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My introduction to collagen powders and supplements came courtesy of fitness influencers and YouTubers who sprinkled a spoon into their morning shakes. I read all the claims; Collagen is said to improve the skin's elasticity and slow signs of aging, which was enough for me to run to Target to buy my first tub, but I was still skeptical. After speaking to a registered dietician about the fitness world's favorite ingredient, I understand the hype.
"Collagen is a form of protein that helps to provide structure to different tissues of the body, like ligaments, tendons, and bone, and is also responsible for the elasticity in the skin," Melissa Rifkin, MS, RD, CDN, tells ELLE.com. Our bodies naturally produce their own collagen, but "this process starts to slow with age. Collagen production is thought to slow in the mid-’20s, which may be a good time to start taking supplemental forms of collagen or collagen-promoting supplements." Don't worry, collagen can be consumed daily.
"Consuming collagen will contribute to your overall protein intake for the day while providing the unique characteristics of collagen that benefit connective tissue, skin, and bone health," she adds. A general rule of thumb? Be wary of products with unfamiliar ingredient lists. "As with most supplements, a lengthy ingredient list filled with unfamiliar names is likely not the best quality option and often contains preservatives, additives, and other suspect ingredients," she adds. Best served when mixed in a smoothie or coffee, finding collagen powders that taste good, provide great benefits, and contain clean ingredients is no easy feat. Ahead, the seven best collagen powders to try now, including a few expert-approved products.
- Best for Taste: Golde Coconut Collagen Boost
- Best For Joint Support: Futher Food Marine Collagen Peptides
- Best for Absorption: Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate
"I have used this more frequently than any other collagen powder," Dr. Rifkin says. This version of marine powder is sustainably sourced from wild-caught North Atlantic codfish and absorbs easily in the body.
A plant-based option that tastes as delicious as the star ingredient it's based on coconut, Golde's Collagen Boost is formulated to improve your hair, nails, and skin. Because of the coconut taste, it can double as a creamer as well and blends into whatever smoothie, tea, or coffee you drink every morning with ease.
Marine collagen is a type of collagen derived from fish. Dose & Co's version has a touch of vitamin C for an extra immunity boost.
When looking for collagen powders, Dr. Rifkin advises looking for hydrolyzed collagen because it absorbs better in the body than most. "This hydrolyzation process helps to prepare collagen for absorption once it has been consumed, and allows the individual peptides to be more readily absorbed and utilized once in the body," she explains.
A favorite among fitness gurus, Vital Proteins has just about every type of collagen powder out there. This one is a basic powder that not only supports skin, hair, and nails, but works like a charm to alleviate joint pain.
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Peptides Powder
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen is specifically formulated to help you glow from within with the help of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient used in the beauty world to hydrate the skin.
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