Enhance Your Health

Read expert insights and recommendations on how to improve your health and boost your overall well-being - naturally.

A wooden bowl and spoon with collagen powder next to a large leaf

Collagen Best Collagen Powder for Cellulite and How to Use It Most women have cellulite. Although harmless, it can make you feel less attractive. Who doesn't want sleek, toned thighs? The right diet with collagen-rich foods and regular exercise can help treat cellulite. Collagen powder supplements help you target cellulite and get rid of it faster. What is Cellulite? The lumpy, dimpled flesh commonly seen on the thighs, hips, and buttocks is known as cellulite. Cellulite occurs due to irregular fat deposits beneath the skin. It occurs due to loose fascia, enlarged fat cells, and atrophied muscles. Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, muscle, and nerve fiber. It is a type of collagen (1). Therefore, taking collagen powder or any form of supplementary collagen might help repair these and boost metabolism within dermal cells, reducing cellulite. What is Collagen Powder? Collagen powder is a supplementary form of collagen used for its several potential benefits. Collagen is a type of protein that makes up the body’s connective tissue. It is basically the stuff that holds everything in your body together. Collagen makes up 65 percent of your body. There are over 28 different types of collagen, but the most important ones are Type I, II, III, IV, and V. Collagen powder is made from animal tissues. Sources of collagen are bovine collagen, marine collagen, and chicken collagen. They mainly contain hydrolyzed peptides, which means the proteins have already been broken down, making it easier for the body to absorb them. Bovine collagen comes from beef cattle and is made from their cartilage, bones, and hides, whereas marine or fish collagen comes from fish skin, scales, and bones (2). Benefits of Collagen Powder Collagen powder helps treat cellulite through different mechanisms. It also offers various other health benefits, ranging from youthful, glowing skin to stronger joints and improved muscle mass. The benefits of collagen powder include the following. Hydrated Skin and Slower Skin Aging and Cellulite Production Collagen powder helps decrease the speed at which your skin ages. Dehydrated skin is thinner. Therefore, it is more prone to cellulite when compared to hydrated skin. Collagen powder hydrates your skin, minimizing dryness (3). Reduced Wrinkles Studies show daily consumption of collagen powder for around six months significantly increases skin elasticity. It reduced the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (4). This is also true for cellulite. Improvement in skin elasticity can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite (5). Reduced Joint Pain Collagen powder alleviates joint pain and improves joint function in people with osteoarthritis. Increased Muscle Mass and Strength As collagen decreases with age, you may experience a decrease in muscle mass. In combination with resistance training, collagen supplements have been shown to increase muscle mass (6). Collagen powder also improves muscle strength and motor control. Cellulite increases with a lack of muscle tone, so improving muscle strength helps reduce cellulite. Reduced Loss of Bone Mass Collagen powder reduces the loss of bone mass in people with osteoporosis. Stronger Arteries Loss of collagen also weakens your arteries. Fragile blood vessels increase the risk of atherosclerosis leading to severe cardiovascular complications. Collagen powder can help keep the arteries healthier and reduce this risk. How To Use Collagen Powder for Cellulite Cellulite can happen to anyone, but it is more common in women than men. This is because of the distinct way the fat cells are arranged. In women, the fat cells and connective tissues are arranged vertically, while in men, it is crisscrossed (7). Also, hormones play a vital role. With age, estrogen production in women declines. This leads to lower blood flow and less oxygen in the skin. This means lower collagen production, bigger fat cells, and sagging, thinner skin (8). Around 80-90 percent of women over the age of 20 most likely have cellulite. Collagen is a protein structure that acts like a protective band that helps tighten the skin and keep the fat cells where they should be. As this band is damaged due to less collagen production, fat cells rise to the surface, causing cellulite (9). Since cellulite damages the collagen bands within the skin, supplementing with collagen may help repair them. It also boosts metabolism within the dermal cells, resulting in a better skin condition overall. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showcased that bioactive collagen peptides given to overweight women between the ages of 24 and 50 saw a considerable reduction in the appearance of cellulite (10). What is the Best Collagen Powder for Cellulite? Choose collagen powders with Type I and Type III collagen for the maximum benefit of collagen for cellulite. They promote collagen synthesis in the dermis layer of the skin. One of the best collagen powders for cellulite is Approved Science® Collagen Powder. It contains hydrolyzed marine collagen powder sourced from Wild Alaskan Pollock. Make sure to include food containing collagen in your daily diet. Even though it is not possible to completely eliminate cellulite, the right supplement can bring visible changes with time.

