Collagen Peptides
Glowing skin, healthy hair, strong nails, AND healthy joint function?! Supplemental collagen almost sounds too good to be true. Although research is limited and much more needs to be done, it continues to support the benefits of this health food supplement, and to be honest I’m here for it. Over the past six months or so I’ve been incorporating collagen into my routine by adding it to my smoothies, oatmeal, and even coffee. And after trying multiple brands, I decided to do a deep dive in order to find the best product. However, in my quest to find the best, I discovered that each brand has unique properties that make all of the below options equally great. But before we get into which brand might be best for you, what is collagen and why do we care about it?
what is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and the major structural component of various connective tissues including bone, skin, muscle, cartilage, tendons, and blood vessels just to name a few. Derived from the Greek word “kólla” meaning glue, collagen provides structural support, tensile strength, and elasticity allowing us to move, bend, and stretch. The body naturally makes its own collagen, and in order to do so, it requires eating a balanced diet of protein-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables. These foods are broken down into the necessary amino acids or “building blocks” and vitamins required for proper synthesis. However, as we get older, our body’s ability to produce collagen naturally decreases leaving our skin looking dull and our joints more rigid.
So what can we do?
In addition to eating a balanced diet, limiting refined sugars and carbs, minimizing sun exposure, and smoking cessation are great ways to promote collagen synthesis and mitigate breakdown. But if you’re looking for an added boost to ensure optimal production, collagen peptides might just be for you. Although there is limited research on supplemental collagen, numerous studies have demonstrated improvements in skin elasticity, reduced skin dryness, improvements in the appearance of wrinkles, reduced activity related joint pain, and strengthened tendons and ligaments.
So which Brand is right for you?
While there are plenty of brands to pick from, my favorites include Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides, Bullet Proof Unflavored Collagen Protein, and Great Lakes Gelatin Co. Collagen Hydrolysate. Not only are these products readily available at my local go-to grocery and health food stores, they source their products from grass-fed, pasture-raised, ethically raised cattle and have unique characteristics that make them truly worthwhile.
For the curious:
If you’re interested in adding collagen to your diet but you don’t know where to start, look no further than Great Lakes Gelatin Co. Collagen Hydrolysate from Trader Joe’s. This product is hands down one of the best in terms of value and here’s why:
One 7 ounce canister costs only $9.99 (0.052 cents/gram)
Includes 19 of the 20 amino acids
Has the best amino acid profile in terms of percent composition when compared to its counterparts (9 amino acids came in 1st place, 6 came in 2nd, and 4 came in 3rd)
Contains the least amount of sodium
It’s safe so say this deal is seriously tough to beat!
For the committed:
If you’re already a fan of collagen and you’re looking to keep your pantry stocked, Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides available at Whole Foods is for you. This product is slightly more expensive per gram when compared to Great Lakes but comes with some added benefits:
One 20 ounce canister costs $43.00 (0.077 cents/gram)
They offer an amazing subscription service where you get 25% off your first order and 15% off each additional order (plus free shipping). This comes out to cost $32.25 (0.057 cents/gram) on your first order and $36.55 (0.065 cents/gram) on each order after that.
Contains vitamin C which is an essential cofactor in the collagen synthesis pathway, aka without vitamin C you can’t make collagen
Contains hyaluronic acid (HA) which plays a critical role in skin moisture due to its unique ability to bind and retain water. Some studies suggest that when collagen supplementation is taken alone without HA, there is no effect on skin moisture and hydration.
Includes 18 of the 20 amino acids
In terms of amino acid composition, 3 amino acids came in 1st place, 5 came in 2nd, and 10 came in 3rd when compared to its counterparts
With an amazing subscription service that requires zero commitment and free cancellations, in addition to the added benefits of vitamin C and HA, this is a great option for those committed to the collagen!
For the Health conscious consumer:
If quality is your main concern, then Bullet Proof Unflavored Collagen Protein available at Fresh Market is what you want. Although slightly more expensive when compared to both Great Lakes and Vital Proteins, the quality of essential amino acids in Bullet Proof is one of the best:
One 17.6 ounce canister costs $39.95 (0.079 cents/gram)
They offer a subscription service where you get 10% off each order and free shipping with orders over $35. This comes out to cost $35.95 (0.072 cents/gram) on each order.
Contains the best essential amino acid profile, aka amino acids that you absolutely have to get from your diet, otherwise you don’t get them and your body can’t make them
Includes 18 of the 20 amino acids
In terms of amino acid composition, 7 amino acids came in 1st place (5 are essential), 7 came in 2nd, and 4 came in 3rd when compared to its counterparts
Is lower in sodium when compared to Vital Proteins
Contains the least amount of calories per gram (Vital Proteins is equivalent)
With the best essential amino acid profile, this option is perfect for those interested in a high quality product.
All in all, each brand provides something unique and you can’t go wrong with any of the above options. So for all of my collagen lovers, what’s your favorite brand and why? I’d love to hear from you!
xx Lauren