Best Collagen Supplement UK – [Expert Guide & Review]
Collagen is one of the main building materials in the human body. It helps to form skin, muscles and bones. Lack of collagen not only impacts your appearance, it can also leave you vulnerable to injury and delay your recovery.
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What foods are rich in collagen?
As a rule of thumb, foods which are rich in protein are also rich in protein. This is because collagen itself is a protein. It is based on the amino acids Glycine, Proline, Hydroxyproline and Arginine.
It can, however, be challenging to get sufficient collagen through diet. Firstly, the actual level of collagen in food depends largely on the quality of the food. You can therefore be eating large quantities of protein-rich foods, but still not getting sufficient collagen.
Secondly, the body’s ability to convert food into collagen declines with age. The decline actually starts in a person’s early twenties. It may, however, only become noticeable once a person reaches their forties. In women, the menopause can also lead to collagen levels dropping sharply.
What helps to boost your collagen level?
First of all, you should avoid foods and habits which reduce collagen production. Processed foods are bad for many reasons. One of them is that they often contain a lot of sugar. This inhibits collagen production as do many chemicals often used in industrial food production. Excessive sun exposure is also bad for collagen levels as is smoking.
Collagen production also depends on the presence of vitamin C, zinc and copper. This means that eating foods rich in these vitamins and minerals can help to boost collagen production. If this is still insufficient (or impractical), then it’s probably time to look at collagen supplements.
How are collagen supplements made?
Currently there are two main types of collagen supplements available on the UK market. These are marine collagen supplements and bovine collagen supplements. It is also possible to buy vegan collagen supplements.
Marine collagen versus bovine collagen
From a scientific perspective, marine collagen and bovine collagen are close to identical. The only real difference is that marine collagen has a higher level of bioavailability. This means that you see results faster.
On the other hand, it’s impossible to oversee the behaviour of fish the way you can oversee the behaviour of cows. Even if you farm fish and make sure that they only eat organic food, you cannot really control the quality of the water. With wild fish, you cannot control anything.
It’s also worth noting that brands seem to vary widely in the information they give about the source of their collagen, particularly marine collagen. In some cases this can be, frankly, because they have something to hide. In others, however, it’s because a brand doesn’t think it matters to their customer base. Do your own research and/or use a trusted source (like us).
Vegan collagen
True vegan collagen is synthesized from plant-based sources particularly genetically-modified yeast. It is very difficult to buy these products from mainstream retailers.
Most “vegan collagen” products are actually collagen boosters. The idea is that you eat a diet rich in plant-based proteins and then use the boosters to improve your collagen intake. While this is a work around, it can be a very effective one. It’s certainly worth considering given the importance of collagen and the difficulty of getting it through diet even if you eat meat and fish.
When is the best time to take a collagen supplement?
Generally, you want to take collagen either in the morning or at night rather than in the middle of the day. If you take it in the morning, it can help keep your feeling full until lunchtime. If you take it at night, your body can process it during its downtime. Either way, it’s usually best to take it with food as it can be a bit much for the body to process on its own.
How long does it take for collagen supplements to work?
As a rule of thumb, you should see some results in 4-6 weeks. This is, however, only a very loose guideline. Firstly, everyone is individual. Secondly, different types of collagen can act at different speeds. That doesn’t make them better (or worse), it just makes them different from each other.
Thirdly, the quality of the collagen can make a significant difference both to how well it works and to how quickly it works. This means that it really is important to know the source of your food and/or the quality of the brand behind your collagen supplement.
Best collagen supplement UK (non-powder)
Usually we’d aim to offer at least one each of tablets, capsules and liquids, plus any other good formats we can find. For collagen, however, we couldn’t find any tablets at all. Even the products which were described as tablets turned out to be capsules. We’ve also split out collagen powders and vegan collagen into their own sections.
The Pretty Smart Food Co Marine Collagen Capsules
NB: for some strange reason, these are advertised as tablets but they are definitely capsules.