Dropper filled with clear liquid and three drops of clear liquid

Collagen Retinol vs. Collagen: Which Should You Take?You can hardly walk past a beauty aisle without seeing the words “collagen” and "retinol." Almost all beauty creams these days contain one or both of them and promise skin like never before. What are they? What is the difference between collagen and retinol? How do they work on your body? Let's find out. What Is Retinol? Retinol is a type of vitamin A. Usually, vitamin A is naturally secreted by the body. But with age, the production starts to decline. Therefore, babies have smooth, soft skin, but older people do not. It is usually present in almost all skincare products that promise to slow down aging. For some time now, many brands of face cream have touted retinol as a "miracle" skincare ingredient. What Is Collagen? On the other hand, collagen is a structural protein that constitutes up to one-third of all protein in the body (1). Collagen makes up the body’s connective tissue. It is in bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, arteries, bone marrow, liver, intestines, hair, skin, and nails. A collagen deficiency, therefore, poses many risks for these areas of the body. This protein is made by the body. At around 20 years of age, your body makes the highest amount of collagen. After this, you lose 1% of collagen per year. When you have a considerable amount of collagen reduction, especially in the skin, it looks less elastic and thinner. Consequently, you get more wrinkles (2). Using collagen topically can help regenerate the fibroblasts (the cells in connective tissue). When applied to the skin as hydrolyzed peptides, they break down into amino acids, which are then used by the fibroblasts to make collagen (3). It can also be taken orally as a collagen powder supplement which comes in the form of bovine collagen, marine collagen, and collagen from other animal sources. Benefits of Retinol As you get older, your body makes less vitamin A and, therefore, retinol. Dryness, dullness, and wrinkles—all sorts of problems start to occur with age. Skincare products containing retinol allow this vitamin to sink deep into the skin. It boosts cell turnover, increases collagen production, and reduces wrinkles and fine lines. This isn’t all. It also fades hyperpigmentation, fights acne-causing bacteria, and improves the overall elasticity and texture of the skin (4), (5). When it's time to select the right type of product based on your skin type, think about the core issue, that is, the concerns you want to address first. If you have oily skin, go for a serum-based retinol product that is non-comedogenic. This will make sure that your skin pores do not get clogged. If you have combination skin, go for a skin cream/serum-based retinol.If your skin is dry, opt for a cream-based retinol product. It should also have glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, as retinol can seriously dry out your skin. Retinol can also be used topically in eye cream to help tighten the skin under the eyes. It improves the skin barrier function and increases the skin's collagen content. Benefits of Collagen Collagen has far more benefits that involve the entire body, including the skin. Collagen supplementation: Slows the skin aging process It hydrates your skin, reduces wrinkles, and increases elasticity, resulting in a soft, supple, younger-looking skin (6).Promotes better sleep The glycine present in collagen is a neurotransmitter that increases your sleep efficiency, improves sleep quality, and reduces insomnia symptoms (7).Reduces joint pain Collagen stimulates cartilage growth that acts as a cushion between the bones in the joint. It reduces inflammation and, eventually, the pain (8).Improves liver health Collagen supports liver function by protecting the liver cells from toxins. It also plays a protective role on the liver (9).Helps regulate hormonal balance Collagen has estrogen-like bone protective effects. That is how it helps to reduce menopausal complications.Aids the healing process Collagen helps to shorten the healing time of wounds. It can stop bleeding, recruit new cells, and stimulate new blood cell formation.Improves brain health Collagen is a mood enhancer. It also has protective functions for the brain cell. Should You Use Retinol or Collagen? When it comes to the skin, retinol takes the lead. This is because retinol penetrates deep down into your skin compared to collagen. While retinol penetrates all layers of the skin, collagen penetrates only the upper two layers. While collagen gives you flawless skin, retinol gives a smoother skin and lightens skin tone. With regard to skin, collagen effects are short-term, while retinol has a more long-term result on the skin. However, the benefits of collagen far exceed those of retinol for other parts of the body. It alleviates your joint and muscle pain, improves muscle mass, increases bone density, helps heal you better, reduces the appearance of scars, and much more. As a supplement, you can either take collagen powder or pills. In powder form, it can be blended in shakes or smoothies. But if you prefer the convenience of taking it in pill form, Approved Science® Collagen Pills are among the best on the market.

