The 10 Best Collagen Supplements For Joints
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Imagine a life where joint pain doesn't restrict your everyday activities. By choosing one of the best collagen supplements for joints…
This could be your reality.
This article will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision, giving you the power to enhance your joint health and overall well-being.
So, sit back, relax, and read on to find out how the right collagen supplement can make a world of difference to your joint health.
Unstoppabl’s Top Picks
Best Overall: Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides
Best Powder: Besha Natural Collagen Peptides
Best for Pregnancy: Needed Collagen Protein Powder
Best Marine Derived: Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides
Best With Vitamin C: Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder at Amazon
Best Capsule: Trunature Healthy Skin Verisol Collagen at Amazon
Best Collagen Blend: CB Supplements Multi Collagen Protein at Amazon
Best for Joint Pain: Healthy Origins Undenatured Type II Collagen
Best for Athletes: Momentous Collagen Peptides at Amazon
Best Liquid: Vital Proteins Vital Collagen Water
Reviews of the Best Collagen Supplements for Joints
We've researched and analyzed the market to bring you a comprehensive list of the best collagen supplements specifically designed for joint health.
Best Overall - Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides
- Premium offering with 20g collagen peptides per serving
- Bioavailable collagen peptides advanced powder
- Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
- Easy to use
- Certified paleo-friendly & whole 30 approved
Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides contains a blend of Types I, II, and III collagen sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovines.
This non-GMO product is also gluten and dairy-free, making it a great choice if you have dietary restrictions. People who use this praise its effectiveness for reducing joint pain and improving skin and hair health.
Best Powder - Besha Natural Collagen Peptides
- High-quality collagen
- Consumer's report top choice
- Clean label
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
If you prefer to mix your collagen supplement into drinks or food, Besha Natural Collagen Peptides is an excellent choice.
This product is hydrolysed for optimal absorption and mixes easily without clumping. It's a potent source of Type II collagen, perfect for promoting joint health.
Best for Pregnancy - Needed Collagen Protein
- 15g of protein with a tailored amino acid profile
- Ethically sourced from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised, hormone-free bovines from New Zealand
- Developed in partnership with doctors, as well as other researchers, practitioners, and real moms
- Easy-to-take, optimally-absorbed and tailored for before, during, and after pregnancy
Pregnant women also need to care for their joints, and Needed Collagen Protein is our top choice for this category.
It's specifically formulated to be safe during pregnancy, and it provides a good blend of Types I, II, and III collagen.
Best Marine Derived - Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides
If you prefer marine sources of collagen, Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides is our top pick.
Made from wild-caught fish, this supplement is rich in Type I collagen, known for promoting skin, hair, and bone health.
Best With Vitamin C - Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen
- Contains 10 types of collagen from 4 real food sources
- Made with proprietary fermented eggshell collagen
- Enhanced with soil-based organism (sbo) probiotics
- Easy to use
- Developed by Dr. Josh Axe
Read our review of Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen here.
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen combines the benefits of collagen with the power of vitamin C, which is known to enhance collagen synthesis in the body.
This unique blend can help boost your body's natural collagen production while providing additional collagen for immediate benefits.
Best Capsule - Trunature Healthy Skin Verisol Collagen
- 2-Pack Trunature Healthy Skin Verisol Collagen 240 Capsules Each
- Nutritional supplement
If you prefer the convenience of a capsule, Trunature Healthy Skin Verisol Collagen is our top recommendation.
They provide a potent dose of Types I, II, and III collagen. People who use this experience a significant reduction in joint pain and an improvement in skin health after consistent use.
Best Collagen Blend - CB Supplements Multi Collagen Protein
- NSF -certified multi collagen protein on the market
- Doctor trusted
- Made in the USA
Read our review of CB Supplements Multi Collagen Protein here.
CB Supplements Multi Collagen Protein stands out due to its inclusion of five types of collagen.
This blend ensures a comprehensive approach to joint health, skin health, bone health, and more. It combines types I, II, III, V, and X collagen, all sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovines.
Best for Joint Pain - Healthy Origins Undenatured Type II Collagen
- Premium collagen pill
- Trusted collagen supplement
- Gluten-free capsules
- Tried, tested & true
- Quality since 1996
Read our review of Healthy Origins Undenatured Type II Collagen here.
If joint pain is your primary concern, Healthy Origins Undenatured Type II Collagen is the best option for you.
Its high concentration of Type II collagen is designed to target joint pain specifically.
Reviews highlight a noticeable reduction in joint discomfort after regular use of this supplement.
