Why Take Collagen?
Collagen makes up 25-35% of the entire body's protein content.
This structural protein is responsible for building the connective tissue throughout the
body, including your skin, muscle and bones. It has been gaining rapidly in popularity around the world for its properties and benefits to skin, hair
and nails.
Sadly as we age, our ability to produce collagen worsens severely. This slow down in collagen production begins in our 20s and it has been revealed that by our 50s, we have lost up to a third of it.
With collagen making up 80% of our skin, it's no wonder that as we age, we begin to see signs of ageing, dry skin and wrinkles. Not just that, but the loss of collagen can cause issues related to joints, heart, bones and muscles. A good quality collagen supplement may be recommended to support these various issues.
Why Is Marine Collagen Most Effective?
Studies have shown that taking a high quality collagen supplement
may be an effective way to nourish the skin. But with so many types of collagen, which
should you take? The answer is hydrolysed marine
collagen.
Hydrolysed marine collagen, also known as 'Type 1', is made of peptides
which come from fish and their scales. The process of hydrolysing it is indended to give it
better absorption into the
bloodstream. This type of collagen is also the most plentiful in the body, so it makes sense to use a supplement that contains the type you need the most. In addition, it is also more sustainable as it is sourced from parts of fish which are typically unused.
Some clinical studies have shown that hydrolysed marine collagen supports healthy skin elasticity and helps support hair and nails. Not just that, it may help with joint health and support healthy weight management. It's no surprise collagen supplements are surging in popularity.
Benefits of High Quality Collagen
A high quality collagen supplement is an efficient and cost-effective way of delivering nutrients that may be needed as we age. With the right supplement, you may feel a difference from as early as 2-3 weeks.
High Quality Collagen:
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Supports Hair & Nail Growth
Collagen may help add shine & lustre to hair while strengthening nails and supporting healthy growth.
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Supports Hydration of Skin
Increasing your collagen intake may help hydrate your skin and support overall skin health which deteriorates as we age.
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Discourages Wrinkles & Dryness
By increasing elasticity and hydration, collagen may reduce wrinkles and dry, flakey skin.
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Supports Weight Management
Some research shows that an increase in collagen may support in slowing development of adipocytes, also known as fat cells.
What To Look For?
Not all collagen supplements are equal. It's important to follow professional guidelines when choosing a supplement or you may lose money with an ineffective product.
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Potent Doses of Collagen A high quality collagen supplement should contain a potent dose of collagen. We recommend looking for around ~1000mg of Marine Collagen (Type 1)
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Includes Hyaluronic Acid This equally beneficial ingredient is a natural substance that is found in the eyes and joints. Studies have shown that it can work with collagen to prevent new wrinkles, reduce fine lines and reverse sun damage.
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Quality Ingredients Choose a supplement that contains no artificial or unnecessary ingredients. It is equally important to choose a formula that combines natural, proven ingredients such as Vitamin C and Turmeric in combination with Collagen.
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Money-Back Guarantee It is important to buy from brands that stand behind their product. Without a money back guarantee, you could lose your money and end up with an ineffective product. It is recommended to look for brands that offer a 30 or 60 day guarantee.
What Should I Avoid?
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Poor Formulations & Doses As stated before, not all collagen supplements are equal. It is recommended to stay away from supplements that offer too low of a dose (less than 1000mg of Collagen). We also recommend purchasing from UK manufactured formulas to guarantee the quality of the ingredients.
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Artificial Reviews Watch out for product listings on Amazon and other marketplaces. In many cases, these reviews are fake and only made to increase their visibility. Purchase from brands that have trusted websites and that produce their products in the UK.
How We Evaluated the Top 5
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Effectiveness
-
Ingredients
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Value for Money
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Customer Service
A+
OVERALL GRADE
TOTAL RANKING
Pros
-
Potent Dose of 1000mg Type 1 Marine Collagen
-
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid & Turmeric
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Formulated with Vitamins C, E and Biotin
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Made in the UK
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60 Day Money-Back Guarantee
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Recommended By Nutritionists
Cons
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Can only be bought onlineOnly Available Online
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Not suitable for Vegans
The Bottom Line
This Collagen Complex by BetterVits is our #1 pick. Their formula uses a potent 1000mg of Hydrolysed Marine Collagen (Type 1), making it one of the strongest collagen supplements on the market.
Some competing brands use standard, less effective types of Collagen and in less potent doses. In addition, they have included Hyaluronic Acid, which may boost the benefits for skin and joints. BetterVits also included other important minerals such as Vitamin E, Biotin, Vitamin C and Turmeric extract, which helps restore your glow and support normal skin through.
Besides it's comprehensive formula, BetterVits gained high marks for quality and customer buying experience. Their products are all manufactured in the UK and they offer a 60 day money back guarantee with free shipping on all orders.
Overall, BetterVits's Collagen Complex acontains high quality ingredients in potent doses while offering customers protection with a money back guarantee in case it doesn't work for you.
2. Collagen Bamboo
by V Vitamins
B+
OVERALL GRADE