Collagen powder and a glass of water on a blue table

Collagen Side Effects of Bovine Collagen: Is it Safe?Bovine collagen is a collagen supplement that is derived from beef cattle. It's a naturally occurring protein found in the cartilage, joints, and bones of cattle. Bovine collagen is rich in Type I and Type III collagen. Here's everything you need to know about bovine collagen, including its benefits and side effects. Benefits of Bovine Collagen The different sources of collagen offer a range of benefits. More specifically, bovine collagen increases your Type I and Type III collagen, which offers the following benefits: Youthful skin As your skin is specially made of these two types of collagen, bovine collagen is especially helpful in reducing wrinkles, improving elasticity, and increasing skin moisture. A study published in 2014 in the Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology observed 114 women between the ages of 45 and 65. They were randomly assigned 2.5 grams of bovine collagen or a placebo once daily for eight weeks. At the end of the eight weeks, there was a notable reduction in wrinkles in women taking bovine collagen—a reduction of 20%, which is a significant result (1). Reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that manifests in chronic pain and stiffness of the joints. Areas such as the hands, hips, knees, and lower back are mainly affected. Age and excessive use of the joints lead to the degeneration of cartilage, which is the coating on the surface of the bones in joints. Loss of cartilage means the protective cover over the bone is gone. They would then rub directly against each other, causing inflammation (2). We recommend you read our article on inflammaging to learn more about inflammation and its connection to age. Cartilage is strengthened Bovine collagen stimulates cartilage production and helps increase bone formation and mineralization. This helps reduce joint pain, thereby giving relief from osteoarthritis symptoms. Bone loss prevention Type I collagen has been shown to improve bone density and strengthen bones. Since bovine collagen has a substantial amount of this type, it helps prevent bone loss. Better sleep quality Bovine collagen enhances restorative sleep by triggering the release of the “happy hormones.” Read our article on the best natural ingredients to improve sleep if you currently experience difficulties sleeping. Side Effects of Bovine Collagen Generally, bovine collagen is safe to consume orally. It is considered safe for most people, and there is no standardized upper limit. However, in rare cases, gastrointestinal disorders have been reported, including diarrhea and nausea. When administered as a shot in the muscles, there are very few side effects. As can be expected with an injection, individuals may experience slight pain on the puncture site, with occasional swelling, local redness, or itching. How Do You Know if You Have Taken Too Much Collagen? Not everyone needs to take collagen supplements for glowing skin and strong joints. But there are certain individuals who will definitely benefit from taking it. For example, people with osteoarthritis who suffer from joint pain and inflammation or those who wish to look younger. Collagen is a type of protein. The protein requirements of most people are between 45 and 56 grams of protein per day. So, unless you are taking too much collagen or too much protein in your diet along with collagen, you will not cross the danger limit. However, in some people, it may cause stomach problems. Although rare, symptoms of allergy to collagen supplements can also occur. Studies have stated that 2.5–15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen per day is safe (3). How Long Can Collagen Be Taken? How long you need to take collagen depends on your requirement. For those with a collagen deficiency, taking it for a few days or a week will not make much difference. You need to consume your collagen supplements regularly for a month to start seeing changes in your skin, joint health, and more. Just 2.5 grams a day for three months has been found to significantly improve skin health, elasticity, and hydration (4). 15 grams of collagen peptide supplementation over three months improved body composition by increasing fat-free mass and muscle strength (5). Even 10–15 grams of collagen taken daily for six months is known to be safe and very effective. However, it is best to talk to your doctor for the right guidance, depending on your health condition. The Final Verdict In recent times, bovine collagen has been criticized for not being effective. In contrast, marine collagen is becoming popular. It is highly bioavailable and more sustainable. It is commonly available in powder form, which can be used in baking, or added to shakes or smoothies. You should always make sure to buy collagen from a reputed source, as this will guarantee purity. Approved Science® Collagen Pills are very effective as they have marine collagen powder derived from the wild Alaskan pollock. Understanding the different types of collagen and their specific properties will help you make the right choice of collagen supplements for improving your health.