Best for Athletes - Momentous Collagen Peptides
- Clinically researched collagen peptide formula
- Sourced bioactive collagen peptide peptiplus from grass-fed bovine hide
- Researched ingredients
- Highest quality certification - NSF and informed sport certified for safe and elite results
Athletes put a lot of pressure on their joints, and Momentous Collagen Peptides is designed to support an active lifestyle.
With a high concentration of Type II collagen and the addition of other natural anti-inflammatory compounds, this supplement helps improve athletic performance by reducing joint pain and accelerating recovery.
Best Liquid - Vital Proteins Vital Collagen Water
- Vital Proteins Ready To Drink Strawberry Lemonade Flavored Collagen Water, 12 Fluid Ounces (Pack Of 12)
If you struggle with swallowing capsules or dislike powders, a liquid supplement like Vital Proteins Vital Collagen Water could be the perfect fit.
What is Collagen and Where is it Found?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about one-third of your total protein.
It's one of the major building blocks for bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Collagen is also found in many other body parts, including blood vessels, corneas, and teeth.
Think of this like the "glue" that holds all these things together. The word “collagen” actually comes from the Greek word "kólla," which means glue!
Biochemical Structure of Collagen
The structure of collagen is unique and complex. It forms a triple helix structure, resembling three coiled springs.
This structure is incredibly strong, allowing it to provide the necessary support and stability to your bones, joints, and skin.
Each collagen molecule is made up of three polypeptide chains, which consist of repeating units of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
This unique biochemical structure is what allows collagen to perform its diverse functions in the body. (1)
How is Collagen Related to Joint Pain and Bone Loss?
Collagen plays a critical role in maintaining the health and resilience of your joints and bones. It's the key component of cartilage, the soft, rubbery tissue that cushions your joints.
As we get older, our bodies produce less and less collagen. (2)
This decrease can lead to degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.
Collagen supplements, specifically types 1 and 2, can help maintain the integrity of your cartilage, which is the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints.
From a bone health point of view, collagen forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure.
It's no surprise that as collagen levels drop, we can experience bone loss, leading to conditions like osteoporosis.
Supplementing with collagen can help improve bone density and overall bone health too. (3)
Benefits of Collagen
Understanding the top benefits of collagen will highlight why it's such a popular supplement today.
Joint health: Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage, which is the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints. As the amount of collagen in your body decreases as you get older, your risk of developing degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis increases. Supplementing with collagen can help alleviate joint pain, improve symptoms of arthritis and reduce inflammation. (4)
Bone health: Your bones are made mostly of collagen, which gives them structure and helps keep them strong. As collagen in your body deteriorates as you age, bone mass does too. This may lead to conditions like osteoporosis, characterized by low bone density and linked with a higher risk of bone fractures. Collagen supplementation has been shown to stimulate your body's bone-creating cells (osteoblasts), promoting bone health. (5)
Skin health: Collagen plays a role in strengthening skin, and can benefit elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. (6)
Muscle mass: Collagen is a major component of muscle tissues, so it has a big role in building muscle mass. Collagen supplements may promote the synthesis of muscle proteins like creatine, as well as stimulate muscle growth after exercise. (7)
Heart health: Collagen provides structure to your arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Without enough collagen, arteries may become weak and fragile. (8)
Hair and nails: Collagen protein is the building block for your fingernails and hair. Increased collagen intake can make your hair and nails grow longer and stronger. (9)
Digestive health: Collagen is in the gut's connective tissue and can help support and strengthen the protective lining of your digestive tract. (10)
Brain health: Collagen supplements can prevent Alzheimer's disease and improve overall brain and mental health. (11)
Weight loss: Taking collagen supplements may help with weight loss and preventing weight gain. (12)
The Role of Collagen Supplements
How Does Collagen Help?
Collagen supplements are a convenient way to increase your collagen intake.
These supplements are typically derived from bovine or marine sources and come in various forms such as powders, capsules, and liquids.
The collagen in these supplements has been hydrolysed, meaning it has been broken down, making it easier for you to absorb.
Consuming collagen supplements can increase collagen levels in the body, which can improve skin health, reduce joint pain, and prevent bone loss.
The addition of collagen to your diet can signal your body to produce more collagen on its own, also boosting the production of other proteins that help with the structure of your skin, including elastin and fibrillin.
Is Hydrolysed Collagen Best?
Hydrolysed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, is a form of collagen that is particularly bioavailable - meaning your body can use it more efficiently.
The hydrolysation process breaks collagen down into its constituent peptides, making it easier for your body to absorb and distribute to where it's needed most.
This type of collagen is typically considered the best for supplementation due to its high absorbability.
What are the Different Types of Collagen?