TOTAL RANKING
Pros
-
Formulated with Marine Collagen
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Manufactured in the UK
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GMP certified
Cons
-
Not suitable for Vegetarians
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Not formulated with Hyaluronic Acid or Turmeric
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Not formulated with any additonal benefits
The Bottom Line
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This collagen supplement by V Vitamins is of decent quality. It contains 700mg of Type 1 Collagen, which is a good amount but falls short of the recommended 1000mg.
In addition, it contains beneficial minerals such as Vitamin E & C. However this supplement contains Zinc Oxide which may be harmful in large doses.
Finally, some reviews have stated that there is inconsistency between the ingredients label, which may lead to concerns about the quality of the product. Overall, we believe there are better quality products which are better aligned with the recommended doses.
3. Wild Caught Marine Collagen
by Dr Mercola
C
GRADE

TOTAL RANKING
Pros
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High dosage
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Money-back guarantee
Cons
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Not formulated with any other vitamins or minerals
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Ingredients sourced from outside the UK
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Not suitable for vegetarians
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Serving size: 3 capsules daily
The Bottom Line
After reviewing this collagen peptide supplement by Dr Mercola, we noted a few deficiencies and irregularities.
While this is an inexpensive supplement, which may be suitable for those looking for a budget option, it does contain some serious deficiencies. Firstly, it contains carbohydrates and requires 3 capsules per day. In addition, some ingredients are sourced from outside the UK, which is not ideal.
Beyond this, it lacks a number of recommended minerals alongside Collagen such as Vitamin C & E as well as Hylauronic Acid and Turmeric. Overall, this formula falls short on a number of factors but the plus side is that it uses sustainable traceable and sustainable sources of collagen.
4. Marine Collagen Supplement
by NuEarth
D
GRADE

TOTAL RANKING
Pros
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Formulated with Vitamin C & E
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Manufactured in the UK
Cons
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Low dosage of Collagen: 750mg
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Not suitable for Vegans
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No money-back guarantee
The Bottom Line
Nuearth's Collagen Formula comes with a few benefits, such as the additional of important minerals (Vitamin E, C). They also include Hyaluronic Acid which is recommended.
However, while the formula contains the recommended ingredients, it falls drastically short on the recommended doses. For example, the collagen content is just 350mg, whereas 1000mg is normally recommended. When factoring doses of ingredients, this product is poor value for money and may lead to mixed results.
Finally, it also lacks some key antioxidants such as Turmeric or Sea Kelp. Overall, we recommend if you are already taking an existing skin supplement that contains a dose of Collagen.
5. Marine Collagen Complex
by Healthy Mood
D
GRADE

TOTAL RANKING
Pros
-
Formulated with Vitamin C
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Made in the UK
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Fast Delivery
Cons
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Low dosage of collagen
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No money-back guarantee
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Not suitable for vegetarians
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Can only buy online
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No customer reviews/feedback
The Bottom Line
Healthy Mood's Collagen Formula is a budget-friendly supplement. Its inexpensive and good for those looking for a cheaper, yet less effective option.
While it contains Collagen and Vitamin C + B, it fails to include more expensive ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid or antioxidants such as Turmeric.
However its effectiveness is mostly harmed by the lower doses of Collagen, which clocks in at just 400mg. This is 60% lower than the recommended dose of 1000mg of Marine Type 1 Collagen. Overall, we would recommend this only if on a very limited budget.

2022's Top Collagen Supplement

Overall, the Marine Collagen Complex by BetterVits is ranked highest as the #1 Collagen Supplement of 2022.
By combining a comprehensive formula filled with rich minerals, high doses of collagen and antioxidants such as Turmeric, they have created a truly leading formula which helps maximize improvements to your skin, joints & more.
Not only that, BetterVits combines high quality formulas with high quality customer service and manufacturing. They make their products locally in the UK, free shipping and a 60 day money back guarantee, so if their products don't work, you can claim a full refund. This makes it very low risk for our readers to give it a try.
60 Day Return Policy

MADE
IN THE UK

FREE
SHIPPING

MONEY-BACK
Guarantee
Sources:
- https://clearmedicine.com/top-ten-benefits-marine-collagen/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1062/hyaluronic-acid
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1062/hyaluronic-acid
- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/09/style/self-care/collagen-benefits.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745978/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070905/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/