Collagen supplements seem to be everywhere you look these days—but are any of them actually worth your money? For women over 50, adding some extra collagen to your diet can be a great way to boost hydration, increase elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even support joint health. But knowing which supplements will give you the most bang for your buck and which aren’t worth adding to your cart is key to ensuring your hard-earned bucks don’t go to waste.
Parth Bhavsar, MD tells us the key to choosing the right supplements is understanding which forms of collagen are backed by research. “Of the various types of collagen supplements available in the market, the most scientifically validated ones are collagen peptides and undenatured type II collagen,” he says. Learn more about each of these supplements below.
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1. Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II)
If you're seeking better joint health, undenatured type II collagen, a.k.a. UC-II, is a good option. Unlike collagen peptides, this form isn’t broken down during processing. "It differs from peptides because it doesn’t get degraded during the manufacturing process," Dr. Bhavsar explains.
UC-II works in a completely different way. "It functions via an immune-modulatory mechanism and is more potent at extremely low dosages," he says. Rather than supplying building blocks for collagen, UC-II helps regulate the immune response that contributes to joint inflammation.
Dr. Bhavsar notes that this type of collagen is best suited for people focused specifically on joint relief rather than cosmetic improvements, making it a targeted option rather than a multitasking one.
2. Collagen Peptides (Hydrolyzed Collagen)
Collagen peptides are the most popular—and for good reason. "Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are the most widely used and versatile form," Dr. Bhavsar says. They’re broken down into smaller amino acid units, which makes them easier for your body to absorb and use.
Research shows that collagen peptides support multiple areas of health. Dr. Bhavsar explains that they can "help with the elasticity of the skin, strength of one's hair and nails, and even relieve arthritis." That’s largely due to their amino acid profile. "They contain essential amino acids such as glycine and proline, both required by the body for creating collagen," he notes.
Good to know!
