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Comparison of collagen additives: which is better to buy
What is collagen and why is it needed?
Collagen is the most important structural protein in the body, which is about 30% of the total protein mass. It is the main component of connective tissue, including skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Collagen provides the strength, elasticity and elasticity of these tissues. With age, the natural production of collagen decreases, which leads to wrinkles, joint pain and other age -related changes. Reception of collagen additives can help replenish the deficiency of this protein and maintain the health of the skin, joints and bones.
Types of collagen and their functions
There are at least 28 different types of collagen, but the most common and important to health are:
- Type and: The most common type is contained in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and teeth. Is responsible for the strength and elasticity of tissues.
- Type II: The main component of cartilage provides shock absorption of the joints.
- Type III: Contained in the skin, muscles and blood vessels. Promotes elasticity and elasticity of tissues. Often accompanies a collagen type I.
- Type IV: Located in basal membranes, supports the structure of fabrics.
- Type V: Present in the hair, placenta and other fabrics. Participates in the formation of collagen fibers.
Forms of collagen additives
Collagen additives are available in various forms, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Powder: The most common and universal form. Easily mixed with liquids and added to food. Usually has a neutral taste or weak smell.
- Capsules and tablets: Convenient to use, as they do not require cooking. However, they contain a smaller dose of collagen compared to the powder.
- Liquid collagen: Quickly absorbed by the body. Often has a pleasant taste, but can contain additives and preservatives. Usually more expensive than powder or capsules.
- Chewing sweets (marmalade): A pleasant way to take collagen, especially for children. However, they often contain a large amount of sugar and artificial flavors.
- Collagen drinks: Ready -made drinks containing collagen. Convenient to use, but can contain additives and preservatives.
Sources of collagen
Collagen is obtained from various sources of animal origin:
- Bully collagen: Received from cow skin, bones and cartilage. Contains the types of collagen I and III.
- Sea collagen: Get from fish leather and scales. Contains mainly as collagen type I. It is considered more bioavailable than bullish collagen.
- Chicken collagen: Get from chicken cartilage and bones. Contains mainly collagen type II.
- Pork collagen: Get from pork skin and bones. Contains the types of collagen I and III.
Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides)
Hydrolyzed collagen is a collagen split into smaller peptides. This process facilitates the absorption of collagen by the body. Collagen peptides have high bioavailability and are easily absorbed into the blood. Most collagen additives in the market are presented in the form of hydrolyzed collagen.
How to choose a collagen supplement: key factors
The choice of collagen additive depends on several factors:
- Type of collagen: Determine what type of collagen you need, depending on your goals. To improve the condition of the skin, choose a collagen type I and III. To maintain joint health – type II collagen.
- Collagen source: Choose the source of collagen that suits you. Sea collagen is considered more bioavailable, but can be more expensive. Bully collagen is a more affordable option.
- Collagen form: Select the form of collagen additive that is convenient for you to use. The powder is the most universal option, and the capsules are the most convenient.
- The presence of additional ingredients: Some collagen additives contain additional ingredients, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and biotin. These ingredients can enhance the effect of collagen.
- Reputation manufacturer: Choose collagen additives from trusted manufacturers with a good reputation. Check the reviews of other consumers and make sure that the product has passed the necessary tests.
- Price: Compare prices for various collagen additives and select the best option, given the quality and amount of collagen in the product.
- Certification: Look for products with quality certificates from independent organizations (for example, NSF International, USP). This guarantees that the product corresponds to the declared characteristics and does not contain harmful impurities.
- Lack of allergens: Check the composition for allergens if you have allergies or food intolerance.
Popular collagen additives: review
(Here is a review of several popular collagen additives indicating their type, source, shape, additional ingredients and prices. For example 🙂
- “Doctor’s Best, Collagen Types 1 & 3”: Contains a collagen of types I and III. Source: Bully collagen. Form: Powder. Additional ingredients: No. Price: average. Advantages: affordable price, good quality. Disadvantages: There are no additional ingredients.
- “NeoCell, Marine Collagen”: Contains type I collagen. Source: sea collagen. Form: Capsules. Additional ingredients: hyaluronic acid. Price: High. Advantages: High bioavailability, contains hyaluronic acid. Disadvantages: High price.