There are at least 16 types of collagen, but the vast majority of the collagen in the body is type I, II, or III.
All collagen molecules are composed of three polypeptide chains arranged in a triple helix, with each chain being over 1,400 amino acids long.
Type I: This is the most abundant collagen of the human body and is present in scar tissue, tendons, skin, arteries, and muscles amongst others
Type II: This type is mainly responsible for the cartilage in the joints
Type III: This type supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries
Type V: This is present in the cells of the hair, skin, and liver
Type X: This type assists with bone healing and formation
When selecting a collagen supplement, look for one that contains a variety of collagen types (multi-collagen) to get the full spectrum of benefits.
Selecting the Best Collagen Supplement for your Joint
Which Collagen is Best for Joints?
When it comes to joint health, type II collagen is the star of the show.
This collagen is the primary type found in your cartilage—the protective tissue that cushions your joints.
Studies have shown that type II collagen supplements can effectively alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms and improve overall joint health. (13)
So when seeking out the best collagen supplement for joints, ensure it's rich in type II collagen.
Which Collagen is Best for Bones?
While type II collagen is key for joint health, types I and III collagen are crucial for maintaining bone health.
They make up a significant portion of bone tissue, providing strength and structure. Some studies have found that supplementing with type I collagen can improve bone density—particularly beneficial if you’re at risk of osteoporosis. (14)
So if bone health is also a concern, look for a supplement that includes types I and III collagen.
Evaluating Collagen Supplements
After having presented the best collagen supplements for joints, it's important to understand how to evaluate them.
How We Select Supplements
Our selection process for recommending the best collagen supplements for joints is rigorous.
We consider several factors, such as the types and source of collagen, the form of the supplement (capsule, powder, or liquid), additional ingredients, the brand's reputation, user reviews, and price.
What to Look for in a Collagen Supplement
When you're selecting a collagen supplement, pay attention to these aspects:
Type of Collagen: As discussed earlier, different types of collagen provide different benefits. If your primary concern is joint health, look for a supplement with a high concentration of Type II collagen
Source: Collagen can be derived from various sources like bovines (cow or beef), poultry (chicken), pigs (porcine), or fish (marine). Depending on your dietary preferences or restrictions, you might choose one over the others
Form: Collagen supplements come in several forms including capsules, powders, and liquids. Choose the one that fits best with your lifestyle and preferences.
Additional Ingredients: Some collagen supplements are fortified with other beneficial ingredients like vitamins, minerals, or hyaluronic acid. These can provide added health benefits
Increasing Your Collagen Production
Besides taking a supplement, there are ways you can naturally boost your collagen production.
Best Practices for Increasing Collagen Production
Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in protein, and vitamin C can promote natural collagen production (15)
Sun Protection: Overexposure to the sun can break down collagen in the skin. Protect your skin by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing
Avoid Smoking and High Sugar Consumption: Both can interfere with collagen production and accelerate aging (16)
Understanding Collagen Supplements and their Effects
Knowing what happens when you start or stop taking collagen supplements can help manage your expectations and ensure you're using them safely.
What are the Side Effects of Taking Collagen?
Collagen supplements are generally safe with few side effects. Some people may experience mild digestive symptoms like bloating or heartburn. If you notice any adverse effects, discontinue use and speak with your coach.
How Long Does it Take for Collagen Supplements to Work?
The effects of collagen supplements are not immediate. It may take several weeks to a few months of consistent use to see noticeable improvements in skin health or joint pain.
It's important to have patience and consistency when taking these supplements.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Collagen Supplements?
If you stop taking collagen supplements, you won't see an immediate effect, but over time, you might notice a gradual return of symptoms such as joint pain or dry skin, especially if your diet lacks collagen-rich foods.
Are Collagen Supplements Beneficial?
Yes, collagen supplements can be beneficial, especially for people who experience joint pain or wish to improve the health and appearance of their skin.
They can also benefit those with conditions that affect collagen production. However, they're not a magic cure-all and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Who May Not Benefit from Collagen Supplements
While collagen supplements can provide many benefits, not everyone may notice a significant improvement.
People with digestive issues might have trouble breaking down and absorbing the collagen, while others might already get enough collagen through their diet.
If you have a balanced diet rich in protein, your body might already be producing enough collagen naturally.
Wrapping up
As we wrap up this extensive dive into the world of collagen supplements, it's clear that choosing the best collagen supplement for joints can greatly enhance your quality of life.
We've explored various types, their benefits, and how to select the one that suits your needs.
Now, take a moment to reflect - which supplement caught your attention the most? Let us know in the comments below.
Remember, the journey to better joint health starts with a single step.