Collagen capsules on a wooden spoon on collagen powder

Collagen The Risks of Collagen Deficiency and How to Prevent Them Collagen is a vital component of a strong and healthy body. Also known as the “golden protein,” collagen makes up approximately one-third of all protein in the body. This protein provides structure to the body. From skin, hair, and nails to gut lining, eyes, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, collagen is found everywhere in our body. Consequently, a collagen and protein deficiency can cause a range of problems, from brittle nails and wrinkled skin to joint pains, osteoarthritis, digestive disorders, and even liver problems. What Causes Collagen Deficiency? Collagen is a protein that your body makes naturally. However, certain factors can reduce collagen production, resulting in its deficiency. The main causes are: Age With age, collagen production decreases naturally. The decline starts from the age of 25 and from there the production decreases by 1% per year. With menopause, the drop is huge—at about 30%.Low-fat diet The low-fat dietary advice of the last few decades is responsible for the increasing number of collagen deficiencies, as low-fat diets provide far smaller amounts of collagen.Sun The ultraviolet rays of the sun (UVA and UVB) damage the skin and collagen fiber and are responsible for about 80% of skin aging. High sugar intake The intake of too much sugar damages your body from within. It also causes collagen degradation. Excess sugar in combination with a specific protein causes glycation. During this process, harmful substances are released called AGEs. They then bind to collagen fibers and destroy them.Cigarettes Smoking is another major contributing factor to collagen deficiency. The nicotine that you inhale constricts blood vessels and reduces the supply of oxygen and important nutrients to the skin. Smoking also produces AGEs that cause further damage. What's more, your body requires vitamin C to produce collagen. Smoking, however, breaks down this vitamin, and so it directly hampers collagen formation.Environmental pollution Pollution, smoke, toxic gasses, deodorants, perfumes, and construction material, among others, cause havoc to our collagen layer. Symptoms of Collagen Deficiency Lackluster skin Collagen gives your skin its elasticity, structure, and strength. It helps skin cells to repair themselves and helps the skin stay hydrated. Subsequently, if there is less collagen, the skin starts to lose its elasticity and sags, and you form wrinkles and look aged.Brittle nails Collagen is one of the major proteins in your nail. It supports the nail infrastructure and boosts its growth—ultimately, it is what keeps your nail strong. A lack of collagen, therefore, makes your nails brittle, and they break easily.Dull hair Collagen is the building block of the hair, and it surrounds each strand. It is the protein that gives your hair its structure and quality. Where there is a collagen deficiency, the hair begins to lose its sheen and thickness, and the health of the scalp deteriorates. This results in dull hair that damages and breaks easily.Joint and muscle stiffness The cartilage that acts as the bone's covering deteriorates with less collagen. It becomes stiffer, and the joints lose range of motion.Weak muscles With collagen deficiency, your muscle mass also decreases. This causes muscle weakness and the resulting pain.Joint pain and osteoarthritis When there is not enough collagen, the cartilage wears down, causing inflammation and joint pain.Brittle bones and fractures Collagen is what forms and strengthens your bones. When you are deficient in it, your bones become weak and prone to fracture.Digestion problems In instances of a collagen deficiency, the intestinal lining thins outs, and you are likely to experience digestion problems such as cramps and stomach aches.Low blood pressure The walls of your blood vessels are made of collagen. These are the pipes that ensure the smooth flow of blood across your body. When there is less collagen, these vessels become weak. It then gets difficult for your body to maintain the same blood flow, which eventually results in low blood pressure. Other symptoms are chest pain, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. How to Boost Collagen Levels There are many ways to boost your collagen levels, including: Eating Foods Rich in Essential Nutrients These will naturally boost collagen synthesis in the body. Nutrient-rich foods include citrus fruits, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, berries, organ meats, chicken skin, pork skin, oysters, beef, fish, poultry, crab, etc. They contain high amounts of vitamin C, zinc, copper, and high-quality protein that boosts collagen production. Taking Collagen Supplements Supplements can be in the form of powder or pills. Collagen powder can be taken by mixing it into smoothies, shakes, coffee, tea, or even baked goods. Collagen powder smoothies are a tasty way to boost your collagen levels, and marine collagen powder is highly recommended. Using Red Light Therapy Red light therapy has become very popular these days as a non-invasive method of boosting collagen. It is a low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) that helps increase collagen growth naturally and doesn’t have any side effects. Protecting Your Skin From UV Rays This is especially important for preserving the collagen layers. A good sunscreen to protect your skin and sunglasses for your eyes is highly recommended. Other than these, the intake of different types of antioxidants can help protect and rejuvenate the skin. Foods and drinks rich in these antioxidants are green tea, blueberries, yerba mate, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, essential oils, and coffee extract. Best Supplements to Stimulate Collagen Production 1. Nutritional Supplements The following nutrients can be taken as supplements and are the most effective in promoting collagen production: Hyaluronic acidVitamin CRetinolCopperProtein, especially those rich in lysine and prolineZinc 2. Collagen Powders and Pills These are excellent nutritional supplements used for collagen production. There are even Keto collagen supplements available for those following a Keto diet. Regardless of your diet, we suggest trying Approved Science® Collagen Pills, which contain marine collagen derived from wild Alaskan pollock. Its bioavailability is 1.5 times better than any other collagen, and it comes with vitamin C, BioPerine®, and sodium ions.