This marine collagen is from sustainably and ethically harvested wild fish caught in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It’s combined with hyaluronic acid plus acaí, aloe vera, bamboo, black pepper, blueberry, sea kelp and turmeric. This makes it rich in vitamins and minerals (particularly vitamins C and E).
The capsules are a reasonable size and well shaped. They slide down pretty easy. With capsules you don’t really notice the taste of the contents. That means even people who don’t like fish should be fine with them.
Powerful Marine Collagen Tablets - Boosted with Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin & Blueberry...
- Premium marine collagen supplements - Easy-To-Swallow High Strength Collagen Capsules for Women & Men. Wouldn't you love to feel the benefits of Collagen, with an added Boost? Then look no further! Always consult your doctor or health care professional before taking a supplement if you are taking medication and/or pregnant.
- Premium marine collagen supplements - Easy-To-Swallow High Strength Collagen Capsules for Women & Men. Wouldn't you love to feel the benefits of Collagen, with an added Boost? Then look no further! Always consult your doctor or health care professional before taking a supplement if you are taking medication and/or pregnant.
- With hyaluronic acid, vitamins & blueberry - Unlike regular Collagen Supplements, our HydroPro+ Complex contains a unique blend of powerful Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins & Minerals. And what's more? We've also added Açaí, Aloe Vera, Blueberry, Turmeric & Kelp - complemented with Bamboo (Silica) & Black Pepper! Note: Due to the use of plant-based materials such as turmeric, the colour of your capsules may vary slightly from bottle to bottle. This is perfectly normal.
- Skin Vitamins On-the-go - Take your collagen wherever you are with our HydroPro+ capsules! We've also added a blend of Vitamin C & E which contributes to normal collagen formation for normal function of the skin and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (Claims substantiated by EFSA). We recommend taking two capsules daily with a large glass of water after breakfast, as taking supplements on an empty stomach may cause discomfort to some individuals.
- 100% Collagen Peptides Powder - Our Hydrolysed Collagen Supplements For Women and Men are made from environmentally friendly and ethically harvested wild fish. Easily digestible and 100% FREE FROM nasty fillers, binders, gelatine and artificial additives. Give your body all of the good with none of the drawbacks!
- What's the story behind the pretty smart food co? - We're a small West Sussex based team on a mission to redefine the natural & organic supplement industry. All our products are lovingly formulated and produced by our in-house team of expert nutritionists in our state of the art manufacturing facility - right here in the UK.
Novomins Nutrition Collagen Gummies
This is marine collagen and we couldn’t find any information regarding the sustainability of the fish used. Please note, however, that these gummies use bovine gelatin and also contain peas and sugar. There’s 25mg of collagen per gummy and the recommended dose is two gummies per day. Along with the collagen, you also get hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and biotin.
The flavour of these gummies is described as peach. We’d describe it more as generic, sweet fruit but we did find it very pleasant. The only flavour we noticed was the fruit, we didn’t pick up on any fish.
We have to admit that we weren’t thrilled by the colour of the gummies or the general packaging. At the end of the day, however, what matters is performance and these gummies deliver.
Collagen Gummies by Novomins Nutrition - 60 Marine Collagen Gummies - Superior...
- DELICIOUS GUMMIES: Our marine collagen gummies are created to delight all your senses! Our hydrolyzed marine collagen gummies come in a delicious peach flavour to satisfy your taste buds. Our hydrolysed marine collagen has no artificial colours, preservatives and is NON-GMO. We only use the highest quality ingredients in our marine collagen supplement. Feel your absolute best with our marine collagen supplements.
- DELICIOUS GUMMIES: Our marine collagen gummies are created to delight all your senses! Our hydrolyzed marine collagen gummies come in a delicious peach flavour to satisfy your taste buds. Our hydrolysed marine collagen has no artificial colours, preservatives and is NON-GMO. We only use the highest quality ingredients in our marine collagen supplement. Feel your absolute best with our marine collagen supplements.
