Collagen supplements are available in powders, capsules, shots and tablets and promise to deliver anti-ageing skin benefits as well as helping to keep our bones and joints healthy.
Collagen is a protein made from animal or fish derivatives and is rich in amino acids that play an important role in skin and in joints. Collagen provides strength for your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Often associated with improving the appearance of wrinkles, collagen is also required for the manufacture of joint cartilage and displays anti-inflammatory properties which helps to alleviate joint pain & may ensure joint mobility in people suffering from osteoarthritis.
When looking for collagen supplements, ensure that the collagen supplement contains collagen hydrolysate, also known as hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides. This is a form where the collagen protein has been broken down into easily absorbable amino acids which are utilised by the body to help in the repair of cartilage and joint tissues.
Recent studies show that the best collagen supplement to consider would be one containing collagen tripeptides. Collagen tripeptides are the smallest unit of collagen that are absorbed several times more efficiently from the gut into the bloodstream than other forms of collagen. This means that this type of collagen is suitable for those with a sensitive stomach and helps skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints without the need to take different types of collagen supplements.