Collagen has grown to become a household name for its numerous health benefits. Collagen has the ability to help improve skin health, reduce pain in the joints, and provide holistic healing properties. While the supplement continues to see impressive interest, the rise of collagen coincides with an influx of new collagen products. Choosing the right collagen supplement from the many options can be daunting, especially considering the questions regarding collagen pills vs powder.
Which is better and what should you take for your health? Fortunately, both are incredibly effective and offer tremendous health benefits provided that they contain an optimal dose of marine collagen (1). Learn more about what makes marine collagen the best version of the supplement, the benefits of consuming both collagen pills and powder, and how to find the best collagen pills and powder for maximum health benefits.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body and one of the main components of the connective tissue in the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and the skin (2). It is used by the body during many internal processes and is primarily responsible for maintaining the skin’s structure. This is because both collagen and elastin form the foundation of your skin’s health and integrity (3).
Research has identified 28 types of collagen that occur in the body, however, we have outlined the four most prominent types that play a pivotal role in your overall health and wellbeing below (4).
- Type I: found in all connective tissue in the body, and the most commonly occurring type of collagen.
- Type II: found in the joints and spinal discs, helping protect these areas of the body from damage.
- Type III: found in the reticular fibers, most notably occurring in the skin and blood vessels.
- Type IV: found in the kidneys, inner ear, and eye lens, enabling these areas of the body to combat damage from external stressors.
Both collagen pills and powders can contain any number of these types of collagen at varying concentrations, offering different benefits as a result. Type I and Type II collagen are, however, most commonly used as they provide maximum skin and joint support in the best collagen pills and powders formulas.
Additionally, most collagen supplements contain of hydrolyzed collagen in their formulas (5). Hydrolyzed collagen is a form of collagen that is broken down into smaller, more easily absorbable particles. Hydrolyzed collagen supplements are superior to other forms of collagen supplements on the market as they deliver faster and more effective results.
Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: Which is Better?
If you have spent some time searching for collagen pills and powders, then you may have come across evidence of marine and bovine collagen. These are two distinct types of collagen that are sourced in different ways. Marine collagen is derived from the skin of fish while bovine collagen comes from the process of boiling cow bones (6).
While bovine collagen may be a more affordable option, marine collagen delivers quicker results. Scientific studies show that marine collagen is absorbed 1.5 times faster than in bovine collagen supplements (7). The extraction of marine collagen is also an ethical and sustainable process, reducing the potential environmental impact of collagen extraction.
If you are searching for collagen pills or powders that deliver the most efficient and effective results in the most sustainable way, then marine collagen supplements are the way to go. The slightly higher costs of marine collagen supplements in comparison with bovine collagen supplements are a small price to pay for long-term health benefits that deliver some of the most prominent skin, joint, and holistic support.
Collagen Pills vs Powder: What’s the Difference?
When discussing collagen pills vs powder and which is better, one needs to consider the differences between the two types of supplements from various vantage points. In terms of the quality and efficiency of collagen delivery, the two types of supplements are very similar. Both offer an incredibly high rate of delivery, provided that they contain an optimal concentration of marine collagen.
If one was to put both products next to one another, you would notice that collagen pills can and do include additional ingredients like Vitamin C and BioPerine® (8) The addition of these beneficial ingredients can improve the efficacy of the supplement. BioPerine®, for example, improves the body’s ability to absorb collagen. That said, collagen powders compensate for these exclusions by delivering the highest possible dosage of collagen in a safe formula. Therefore, both are completely viable supplements to consider and should delivery similar effects.
Other differences between collagen pills vs powder include the ways in which you can consume the supplements. Collagen pills are often preferred by individuals that want to consume collagen on the go and do not want to experience the taste of collage. Collagen powders often appeal to individuals that want to blend their collagen in smoothies, heap a scoop of collagen into their morning coffee, and do not particularly mind the taste of collagen.
As the main difference between collagen pills vs powder comes down to the way that you consume the beneficial product and not the supplement’s ability to live up to manufacturer claims, you can freely purchase the best collagen pills or powder depending on your lifestyle preferences.
