Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found in the human body. This protein is primarily found in connective tissues, skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage to provide structure, strength and elasticity. Being the building block of the body, collagen contributes to the health and integrity of tissues and organs. With age, the natural collagen production decreases, which leads to a loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles and weaker joints. This natural decline, compounded by environmental factors like UV exposure, pollution, smoking and poor diet, accelerates signs of ageing and can contribute to joint pain, sagging skin and brittle hair and nails. This is where collagen supplements come into the picture.

The best collagen supplements are generally derived from bovine, marine or chicken sources, which can help to replenish the collagen levels of the body. Several studies indicate that oral collagen supplementation can have several benefits like increased skin elasticity, hydration and reduced appearance of wrinkles in women over 35. According to research published in Current Medical Research and Opinion, collagen hydrolysate supplements can reduce joint pain and improve joint function in individuals with osteoarthritis. In another study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, it was shown that collagen supplementation can improve nail growth and reduce brittleness. So, include the goodness of these dietary supplements in your routine. Check out this list of the best collagen supplements and improve your overall health.

10 best collagen supplements

Now that you know why collagen supplements may be useful, consult your healthcare expert and consider one of these top 10 collagen supplements in India:

Wellbeing Nutrition Glow Collagen with Glutathione promises to regenerate and renew firm, beautiful, hydrated and youthful skin. This collagen with type 1 and 3 peptides is 100 percent soluble and bioavailable. It includes ingredients like glutathione, resveratrol, Genzyme and goji berry that may help to nourish your skin, restore skin radiance and increase skin luminosity. The brand claims that it contains a clinically proven anti-ageing formula like grape seed polyphenols, bioactive superoxide dismutase, zinc and vitamin C. Regular intake of these supplements may help hydrate your skin, prevent it from drying, boost the natural barriers of the skin, protect it from UV rays, reduce acne and lead to smoother skin.

Specifications of Wellbeing Nutrition Glow Collagen with Glutathione:

Flavour: Tropical bliss

Item form: Powder

Diet type: Non-vegetarian

Support your overall health with the HealthKart HK Vitals Skin Radiance Veg Collagen Powder. It has the same amino profile as marine collagen extracted from a blend of vegetables like broccoli, carrot and more. This supplement also contains ketpase which may help structure these building blocks into collagen molecules. These clinically proven products may help reduce fine lines, and wrinkles in 8 weeks and boost your skin glow. It is also packed with hyaluronic acid that may help hydrate your skin, prevent the signs of ageing, help to retain moisture and keep the skin soft and supple.

Specifications of HealthKart HK Vitals Skin Radiance Veg Collagen Powder:

Flavour: Orange

Item form: Powder

Diet type: Vegetarian

Carbamide Forte Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder comes with the highest bioavailability, which means it can easily and rapidly be absorbed into the body. This supplement may help to promote smoother and youthful skin in just weeks. Specially designed to help plump skin and reduce fine lines, this collagen powder contains Type 1 and Type 2 collagen. It may also help support hair thickness, and nail strength, improve bone strength, and joint flexibility and promote overall bone density.

Specifications of Carbamide Forte Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder:

Flavour: Unflavoured

Item form: Powder

Diet type: Non-vegetarian

Wellbeing Nutrition Pure Korean Marine Collagen Supplements for Women & Men are sourced from wild-caught fish. This unflavoured and easy-to-mix supplement contains amino acids like glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and lysine that may help protect cells against free radicals. Regular intake of these supplements may encourage and support natural collagen synthesis, and enhance skin elasticity and moisture retention. It may even inhibit elastic degradation, minimise the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and reduce brittleness. With its strengthening properties, this supplement may help reduce the breakage of nails and hair while promoting growth. This may even help stop bone deterioration, strengthen and repair cartilage and promote better joint comfort and flexibility. The brand also claims that this product is free from gluten, and mercury, and is non-GMO and paleo-certified.

Specifications of Wellbeing Nutrition Pure Korean Marine Collagen Supplements for Women & Men:

Flavour: Unflavoured

Item form: Powder

Diet type: Non-vegetarian

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Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder may be a good addition to your diet. This collagen peptide can be a great powered supplement that features hydrolyzed collagen peptides. Sourced from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised, these supplements promise to support hair, skin, nails, bone and joint health.

Specifications of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder:

Flavour: Unflavoured

Item form: Liquid, powder

Diet type: Natural

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Sports Research Collagen Peptides Powder can help maintain strong bones, and healthy joints and improve your gut health. Daily intake of this supplement may help counteract the degenerative effects of ageing. It is packed with gut-friendly protein and amino acids that may help to vitalise your bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, vital organs, skin, hair and nails. This is an easy-to-mix collagen supplement that is non-GMO, gluten-free, cGMP compliant and third-party tested as per the brand.

Specifications of Sports Research Collagen Peptides Powder:

Flavour: Unflavoured

Item form: Liquid, powder

Diet type: Vegetarian

Also Read: Best whey protein powders in India: 10 top choices to boost your fitness journey

Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula 1, 2 and 3-290 Tablets promise to increase the collagen levels of the body. This supplement may help to promote youthful-looking skin by reducing the visible signs of ageing like dryness, wrinkles and fine lines. It contains 6,000 mg collagen per serving that may help to replenish beauty proteins, counteract skin ageing, and revitalise skin, hair and nails. The brand claims that these supplements are easy to digest and non-vegetarian.

