What are Collagen Supplements?
Collagen supplements are products that are intended to boost collagen levels and keep hair, nails, and skin looking healthy. The most common collagen types found in collagen supplements are Types I, II, III, V, and X, and are typically extracted from bovine, chicken, eggshell, and marine sources.
For example, many collagen supplements provide Types I and III which is often sourced from bovine hides, and is believed to be useful for maintaining youthful-looking skin. Likewise, Types V and X can be found in eggshells and are thought to be effective at helping support healthy hair and joints.
Collagen supplements are often administered in the form of dissolvable powders or tablets, or ingestible capsules–though some suppliers also offer drinks or foods for edible consumption. Collagen products are also available in cream, lotion, and serum form, though they are not considered supplements since they are not made to be ingested.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Collagen Vitamin and Supplement Supplier
The main goal of taking collagen supplements is to support the healthy appearance of your body’s connective tissues including hair, nails, and skin. In order for that to happen, your body must be able to absorb the collagen effectively.
To ensure that you choose the collagen supplement that works best for your body, you will want to check if the collagen is hydrolyzed (broken down for easy absorption), what types of collagen are included in the supplement, and what the ingredients are.
Ingredients refer to the source(s) of collagen as well as any additives, fillers, or preservatives that may be found in the collagen supplement. If you want a specific type of collagen or you want to avoid a specific kind of animal extract, check the sources used in the supplement. Some collagen supplements also guarantee that there’s no soy, dairy, or gluten in their formulas. Ideally there should be minimal artificial or “extra” ingredients in the collagen supplement you choose.
How Long Does it Take for Collagen Supplements to Work?
The amount of time it takes for you to see results from taking collagen supplements depends on multiple factors.
First and foremost, everyone’s body works differently depending on age, stress, diet, and so on. Lifestyle choices can affect your body’s metabolism and the way it processes collagen supplementation.
Secondly, consider the form of collagen supplements (powder, capsule, etc.), the types of collagen (Types I, II, III, V, and X), and the sources from which the collagen is extracted (bovine, chicken, eggshell, marine). Each of these factors can impact the rate of absorption and how quickly you see results.
Some collagen supplement suppliers claim various results can be seen within 1-4 months, and many offer a money-back guarantee for that period of time or longer.
