin C – good for collagen production
• Proline - supports collagen production
• Glycine - supports collagen production

The best type of collagen powder for you depends on your goal:

• Skin and general support - Choose hydrolyzed collagen, usually type I. This supports the health of your skin, hair, and nails.
• Joints and cartilage - Choose type II collagen. This type is ideal for supporting supple joints and cartilage.

The best sources of collagen are:

• Grass-fed bovine collagen (types I and III) - This is the best choice if you want to benefit from the advantages of different collagen types. Grass-fed bovine collagen also contains these essential amino acids and is therefore a high-quality source of collagen.
• Fish collagen (type I, sometimes also II) - Works just as well as bovine collagen. This is because it is rich in the three essential amino acids essential for collagen formation. Fish collagen is also quickly absorbed, ensuring its effectiveness.

Additionally, fish collagen often has a higher bioavailability, meaning it is absorbed by the body faster and more efficiently. (6)