What to Look For in Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements have many benefits: they can improve skin health, strengthen bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilages, reduce joint pain, support the liver, etc.

However, there are many different types of collagen. To get the maximum benefit from collagen supplements, be aware of the kind of collagen in your supplement, along with the other ingredients present in it.

Types of Collagen

There are around 28 types of collagen. Amongst them, the primary types include:

• Type I collagen This type of collagen forms our bones, skin, and other tissues. It is also the most abundant type of collagen in the human body. It is the most effective in healing and rebuilding the body and is found in the bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin.
• Type II collagen Type II collagen is mainly found in the cartilage. It is the cover on the bone in the joints that functions as a shock bearer and supports joint health. It also helps with connective tissue health.
• Type III collagen This type of collagen is very similar to Type I and is primarily found in the skin and organs. It helps in keeping your skin tight and supports gut health.
• Type IV collagen This type is used in respiratory tract tissue, the intestines, tissue around the heart, and digestive system tissue.
• Type V collagen It is mainly found in the placenta cells in the mother’s womb.
• Type X collagen This collagen type is also found in the cartilage and is very important for joints and bones.

How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement

Collagen supplements are safe and risk-free and are also suitable for keto dieters.

Collagen supplements are derived from animals, and, depending upon the source, they can be classified as bovine, porcine, chicken, and marine collagen.

• Bovine collagen is cheaper and easily found in health stores.
• Marine collagen is said to be of much higher quality and purity. It is also the most bioavailable form of collagen.
• Chicken or avian collagen is less expensive, but check to make sure the source is free-range and hormone-free.
• Porcine collagen is also quite reasonably priced but is fraught with the risk of contamination. Before buying porcine collagen, be sure of the company, additives, the source, etc.

Make sure to choose a supplement with hydrolyzed collagen peptides, as these get absorbed quickly. It should be made from the cleanest and purest ingredients. Opt for a non-GMO, organic, and dairy-free supplement that is third-party tested.

Vitamin C, copper, zinc, and biotin help in producing collagen. So look for a collagen supplement that contains these as well. The best collagen supplement that meets all these requirements is Approved Science® Collagen Pills, which contain marine collagen sourced from wild Alaskan pollock.