- “Sports Research, Collagen Peptides”: Contains a collagen of types I and III. Source: Bully collagen. Form: Powder. Additional ingredients: No. Price: average. Advantages: neutral taste, easily mixed. Disadvantages: There are no additional ingredients.
- “Vital Proteins, Collagen Peptides”: Contains a collagen of types I and III. Source: Bully collagen. Form: Powder. Additional ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C. Price: above average. Advantages: contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, good quality. Disadvantages: relatively high price.
- “Garden of Life, Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides”: Contains a collagen of types I and III. Source: Bully collagen (herbal fattening). Form: Powder. Additional ingredients: No. Price: High. Advantages: Bully collagen of herbal fattening, good quality. Disadvantages: High price.
(This list can be expanded by adding more popular brands and products.)
Collagen dosage
The recommended collagen dosage varies depending on the goals and individual needs. It is usually recommended to take from 5 to 15 grams of collagen per day. It is best to start with a smaller dose and gradually increase it in order to evaluate tolerance. Consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine the optimal dosage for you.
Side effects and contraindications
Collagen additives are usually safe for most people. However, in some cases, side effects can occur, such as:
- Digestive disorders: Bloating, constipation or diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions: Itching, rash or swelling.
- Unpleasant taste: Some collagen additives may have an unpleasant taste or smell.
Collagen additives are contraindicated for people with allergies to collagen or other ingredients in the product. Caution should also be taken when taking collagen to people with kidney or liver diseases. Pregnant and lactating women are recommended to consult a doctor before taking collagen additives.
Collagen and vitamin C
Vitamin C plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen. It is a cofactor of the enzymes necessary for the formation of a stable structure of collagen. Reception of collagen additives in combination with vitamin C can enhance their effectiveness. Many collagen additives already contain vitamin C, but you can also take it separately.
Collagen for the skin
Collagen is an important component of the skin that provides its elasticity and elasticity. Reception of collagen additives can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin hydration and increase its elasticity. Particularly effective for the skin of collagen I and III.
Collagen for joints
Collagen is the main component of the cartilage that provides shock absorption of the joints. Reception of collagen additives can help reduce joint pain, improve their mobility and slow down the destruction of cartilage. Especially effective for the joints of the type II collagen.
Hair and nail collagen
Collagen is involved in the formation of hair and nails. Reception of collagen additives can help strengthen hair and nails, make it more shiny and healthy.
Diet, rich in collagen
In addition to taking collagen additives, you can increase collagen intake with a diet. Good sources of collagen are:
- Bone broth: Rich in collagen and other beneficial substances.
- Gelatin: Pure collagen obtained from bones and animal skin.
- Chicken leather: Contains a lot of collagen.
- Fish: Especially the skin and bones of fish.
- Eggs: Contain the glycine and glycine necessary for the synthesis of collagen.
It is also important to use products rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen.
Alternatives to collagen: collagen booster
If you do not want to take collagen supplements of animal origin, you can consider alternative options – collagen booster. These are products containing substances that stimulate the natural production of collagen in the body. These include:
- Vitamin C: It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen.
- Hyaluronic acid: Moisturizes the skin and stimulates the production of collagen.
- Amino acids: Proilin, glycine and lysine are necessary for collagen synthesis.
- Silicon: Participates in the formation of collagen fibers.
Proper storage of collagen additives
Keep collagen additives in a dry, cool place, protected from direct sunlight. Follow the storage instructions indicated on the packaging of the product.
Collagen: myths and reality
There are many myths about collagen. It is important to understand that:
- Collagen is not absorbed in an unchanged form: Collagen is broken down into amino acids and peptides, which are then used by the body to synthesize its own collagen.
- The effect of collagen is not instantaneous: To achieve noticeable results, it is necessary to take collagen regularly for several months.
- Collagen is not a panacea: Collagen can help improve the condition of the skin, joints and bones, but it is not a cure for all diseases.
Recent collagen studies
Scientific studies continue to confirm the benefits of collagen additives for the health of the skin, joints and bones. New studies study the effect of collagen on other aspects of health, such as intestinal health and cardiovascular system.
Conclusion: how to make the right choice
The choice of collagen additive is an individual process. Consider your needs, goals and preferences. Consult a doctor or nutritionist to get individual recommendations. Pay attention to the type of collagen, source, shape, the presence of additional ingredients and the reputation of the manufacturer. Remember that in order to achieve noticeable results, it is necessary to take collagen regularly for several months.