- ENRICHED WITH HYALURONIC ACID, VITAMIN C and BIOTIN: We are committed to offering you healthy and high-quality products and unlike regular marine collagen supplements our collagen gummies are infused with a powerful blend of Vitamin C, Biotin and Hyaluronic Acid. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of skin, bones and cells and normal collagen formation (Claims substantiated by EFSA). That is why we provide you with these super tasty marine collagen gummies
- WHY TAKE HYDROLYSED MARINE COLLAGEN?: The formula for our collagen gummies is enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin c and biotin to ensure help support collagen formation. Our gummies have been scientifically formulated as a hydrolysed collagen supplement for women and men. If you’re looking for collagen for skin, look no further. Have our skin vitamins with your morning coffee, on the go or as a late night treat!
- WHY TAKE COLLAGEN GUMMIES?: Unlike other hydrolysed marine collagen and marine supplements our collagen gummies are a delicious alternative to bulky and hard to swallow collagen tablets. We formulated the gummies specifically for those that have a difficult time swallowing large collagen tablets. Our collagen gummies product is sourced from *FISH* and *PEA* which may NOT be suitable for those with an allergy to fish or peas.
- WHY NOVOMINS COLLAGEN GUMMIES: Novomins prides itself in bringing you the highest quality supplements whilst being safe and ethically sourced. Our Hydrolysed marine Collagen Gummies are produced under the strictest manufacturing standards (GMP) with the purest quality ingredient, ethically sourced and easily digestible. We also offer a full money back guarantee if you’re at all dissatisfied our collagen gummies. Simply get in touch via amazon.
Maxine Laceby Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen
This is marine collagen and we were unable to find any sustainability information. There are no other animal ingredients but this product does use stevia. It’s a natural sweetener, but it’s also a bit controversial so do your own research before you decide whether or not it’s for you.
The product comes ready-dosed in sachets. Each sachet holds 10ml of liquid, which gives you 800mg of collagen plus vitamin C. You can either down them straight from the wrapper or add the liquid to another liquid. According to the manufacturer, this can be hot or cold.
We just downed it as was. Maybe we’re super-sensitive but we caught a definite undertone of fish. Most of the flavour, however, was definitely sweet lemon. This may sound like an odd combination, but it was actually OK.
Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen - Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Peptides Infused with...
- WHY COLLAGEN: Collagen is the largest and most abundant structural protein in the human body so it has a huge impact on overall body health. In particular, collagen forms and affects our skin, hair and nails. Research shows that our collagen levels begin to deplete from the age of 25 so that by the time we are 50, we will have lost around half of our natural collagen supply, causing signs and sensations of ageing.
- WHY COLLAGEN: Collagen is the largest and most abundant structural protein in the human body so it has a huge impact on overall body health. In particular, collagen forms and affects our skin, hair and nails. Research shows that our collagen levels begin to deplete from the age of 25 so that by the time we are 50, we will have lost around half of our natural collagen supply, causing signs and sensations of ageing.
- AWARD WINNING LIQUID COLLAGEN: Each 10ml serving is packed with 8000mg of hydrolysed collagen - the most concentrated daily collagen supplement on the market. By using hydrolysed collagen peptides which are small enough to pass into the bloodstream, our liquid formula is also highly bioavailable, meaning that your body absorbs 90-95% of each dose for maximum results.
- REAL RESULTS: Our loyal customers consistently feed back about the benefits of drinking collagen on their hair, skin, nails and overall well-being. Based on an AC Brand Discovery & Consumer self-assessment study, 93% of our customers noticed an improvement in their skin whilst 83% noticed their hair was thicker and/or shinier.
- QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Our collagen supplements for women are made from 100% natural ingredients and don't include any artificial flavours, colours or added sugar. It's also free from gluten, soy, wheat, lactose, starch, yeast, alcohol, fat and cholesterol.
- WHY CHOOSE ABSOLUTE COLLAGEN: Our award winning collagen drink is packed with premium marine collagen, protein and essential amino acids and is enriched with Vitamin C for optimum effectiveness. Join tens of thousands of customers who love us, and start feeling your absolute best today.
Best collagen powder UK
Marine collagen powder is basically the same as regular marine collagen supplements. The only real difference is that you have full control over the dose and how you consume it. Most collagen powders in the UK, however, are made with bovine collagen rather than marine collagen.
