With so many blends and types available, how do you know which collagen is for you?
So, you want to start taking collagen, because you’ve heard that collagen powder benefits range from glowing skin, shiny hair, improved gut health, to stronger bones and joints. But there are so many blends and types of collagen out there, you might be feeling a sense of overwhelm. Sound familiar? Choosing the best collagen supplements doesn’t have to be hard, and we’re here to make it easier for you.
Start with identifying your needs – what do you want collagen to help with?
When choosing a collagen supplement, start by asking yourself: “what do I want collagen to help me with?” Is it for better nail, skin, and hair health? Are you struggling with aching bones and joints? Do you want to improve your gut health? Is it all the above? Knowing your ‘why’ will help guide you into choosing the best collagen supplement for your needs.
Understanding the Different Types of Collagen and What Role They Play
There are different types of collagen? Yup, that’s right. Although there are a total of 16 types of collagen, types 1, 2, and 3 are the most talked about.
Type 1 Collagen
Type 1 collagen is found in our hair, skin, nails, and bones, and is the most abundant type of collagen in our body. Type 1 collagen is essential when it comes to the beauty benefits of collagen. It’s responsible for our skin elasticity, strength, and helps with anti-aging. Marine and bovine collagen are great sources of type 1 collagen. If beauty is your focus, try our Enhanced Collagen Pure Beauty powder.
Type 2 Collagen
Type 2 collagen is primarily found in our connective tissues – think joints, ligaments, and cartilage. As we age, our cartilage and ligaments start to weaken, so supplementing with type 2 collagen is beneficial. Chicken is a great source of type 2 collagen, which can be found in our Full Spectrum Collagen 1,2,3,5,10. Our Enhanced Collagen Bone and Joint is also a great option as it is rich in types 1 and 3 collagen, with added ingredients like MSM and glucosamine for targeted bone and joint health.
Type 3 Collagen
Type 3 collagen is also an abundant type of collagen in our body. Along with type 1 collagen, type 3 collagen is essential for improving our skin elasticity, healthy hair and nails, and gut health. A great option for both types 1 and 3 collagen is Canada’s #1 selling collagen powder, our Enhanced Collagen Original. If you’re looking for an extra complete protein boost, opt for our Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein.
Take Our quiz and Find Your Perfect Collagen Match
Should I choose bovine, marine, or plant-based collagen?
Whether you opt for bovine, marine, or plant-based collagen depends on what your lifestyle, goals, and needs are. Bovine collagen offers both types 1 and 3 collagen. From our Enhanced Collagen Original, to blends such as Enhanced Collagen Relax, Enhanced Collagen Sleep, or Enhanced Collagen Chocolate, there is a powder for everyone. On the other hand, if you either don’t consume bovine products or want to solely focus on type 1 collagen, our Marine Collagen Powder or Salmon Collagen Capsules are both great options to choose from. If you are plant-based but still want to reap the benefits of collagen, try our Plant-Based Collagen Booster.
The options don’t just stop there. If you prefer capsules over powder, try our Enhanced Collagen Protein Capsules or Vegetarian Collagen capsules. If you prefer a liquid supplement, try our Liquid Enhanced Collagen with added Vitamin C and Biotin, or Liquid Marine Collagen sourced from sustainable wild-caught North Atlantic Cod.
What to look for in a collagen supplement?
Not all collagen supplements are created equal, so it’s important to understand what to look for in a high-quality collagen supplement. The most important thing to make note of when looking at a collagen supplement is that it is made up of hydrolyzed collagen peptides. Since collagen is a big molecule, it’s difficult to digest as is. That’s where hydrolyzed collagen peptides come in. When collagen is hydrolyzed, it becomes easily digestible, better absorbed by the body, tasteless and odourless, and can be easily dissolved in liquids (hot or cold). You can learn more about hydrolyzed collagen here.
It's also important that your collagen supplement is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, free from all hormones, antibiotics, artificial ingredients, dairy, gluten, and is non-GMO. Your collagen supplement should be a clean, single-ingredient formula. All of Organika’s collagen supplements meet these criteria.
How much collagen should I take per day and when should I take it?
Now that you’ve chosen your collagen supplement based on your goals, you might be wondering how much collagen you need to take to see results, and when you should be taking it. We recommend following the dosage on the package for best results. Taking collagen should be a part of your daily routine in order to reap the benefits. Our best tip? Make it a part of your daily routine that you’ve already established. Add it to your morning coffee, your post-workout smoothie, or even add it to your favourite recipes - this is called habit stacking. The options are endless and consistency is key.