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Collagen has become popular for its benefits in the beauty department: hair, skin, and nails. Aside from the hype, collagen offers real health benefits like supporting skin elasticity and meeting your protein needs, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a youthful complexion. Plus, it may enhance joint health and contribute to healthy aging – including keeping your bones strong. With so many collagen supplements on the market, here are our top 7 picks, reviewed by a dietitian.
What is the best collagen powder for women?
Best Overall: Collagen by Organifi
Organifi Collagen is our best overall pick for a collagen supplement, with a combination of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, chicken bone broth protein concentrate, egg shell membrane collagen, and hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides. Each scoop provides 9 grams of protein, with no added sweeteners. However, as with all collagen supplements, it’s not suitable for vegetarians and vegans due to its animal-derived ingredients and may contain potential allergens such as fish and eggs.
Best Unflavored: Vital Proteins Unflavored
Vital Proteins offers the best unflavored collagen supplement, sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide collagen peptides. Each serving of two tablespoons provides 20 grams of protein and includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for added absorption benefits. Containing no additives or sweeteners, this unflavored collagen mixes perfectly into smoothies, teas, juice, and coffee without adding “off” flavors or textures.
Best Grass-fed: Grass-Fed Collagen by Equip
EQUIP Grass Fed Collagen Unflavored is our top choice for the best grass-fed collagen supplement, sourced from hydrolyzed bovine collagen. Each scoop provides 14 grams of protein, with no added sweeteners or other ingredients. Grass-fed collagen offers health benefits, including supporting joint, skin, hair, and nail health. Grass-fed collagen is often considered more environmentally sustainable and ethical. Plus, it is sourced from cattle raised on a natural grazing diet, which can lead to a higher nutrient profile, free from hormones and antibiotics.
Best Single Serve: Great Lakes Collagen Peptides
Great Lakes Collagen Peptides is the favorite option on the market for single-serving sizes of collagen, sourced from bovine collagen peptides. Each serving provides 11 grams of protein, with no added sugar or extra ingredients. Single-serving packs of collagen supplements offer an on-the-go convenient protein boost, making it easy to incorporate collagen into your daily routine without the need for measuring or mixing.
Best Nutrition Blend: Orgain Collagen Peptide + Superfoods
Orgain Collagen Peptide + Superfoods is the best nutrition blend, combining grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen peptides from bovine sources with a blend of superfoods. Each serving provides 19 grams of protein along with Orgain’s superfood blend, which includes ingredients like kale, quinoa, chia, turmeric, and various fruits and vegetables. With no added sugar, it offers a nutritional boost that won’t spike your blood sugar.
Best Mixable: Primal Kitchens Unflavored Collagen Peptides
Primal Kitchen Unflavored Collagen Peptides is best for mixing – hot or cold – and sourced from bovine collagen peptides. Each scoop offers 10 grams of protein with no added sweeteners or other special ingredients. The unflavored option is even more versatile as it doesn’t add any extra flavoring or aftertaste. Whether stirred into a morning coffee or blended into a refreshing smoothie, mixable collagen ensures effortless integration without altering the taste or texture of your favorite drinks.
Best Quality: Multi-Collagen by Sculpt Nation
Sculpt Nation Collagen Unflavored is recognized for its high quality, combining a variety of collagen sources from both animal and marine sources: bovine collagen, chicken cartilage, marine collagen, horsetail. Each serving delivers 6.5 grams of protein with no added sweeteners or other ingredients. The total count of protein is lower than others here, but we love the variety of collagen sources Sculpt Nation uses in their formula. Plus, hyaluronic acid can enhance skin hydration, joint health, and collagen production.
Best Collagen Powder for Women FAQ’s
What type of collagen is best for women?
Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in the body, including several types with distinct functions. Type I, found in skin, bones, and tendons, supports structural integrity and elasticity, while Type II cushions joints, and Type III contributes to skin and organ elasticity. For women, Type I collagen is often preferred for enhancing skin, hair, and nails. Supplements with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can further boost collagen production and skin health. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to choose the best collagen type for individual needs.
Does drinking collagen really work?
Collagen supplements may offer beauty benefits for hair, skin, and nails as well as meeting your protein requirement. It’s not a magic bullet for these health benefits, and you might not notice a significant improvement when adding into your routine. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplementation to determine its suitability for your specific needs and to ensure proper dosage and safety.
What are the potential benefits of collagen powder for hair and nails?
As a key component of connective tissue, collagen supports the structural integrity of hair, skin, and nails, promoting strength and resilience. By providing essential amino acids, collagen powder supports the production of keratin, the protein that forms the foundation of hair and nails, potentially leading to improved growth and quality. Additionally, collagen supplementation may enhance hydration and elasticity, contributing to healthier-looking hair, skin, and nails with reduced breakage and brittleness.
How should women incorporate collagen powder into their daily routine for optimal results?
For optimal results, women can seamlessly integrate collagen powder into their daily routine by adding it to beverages like coffee, tea, or smoothies, mixing it with yogurt or oatmeal, or incorporating it into baked goods. They can also simply mix it with water for a quick boost. Pairing collagen powder with vitamin C-rich foods enhances its effectiveness.
Is there a downside to taking collagen peptides?
As with all supplements, collagen powders and drinks are not meant to replace a healthy, balanced diet. Collagen is also not a complete protein, and may not be suitable for folks who need whole sources of protein to recover from exercise. Contamination risks with heavy metals or pollutants exist with many supplements, especially in supplements sourced from animals that aren’t third-party tested. These products are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, most collagen supplements are derived from animal sources.
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