5 Benefits of Collagen Pills and Collagen Powder
We have discussed that collagen pills and collagen powder offer the same benefits with little difference in results preferring one method of consumption over the other. But, what exactly are those benefits, and is there any scientific evidence to suggest that collagen pills and powders are great for your health? Below, we explore the five key benefits of collagen pills and powder to give you a clearer idea of what to expect when adding a collagen supplement to your diet.
1. Improves Skin Health
As mentioned, collagen is a primary component of the skin and, along with elastin, forms the foundation of your skin’s structural health and integrity. Its presence in the body also ensures that your skin retains its strength. This is an especially important note to consider as collagen production by the body decreases with age (9). The appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with age is commonly attributed to a lack of collagen as the body begins to slow down and reduces the rate of collagen production.
Studies show that an uptake of collagen in the body through supplementation can significantly improve skin elasticity and hydration (10). Furthermore, an increase in collagen levels in the body can help develop other proteins that are responsible for maintaining the skin’s structural integrity, including elastin and fibrillin.
2. Alleviates Joint Pain
Many people consume collagen pills and powders for their proposed benefits to the joints. For one thing, collagen helps the body maintain the structural integrity of the cartilage surrounding the joints. A decrease in collagen levels can be dangerous as it increases the risk of adults experiencing harmful joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis (11).
According to studies on people who suffered from osteoarthritis, those who received 10 grams of collagen reported a reduction of symptoms associated with joint conditions (12). These individuals noted reduced pain in the joints as well as an alleviation of stiffness in the joints. Most medical practitioners believe these effects to be linked to collagen’s supportive role in the development of healthy cartilage.
3. Reduce Rates of Bone Loss
Besides being a primary component in your skin and cartilage, collagen is found in the bones. In fact, collagen is the main structural constituent of the bones, helping them maintain their strength and structure (13). Therefore, minimizing a reduction of collagen production with age by adding collagen pills or powders to your diet can ensure that your bones stay healthy and strong for longer.
Studies have found that the supplement of marine collagen can minimize bone breakdown, reduce low bone density, and combat fractures that can all contribute to the development of osteoarthritis and other health conditions (14).
4. Increases Muscle Mass
As collagen is a primary component of the bones, it also plays a role in the strength of an individual’s skeletal muscle. The significance of collagen to your skeletal muscle is reported in studies that claim that people with sarcopenia can combat loss of muscle mass by supplementing their diet with collagen pills or powders (15).
These studies note that subjects taking collagen experienced an increase in muscle mass and strength (16). Medical professionals add to this by stating that collagen may encourage the synthesis of significant proteins in the muscles, including creatine. Collagen’s ability to support one’s muscles mass means that collagen supplements can be beneficial additions to one’s workout regime.
5. Supports Heart Health
There are many theories around collagen’s ability to support cardiovascular health. The research comes in response to links between collagen and the structure of the arteries. Medical professionals suggest that collagen causes the blood vessels to become more flexible and elastic. This important to maintain for improving blood flow and reducing the impact of conditions like hypertension.
More severe conditions that can contribute to heart attacks and strokes, like atherosclerosis, are also more likely among individuals with excessively low levels of collagen and other important nutrients in their bodies (17). One particular study found that individuals with an increase in collagen levels experienced a reduction in artery stiffness and developed greater levels of HDL good cholesterol (18).
How to Find the Best Collagen Pills and Collagen Powder
As both collagen pills and powders work similarly, the choice between the two comes down to personal consumption preference. Additionally, the quality of specific pills and powders differs greatly between collagen supplement manufacturers. For this reason, you should note several strategies to find the best collagen pills and collagen powders on the market.
Firstly, you should ensure that the product formula contains essential ingredients at optimal dosages. For collagen pills, you should purchase a supplement that supplies 2,500 mg of hydrolyzed marine collagen to be taken two times each day. For collagen powders, you should consume a supplement that supplies 8,000 mg of hydrolyzed marine collagen with each serving to be taken once per day. Both of these methods will deliver an optimal concentration of marine collagen, and additional beneficial ingredients found in collagen pills, in the safest way possible. You should also note whether or not the product includes any additives, preservatives, or fillers, as these are likely to be harmful chemicals that can be dangerous and reduce the efficacy of the supplement.
