From tablets to gummies, we test easy ways to get more collagen to help skin and joints
COLLAGEN is a protein composed of amino acids found in connective tissues such as cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments and skin.
As we age, collagen degrades and it becomes harder to produce more.
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Most experts recommend consuming 15 to 30g per day.
There are several types – marine collagen from fish is good for skin and bones, while bovine collagen from cows is good for joint health.
Here, Jane Atkinson explores ways to preserve collagen. . .
MEAL REPLACEMENT SHAKE
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COLLASLIM by So Body Co is a great idea.
It’s a meal replacement shake powder that contains 5g of Peptan marine collagen (made with quality, from sustainable, wild-caught fish).
It also contains whey protein, skim milk powder, oat flour and many long-named ingredients, namely amino acids and vitamins.
I tried the vanilla flavor.
A 40g serving has 146 calories, 23.8g of protein and about a third of the recommended daily allowance of vitamins A, D3, E, K1 and C, as well as minerals like selenium, copper and zinc.
A great multitasking idea. The only downside for me is the sweetness – it’s disgusting.
It says to add 400ml almond milk but I used water as I don’t have a sweet tooth.
From £29.91 for 800g, £1.50 per meal. sobody.co.
Effervescent Tablet
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This is a great new product from trusted vitamin company Vitl – Collagen and Vitamin C Effervescent Tablets.
These peach flavored pills are sugar free and can be taken daily by simply dissolving two of them in a glass of water.
That yields just 1g of hydrolyzed or easily digested marine collagen, but it’s mixed with a whopping 80mg of vitamin C.
They work great together as vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and acts as an antioxidant to improve skin, hair and nails.
It also promotes joint health and immunity.
The peach flavor is delicious—think no-alcohol Bellini—and each tablet is just 9 calories.
Quite expensive for not the largest dose of collagen, but convenient to use.
£9.95 for a one-time purchase of 20 tablets or subscribe to vitl.com for a £1 discount.
SUGAR-FREE GUMMIES
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NO sea or beef dishes.
Novomin’s Vegan Collagen Gummies are part of their new sugar-free range.
These contain BCAAs, which are a crucial component of collagen but do not exist in the finished form.
To be vegan, however, you have to sacrifice something.
They contain the amino acids L-tryptophan, L-histidine, and L-phenylalanine, as well as vitamins C, D2, and E, all of which promote collagen formation.
I love that they contain hyaluronic acid, which helps lock in moisture in the skin, resulting in a plumper look.
These awesome vegan teddy bear gummies taste great and are super cute too.
From £15.29 for a month’s supply, novomins.com.