Specifications of Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula 1, 2 and 3-290 Tablets:

Flavour: Unflavoured

Item form: Tablet

Diet type: Non-vegetarian

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NUTROVA Collagen + Antioxidants Supplement may help repair skin structure and improve skin hydration, skin elasticity and texture. By providing anti-ageing benefits, these supplements may help improve hair strength, nails and even the bones. Packed with plant-based antioxidants from tomatoes, grapes and green tea, these supplements may help protect your skin from damage from UV rays, pollution and other damages. It contains vitamins C, E and taurine that may help promote collagen production, reduce the signs of ageing and promote skin hydration. The brand claims that clinically-tested products may help improve elasticity, and texture, and reduce under-eye dark circles, skin dullness, wrinkles, pigmentation and pore size.

Specifications of NUTROVA Collagen + Antioxidants Supplement:

Flavour: Cranberry

Item form: Powder

Diet type: Non-vegetarian

Also Read: Best serums for sensitive skin: 10 top choices to calm irritation and reduce redness

Setu Skin: Youthful Marine Collagen Powder is a blend of Type 1 & 3 aquacol marine collagen that may help replenish collagen levels. This supplement may help reduce fine lines, and wrinkles while enhancing skin firmness, and hydration and promoting radiant skin. It is a scientifically proven product that can offer a 42 per cent reduction in wrinkles in just 8 weeks. Regular intake of these supplements may help boost skin hydration, and smoothness, and repair skin barrier function and moisture retention. These hydrolyzed collagen peptides may help promote skin hydration and smoothness. The brand claims that this product is pure, filler-free, non-toxic, non-GMO and FSSAI-approved.

Specifications of Setu Skin: Youthful Marine Collagen Powder:

Flavour: Peach mango

Item form: Powder

Diet type: Non-vegetarian

INJA Pro Marine Collagen Supplement can be a good addition to your diet. It promises to increase skin hydration, reduce joint pain and increase hair thickness. This sugar-free and gluten-free supplement may help improve muscle strength, strengthen joints and enhance skin elasticity. This supplement may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The brand states that this product is keto-friendly and non-GMO, which makes it safe to use.

Specifications of INJA Pro Marine Collagen Supplement:

Flavour: Unflavoured

Item form: Powder

Diet type: Non-vegetarian

How to choose the best collagen supplements for health benefits?

Here are a few things that you must consider when buying the best collagen supplements from Amazon India:

1. Source: Check the source of the collagen. Look for collagen from grass-fed cows, wild-caught fish or eggshell membranes for optimal quality.
2. Type: Collagen is available in various types. Opt for hydrolyzed collagen as they are easy to absorb. You can even choose undenatured collagen as it supports joint health.
3. Protein content: Make sure to check the protein content of the product. Ensure that the supplement contains a sufficient amount of protein.
4. Additives: Opt for supplements that are packed with minimal ingredients and are free from artificial additives. Paraben, sulphate and other harmful ingredients may cause adverse allergic reactions.
5. Review: Research the brand and opt for the one that prioritises transparency and quality. Read reviews of the customers as it will gauge the effectiveness of the product.
6. Price: Fix your budget and then compare different collagen supplement brands within that range. Balance the quality with affordability.
7. Recommendations: You may also consider consulting your healthcare provider to make personalised recommendations.

Does collagen help soothe joint pain?

Yes, collagen can help soothe joint pain, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis or other joint-related conditions. It provides structural support to joints by maintaining cartilage and other connective tissues. As we age, collagen production declines, which can contribute to joint pain and stiffness. A study published in Current Medical Research and Opinion found that athletes taking collagen hydrolysate had significantly less joint pain and better mobility. The peptides in collagen supplements can stimulate the body’s production of collagen in the cartilage, promoting healing and reducing inflammation, ultimately providing relief from joint discomfort.

What are the different types of collagen?

Collagen is a protein that exists in several types and each serves different functions in the body. The most common types include Types I, II, III, and IV. Type I is the most abundant and is found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It provides structure and strength, playing a major role in skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Type II is mainly present in cartilage, offering support and cushioning to joints. It is crucial for joint health and is often used in supplements for conditions like osteoarthritis. Type III is found in skin, muscles, and blood vessels, working alongside Type I to improve skin elasticity and firmness. Type IV is located in the basement membranes of tissues and organs, like the kidneys and skin, helping in filtration and structural support.

Is it ok to take collagen every day?

Yes, it is generally safe to take collagen daily. Research shows that daily collagen supplementation can offer significant benefits for skin elasticity, joint health, and muscle recovery. A study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that taking 2.5–10 grams of collagen daily improved skin hydration and elasticity. Collagen is naturally broken down in the body, and daily intake is commonly recommended to maintain consistent levels for optimal benefits. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

Are collagen supplements good for hair?

Yes, collagen supplements can benefit hair health. Studies suggest that collagen promotes hair growth by providing amino acids necessary for keratin production, the protein that makes up hair. As per the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research, taking collagen peptides can increase hair thickness and improve overall hair health. Collagen may also help to strengthen hair follicles, reduce hair thinning, and improve elasticity. Additionally, collagen may support scalp health by improving blood circulation and providing essential nutrients.

Top three features of the best collagen supplements

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