Collagen Collagen Powder: Types and Benefits Collagen, collagen supplements, and collagen powder are some of the latest buzzwords in the health and wellness industry. But what is collagen? Collagen is a type of protein that connects your body. It is the most abundant structural protein present in humans and animals. Your skin, hair, nails, joints, connective tissues, gut lining, and arterial walls are collagenous. What Is Collagen Powder? Collagen can be found in certain foods, skin creams and serums, and nutritional supplements. Collagen powder is the most common form of collagen supplement, although collagen supplements also come in capsule form. These powders come in many forms, amongst which bovine collagen powder and marine collagen powder have gained popularity. Why Take Collagen Powder? Collagen powder is mainly used to cover a nutritional gap and replenish collagen deficiencies and a lack of protein. It can slow down aging, increase skin elasticity, reduce joint pain, increase muscle mass, and reduce bone loss. Collagen powder can even boost brain health, promote better sleep, and enhance your cognitive functions. Approved Science® Collagen Pills are a great option if you aren’t comfortable mixing and using powdered supplements. These are high absorption capsules that help boost collagen throughout the body. There is good news for keto dieters too. Considering your requirement, keto collagen is also available. Different Types of Collagen Powder There are more than 28 types of collagen, and collagen powder contains one or more of these types. The five most prominent types include: Type I Collagen This type is used for strong hair, skin, nails, and bones. It is the most effective type in treating osteoporosis.Type II Collagen The second type provides excellent benefits in improving joint and cartilage health.Type III Collagen The benefits of this type include increasing skin elasticity, minimizing wrinkles, and strengthening bones and nails. It is also used with type I collagen to heal the gut.Type IV Collagen This type of collagen supports cell proliferation and differentiation.Type V Collagen Type V helps in forming cell surfaces and strengthens hair and cartilage. These types of collagen come from different sources. Collagen powders are typically derived from animals, eggshell membranes, and fish. They can be bovine, chicken, porcine, or marine collagen. The main forms of collagen supplements on the market are: Bovine Collagen Bovine collagen contains type I and III collagen. It is mainly effective in skin hydration and improved elasticity.Marine Collagen Marine collagen contains type I and II. It is highly effective in improving skin texture and bolstering cartilage health. It is often available as a powdered supplement that can be added to your food or be made into a delicious smoothie.Chicken Collagen This form contains type II collagen and also includes eggshell membrane collagen, which has type I and type V collagen. They help reduce inflammation, improve joint health, and strengthen muscles and ligaments. Benefits of Collagen Powder A collagen deficiency carries risks and can cause many complications. When the body loses its ability to produce collagen, the tissues they support break down. It shows in your face, nails, and hair. You experience problems with your gut, joints, bones, and muscles. Supplementing with collagen powder or collagen pills can be the solution. Bear in mind that it may take several weeks before the collagen starts working. The top benefits of taking collagen powder include: Reducing Wrinkles The collagen peptides in collagen powder can help slow skin aging by reducing wrinkles and skin dryness. It increases skin hydration and improves skin elasticity (1). You can use collagen powder as a nutritional supplement for improving your skin by mixing it into your tea, coffee, shakes, soups, or baked goods. One to two tablespoons of collagen powder can be added to your daily diet for this purpose. Reducing Joint Pain Cartilage is a rubbery material that covers your joint. Over time, cartilage wears down due to repeated movement and aging. This causes the bones in the joints to rub against each other, leading to pain and inflammation (2). Collagen supplements help in the growth and repair of cartilage tissue, thus relieving pain in the knees, elbows, ankles, and other joints. Aiding Sleep Glycine is the primary amino acid in collagen, comprising up to 33%. