How do I know which collagen is the right one for me?

[NCTDN]

There’s so many out there! I don’t know where to start…

What results are you hoping for? What are you looking to improve?

I don’t really know tbh. Feel that everyone else takes it though ! I’d like to firm up my skin and I do have bad joints. There’s so many adverts on social media that’s it’s hard to know which one is the best one.

Have a listen to this
(BBC 4 Sliced Bread episode on collagen)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002tbzx?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

If you want it to tackle both skin and joints go for one that mixes types 1 and 2.

Types one and two ?

Not suggested you have to buy nothing from Holland & Barrett specifically, but they have an article on different types of collagen that you may might helpful?

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/vitamins-and-supplements/supplements/collagen/the-ultimate-guide-to-collagen-types-i-ii-and-iii/

That was useful thanks. But then the products don’t always say if type 1 or 2!

I’m going to listen to this in the car later thanks

They are essentially dietary supplements, and can be very expensive. It may be cheaper to research how you can naturally boost collagen in your normal diet. The collagen is digested in the same way all food is it can’t be absorbed directly. And when the amino acids & peptides, that have been broken down to absorb, enter the blood stream they are not directed to the skin but used by the body wherever needed.
Most commercially available collagen supplements are derived from the bits that are essentially waste ( bones, skin, fat) that is then processed to produce a marketable product.
If you are vegan or vegetarian your diet will be very low in collagen but of course supplements are animal based so can’t be used. If your diet is rich in animal protein then you will already have a good usable source of the building blocks your body uses to make collagen.
Like many dietary supplements when you analyse the actual process our bodies use to make collagen, unless you have a diet that is low in protein and animal fat, they really are an expensive addition.
They are recommended if you are dieting particularly if you are using WLI. But if you think rationally, the period of your life when demand for collagen production is greatest is childhood and puberty when growth is massive. I am not aware of any marketing of collagen supplements for children. But the aging female population is currently bombarded because we are an easy target in our pursuit of immortality.
Essentially we cannot use the collagen supplement directly, it is broken down and then once absorbed the amino acids can be used by the body to produce human collagen. As we age we replace less and less collagen, it’s known as the aging process. If your body already has a sufficient supply of amino acids then supplements are unnecessary.

I use the revive collagen powder on Amazon, it’s got all 5 types and I’ve been using it since July last year. I have one scoop a day in my first coffee. Completely tasteless and I think it’s really helped. My nails and hair look better and stronger and my knees are much less clicky ( but have also lost 6 stone since August).

6 stone is incredible - well done!
Looking now, some of them are high in protein. I’m trying to lose weight and follow a high protein diet so I’m thinking that ones with protein can surely only be a good thing?