Sports Research Pure Hydrolyzed Collagen 454g
This product is bovine collagen. It comes from grass-fed cows, is certified GMO-free and is NOT listed as kosher or halal. There is hardly any smell or taste and the product dissolves easily.
Click Image to Open expanded View Collagen Peptides Powder | Hydrolyzed Type...
- Hydrolyzed Type I & III Collagen
- Healthy Skin & Hair
- Gluten Free
- Keto Friendly
- Grass-Fed Pasture-Raised
- Hydrolyzed Type I & III Collagen
- Healthy Skin & Hair
- Gluten Free
- Keto Friendly
- Grass-Fed Pasture-Raised
Wellgard Gold Standard Bovine Collagen Peptides Powder 400g
This product is bovine collagen. There is no information on how the cows were fed. It is NOT certified GMO-free but it IS certified as kosher and halal. There is hardly any smell or taste and the product dissolves easily.
Collagen Powder, Gold Standard Bovine Collagen Peptides Powder by Wellgard - High...
- ★ BIOACTIVE & CONTAINING HIGH LEVEL OF THE 8 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS - Our scientifically tested collagen powder contains high levels of the 8 Essential Amino Acids featuring small bioavailable collagen peptides which are easily absorbed. We encourage you to compare the levels of the 8 Essential Amino Acids in our hydrolysed collagen with other brands so you can appreciate the quality of our collagen supplement.
- ★ BIOACTIVE & CONTAINING HIGH LEVEL OF THE 8 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS - Our scientifically tested collagen powder contains high levels of the 8 Essential Amino Acids featuring small bioavailable collagen peptides which are easily absorbed. We encourage you to compare the levels of the 8 Essential Amino Acids in our hydrolysed collagen with other brands so you can appreciate the quality of our collagen supplement.
- ★ COLLAGEN IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF BODY - About 30% of our total body protein is collagen. And collagen itself is comprised of amino acids that are the building blocks for connective tissue that is present in every major tissue in the body.
- ★ LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT - Wellgard collagen peptides are highly soluble in water, have a low molecular weight, and possess no gelling ability. Collagen peptides contain greater than 97% protein (on a dry weight basis) and are produced from bovine.
- ★ ENZYMATICALLY PROCESSED - Wellgard Pure Collagen Hydrolysate Powder is enzymatically processed and works well as a protein food supplement. It is also the perfect addition to your Keto Diet as Keto protein powder or in other recipes as bone broth powder.
- ★ COLD WATER SOLUBLE WITHOUT ANY LUMPS OR CLUMPS - Wellgard Hydrolysed Collagen Powder quickly dissolves in cold water with absolutely no lumps, clumps or residue. Simply add to tea, coffee, juice, smoothies; stir into yoghurt, porridge, soup or bone broth; add to baking recipes or into cocktails and benefit from Type I and III collagen hydrolysate for maximum solubility, absorption and efficacy. This collagen powder is virtually tasteless and odourless unlike competing collagen supplements.
Best vegan collagen supplement UK
This is not a true vegan collagen product. It’s a vegan collagen booster. This is still a niche market and so there are very limited options. We did, however, find one which we are happy to recommend.
WeightWorld Vegan Collagen Advanced
This vegan collagen booster is based on hyaluronic acid and a range of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C. The capsules are a bit larger than we’d like but they are a good shape. If you take a decent gulp of water, you should be fine. As with capsules in general, there’s no taste or smell.
In short
Collagen is essential for all sorts of processes, such as maintaining skin, muscles and bones. Even when you are young, it can be difficult to get enough collagen through diet. As you age, it becomes even more difficult. This means that it can be very helpful to boost your collagen intake through the use of collagen supplements.
Katie is our resident Editor and extremely is a well-respected voice in the world of fitness. Katie has a first-class Hons degree in Journalism and is proud to say that she has written leading entries featured in the biggest media outlets including Vogue, Women Health Magazine and CoachMag. Great outdoors and animal lover and always on the go
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