Collagen is gaining popularity because of its proven claims to improve joint, skin and gut health. There are many options for collagen supplements with varying amounts of collagen. We’ve got the skinny on the best and worst options from our recent “Love it, Like it, Hate it” segment on WGNO.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most plentiful protein in our bodies and is found in muscles, tendons, bones and skin. Supplements come in the form of collagen powder, which easily dissolves into drinks such as coffee and smoothies. They are typically unflavored.

What are the Benefits of Collagen?

Collagen supplements have several benefits including joint health (supports ligaments and tendons). They also help reduce collagen breakdown in your hair, skin and nails (to improve things like your skin hydration). Collagen supplements help with your gut health to protect the lining of the GI tract and improve digestion. In addition, they can help with weight management.

Because of these benefits, you should aim to incorporate 10+ grams of collagen each day.

LOVE IT!

The best option for collagen supplements are in its unflavored, pure form. Vital Proteins offers ovine or marine collagen peptides with 70 calories and 20 grams of collagen in 2 scoops. Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate also offers bovine collagen with 43 calories and 12 grams of collagen in a 2-tablespoon serving.

LIKE IT!

The next best option is collagen supplements with a low potency and/or some added sugars. Some options are Great Lakes Collagen Endurance (with 67 calories, 2 grams of sugar and 14 grams of collagen/protein in each serving), NEOCELL Collagen + C Liquid (with 25 calories, 4 grams of collagen and 2 grams of sugar per serving) and most brands of Collagen Capsules (which typically have 0.5 to 1 gram of collagen per capsule).

HATE IT!

The collagen supplements that are the least preferable are those that include more added sugar than collagen. NEOCELL Beauty Bursts Collagen Soft Chews are an example of these, which contain 40 calories, 2 grams of collagen and 4 grams of sugar in a serving (2 times more sugar than collagen).

For more details on this topic, watch Molly’s full “Love it, Like it, Hate it” segment on WGNO New Orleans.