In recent years, collagen powders have become increasingly popular as more people begin to understand the role of the protein collagen in providing structure and strength to the skin, bones, and connective tissues. The body generates collagen naturally, but its production decreases as one ages. Additionally, factors like sun damage can hinder collagen production. Here, additional sources of collagen can help prevent deficiency of the protein as well as improve skin health and bone density.

Benefits of collagen powders
Collagen is a protein that is found in the bones, muscles, blood vessels, and the skin. Known for being the most abundant protein in the body, collagen makes up a significant portion of one’s skin and bone matrix. Primarily, this protein is responsible for strengthening the bones and maintaining skin structure. But with age, as collagen production reduces, even the existing collagen in the body can break down. In such scenarios, collagen powders help support bone strength and maintain skin elasticity, preventing the complications associated with reduced collagen levels.

1. Helps maintain bone health
With age, one can experience a drop in their bone density. Since collagen is a crucial component in the bones, the natural decline in its production (that occurs with age) contributes to the loss of bone mass. Due to this, the bones can become brittle and even fracture easily. To avoid such complications, one must take care of one’s bone health. Since collagen is important for bone density, taking collagen powder can replenish the protein levels and help maintain bone health.

2. Maintains skin elasticity
Collagen is responsible for providing structure to the skin. So, when the production and the amount of collagen in the body decrease, the skin can lose its elasticity and structure. This can also lead to skin dryness and the formation of wrinkles. Collagen helps one avoid such issues, as the protein can help maintain skin’s elasticity and improve its hydration.

3. Improves hair health
Due to factors such as stress, pollutants, and certain foods, the body can produce free radicals. These free radicals can damage cells, increase oxidative stress, and even harm hair follicles. The body needs antioxidants to prevent free radicals from causing such damage. Collagen can act as an antioxidant that fights the radicals and prevents hair damage. Along with that, collagen contains proline, which is an amino acid that is essential for making keratin. Since hair is mainly made of keratin, opting for collagen powders can boost hair health and facilitate hair growth.

4. Boosts muscle mass
Besides the bones, collagen is present in skeletal muscles. So, opting for collagen powder can help one improve muscle mass. In fact, in a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, it was found that the intake of collagen supplements, in combination with resistance training, increased muscle mass in older adults.

5. Improves heart health
Collagen is also responsible for providing structure to the arteries, which are among the most important blood vessels in the body. Their main function is to pump blood from the heart to other body parts. A decrease in collagen production is found to affect the arteries, making them lose their structure and elasticity. This can then lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, in which the arteries become narrow. This condition is known to increase the risk of severe complications like heart attack and stroke. A recent study published in the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis found that adults who took collagen supplements experienced a reduction in artery stiffness, i.e., an improvement in artery and heart health.

Top 5 collagen powders to consider
Before opting for a particular collagen powder product, it is important to seek a health expert’s advice to confirm if the product has no side effects.

1. Collagen Peptides Powder from NOW
This collagen powder is sourced from bovine animals and has been clinically tested. According to the brand, the powder has been mainly produced to improve bone, joint, and skin health. An 8-ounce bottle of this collagen powder is priced at around $18.

2. Grass-fed Hydrolyzed Beef Collagen from True Nutrition
Mainly sourced from grass-fed cattle, this collagen powder is available in either flavored or unflavored variants. A 1-pound packet of this collagen powder can cost around $25.

3. Collagen Peptides Powder from Vital Proteins
According to the brand, this collagen powder can help maintain healthy hair, nails, skin, bones, and joints. Plus, this product also comes with added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which may further benefit the skin as well as overall health. One can purchase a 9.33-ounce bottle of this collagen powder at around $30.

4. Collagen Peptides from Bubs Naturals
Known for improving skin, nail, and hair health, this collagen powder is widely available in unflavored variants. As per the brand, the product can also help improve joint health. To purchase collagen powder from Bubs Natural, one may have to opt for a monthly subscription, which can cost about $47.

5. Grass-fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein Powder from Garden of Life
This collagen powder is sourced from grass-fed cattle and is known to help boost skin elasticity, strong nails, and healthy hair. A 9.8-ounce bottle of this collagen powder can cost around $27.