Beyond confirming the quality and concentration of the formula, you can keep your eyes peeled for telltale signs of a quality manufacturer. Most notably, you should ensure that the products are tested by third parties to confirm efficacy. This is generally noted on the manufacturer’s website, also signaled by the prominence of cGMP certifications on the website and product packaging. Furthermore, the most trustworthy manufacturers include clear 100% money-back guarantees and secure online shopping guarantees. This should instill confidence in your purchase as it showcases the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.
Finally, you should scan online reviews to confirm other consumers’ experiences with the product. Browsing online reviews will give you a better idea of how other consumers view your desired product and help you make an informed consumer decision.
Best Ingredients in Collagen Pills
Be on the lookout for key ingredients found in collagen pills. Below, we explore the best ingredients that reputable manufacturers include in their collagen pill supplements. You can use this information as a guide to choosing the right collagen pills for you and experiencing the maximum benefits of collagen in the fastest way possible. Additionally, take a look at our review of Approved Science® Collagen Pills.
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen delays signs of aging in the skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This type of collagen also benefits the joints by supporting the strength of cartilage, among other health benefits (19).
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential ingredient that supports one’s overall health and wellbeing. Vitamin C is primarily an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress and fighting the excessive development of harmful free radicals (20). Vitamin C also aids collagen pill formulas by boosting the production of collagen in the body and repairing cardiovascular problems.
Sodium
Sodium is an essential component of the best collagen pills on the market as it helps increase the rate of collagen absorption into the bloodstream, improving the efficiency of the best collagen supplements on the market.
BioPerine®
BioPerine® is a clinically proven and patented ingredient that you will find in supplement pills for its ability to support the body’s absorption of essential ingredients, namely collagen in this particular instance.
Best Collagen Pills to Try
Approved Science® Collagen Pills contains all the ingredients mentioned above.
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen | |
Vitamin C | |
Sodium | |
BioPerine® |
Best Ingredients in Collagen Powder
Before buying collagen powder, you should carefully read the product packaging or label clearly identified on the manufacturer’s website to confirm the inclusion of superior marine collagen. When it comes to collagen powders, hydrolyzed marine collagen is the primary and only ingredient in the best formulas. This is because the best collagen powders aim to cut out any additives, fillers, and preservatives that may hinder the results. Furthermore, they intend to deliver an extremely high yet safe concentration of the core active ingredient rather than altering the product formula with additional ingredients.
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen
The most effective collagen powders deliver up to 8,000mg of hydrolyzed collagen which is responsible for the many benefits associated with collagen supplements. In collagen powders, hydrolyzed collagen quickly absorbs into the body and bloodstream, enhancing the skin’s structural integrity, supporting the joints by strengthening the cartilage surrounding them, and enhancing sebum production for smoother and more supple skin.
Best Collagen Powder to Try
Approved Science® Collagen Powder is another exceptional collagen supplement. The formula contains a high concentration of its core active ingredient.
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen |
Potential Side Effects of Collagen Pills and Powder
In the right dosage, hydrolyzed marine collagen should not induce any negative side effects. That said, consumers should consult their health practitioner prior to consumption and ween off use if experiencing any of the following potential side effects.
- An allergic reaction to the ingredients in the product
- Experiences with nausea or bloating
- Consistent feelings of satiety, or frequent experiences with heartburn
In all instances, we advise against taking collagen or any other over-the-counter supplements for that matter, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or experience major heart complications.
The risks of overusing collagen supplements are only a substantial threat when individuals consume products that contain harmful ingredients or do not follow the product instructions as per the product label. Choosing one of the best collagen pills or powders and taking it as intended is the safest way to experience the many benefits associated with hydrolyzed marine collagen.
Your Collagen Takeaway
Collagen pills vs powders: the choice is yours. Make sure your collagen is derived from marine collagen so you can enjoy the best results for your skin and joints. Take 10% off your next collagen purchase from Approved Science® (this works for both pills and powder)!