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms your nerves to help you unwind, relax, and eventually fall asleep. Glycine is known to be a viable sleep aid as it can help you get into a deeper, more restful sleep state (3). The amino acid also inhibits the activity of orexin neurons, which are critical for arousal, energy homeostasis, and reward-seeking. Promoting Good Liver Health Glycine, combined with L-Taurine, is necessary for synthesizing bile salts. It acts as an emulsifier to fats and is essential for the digestion of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. Bile is also important to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. When you take collagen powder, you provide the body with glycine that helps produce bile. Glycine also helps reduce the damage to liver cells from toxins. Studies have shown glycine acts as a therapeutic immuno-nutrient for alcoholic liver disease (4). Regulating Hormones Collagen can potentially help to reduce menopausal complications because of its estrogen-like effects on bone protection. Estrogen regulates bone metabolism and supports the development of new bone cells, and collagen has similar functions. This is again the work of glycine, one of the amino acids present in collagen (5). Speeding Up Muscle Repair Time Collagen is excellent for recovery. Healing occurs through two critical processes: the regeneration of ruptured muscle fibers and the production of connective scar tissue. The key to both of these processes is collagen formation. Studies found that collagen powder intake increases the synthesis of muscle cells and accelerates healing. Improving Brain Health It has been found that a certain type of collagen, collagen VI, protects brain cells against amyloid-beta (Aβ) proteins, which are widely thought to cause Alzheimer’s disease. Collagen also helps improve mood. Glycine enhances the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Several studies have confirmed the link between glycine and schizophrenia, finding that treatment with the amino acid improved their cognitive and psychiatric symptoms (6). Side Effects of Collagen Powder Collagen supplements are safe to consume for most. However, some may experience mild digestive problems, such as: Mild bloatingHeaviness in the stomachConstipationReduced appetite Those who are allergic or hypersensitive to seafood or eggs can get allergic reactions, including: Hives or eczemaSwelling of the lips, tongue, or skinAbdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomitingWheezingDizziness or lightheadedness Another significant side effect of collagen is hypercalcemia. Many collagen supplements contain products from high calcium marine sources such as shellfish, cod, and mackerel. Those with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones should talk to their doctor before starting with a collagen supplement. The supplements contain an amino acid called hydroxyproline that can be converted into oxalate and excreted via the kidneys. In people prone to kidney stones, this can trigger a kidney stone to form. When starting with a collagen supplement, it is advised to have adequate amounts of water. How to Choose the Best Collagen Powder The market is flooded with many forms of collagen supplements promising different benefits. Some points to keep in mind when choosing collagen powder are: Source of Collagen Any collagen derived from animals should be grass-fed or pastured. The fishes should be wild-caught. Marine collagen is more expensive than animal collagen, such as bovine or chicken collagen. However, it is easily absorbed in the body compared to the others.Form of Collagen Go for the ones that contain hydrolyzed collagen. It simply means that the collagen has been broken down into smaller units easily dissolved in hot and cold liquids. It also means your body can digest this form faster.Ingredients Used Some collagen supplements contain many additives with pure collagen. Choose the ones which only have collagen hydrolysate, hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides. But you can opt for collagen with added vitamin C. This particular vitamin helps optimize the efficacy of collagen supplements.Third Party Certification FDA regulations aren’t applicable to supplements. Therefore, to be assured of the quality, it is better to choose supplements that are third party tested—for example, NSF, UL, or USP.Your Individual Requirements Choosing the best type of collagen powder depends on the needs of the consumer. Whether the person wants it for joint health or wrinkles, your choice of supplement will vary. Type I collagen is good for healthy bones, eyes, and wound healing. Marine collagen is high in type I collagen, while bovine collagen contains both types I and II. If you are taking it for joint pain and inflammation, type II collagen is best.