Best Collagen Supplements for Skin, Joints and Hair in 2023

Do you suffer from joint pain? Do you want to have younger looking skin? Are you looking for the best collagen supplements for skin, joints and hair health? I've researched different collagen types and brands in depth, and I've come to the conclusion that not all collagen supplements are the same.

Most collagen supplements are just okay. Some collagen brands are actually toxic and harmful due to heavy metal contamination. And one is light years ahead of all the others.

In the process of researching different brands, I found a collagen supplement that checks all the boxes.

There are 10 things you need to look for in a quality collagen supplement.

In this post, I'll tell you what to look for and why the collagen I found is the very best.

Please note: I have affiliate links in this post. I earn a small commission when you order via my affiliate links. However, I only recommend brands I trust. Thank you for helping to support my blog. Also, I'm not a doctor and this is not medical advice. This post is for educational purposes only. Please consult your health practitioner.


How I Found the Best Collagen Supplement for Healthy Skin, Joints & Hair

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know I'm not a huge proponent of dietary supplements. I prefer to eat real food.

While I have spent many years on this blog writing articles that review dietary supplements, I am loathe to recommend them unless they produce powerful results.

Also, I wasn't actually looking for collagen when I found this collagen brand. But then I heard about a new collagen supplement which was giving people amazing results for skin health, skin elasticity, bone health, joint health, and healthy hair.

Photo by Element5 Digital / Unsplash

Why We Need to Take Collagen Supplements

Collagen is a fundamental protein in the body. It is the building block for many vital tissues in our bodies, including our skin, bones, and cartilage.

Natural Collagen Production Lessens As We Age

Unfortunately, as we get older, we experience natural collagen loss which results in sagging skin and joint pain. This is because collagen production decreases as we age.

Since collagen production continues to lessen every year, it's critical that we have some kind of collagen supplementation consistently in order to support collagen production.

A reduction in collagen production can lead to:

  • the loss of skin elasticity
  • wrinkles and sagging in the skin
  • cellulite
  • joint pain and stiffness in connective tissues
  • loss in bone density

When we take collagen supplements consistently, it can also help boost our immune system and gut health. Collagen also contains essential amino acids which do a number of things for our health, including creating better moods and brain function.

With proper collagen protein supplementation which includes essential amino acids, we can promote longevity and remain vibrant and active as we age.

Even for young people, collagen supplementation also helps to ensure that we consume adequate protein, which is critical for many bodily functions including brain health and moods.

How to Increase Natural Collagen Production As We Age

Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our skin, joints, and bones, but as I just explained, as we age, our body's ability to produce collagen decreases, leading to wrinkles and joint pain.

However, there are various ways to support collagen production that can help us slow skin aging and maintain strong bones.

Foods Sources that Boost Collagen Production

One of the most effective ways to significantly boost collagen production is to consume a nutrient-rich diet that incorporates collagen-rich foods, including bone broth, fish, chicken, and eggs.

Photo by Kelly Neil / Unsplash

In addition to consuming collagen, vitamin C is another thing to consider. Most of us don't get enough vitamin C these days, simply because we don't eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables.

We need to make sure we get enough vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. In other words, without adequate vitamin C, your body can't use collagen.

Are Collagen Supplements Safe?

Collagen supplementation has gained popularity in recent years for their potential health benefits, particularly in improving skin elasticity and reducing joint pain.

However, some people wonder if these supplements are safe to consume. While collagen supplements are generally considered safe when taken in moderate amounts, it is still important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before taking them. Ingesting too much collagen may lead to certain side effects like an upset stomach or a decrease in appetite.

Additionally, it is important to choose collagen supplements from a reputable manufacturer and to be wary of any potential allergens in the ingredients.

My History with Collagen Supplements

I've taken a variety of dietary supplements over the years. Collagen is one of the things that I have stuck with because I know what a difference it can make for healthy hair, brighter skin, joint health, and bone mineral density.

But to be honest, I never really seen great results in my own health. Nor do I see other people having amazing results with collagen supplements.

Yeah, I know I should be taking a collagen supplement.. but I don't know if it's actually doing anything for me. I just wasn't seeing the evidence of the benefits.

I know collagen is good for you. I know it is one of the very best supplements we can take. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up from 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content.

So, protein powder is good, but a healthy dose of daily collagen -- via collagen powder or other collagen protein source -- is ideal.

I am now in my 50s, and while I don't have issues like joint pain, I do know that I need to find a way to improve skin elasticity, and a healthy daily dose of collagen can really help that.

A friend of mine told me a few years ago that she had PCOS and was able to grow her hair back by taking collagen supplements combined with vitamin C.

So I knew it can work... but through all my years of blogging about health, I just haven't seen people getting incredible results with collagen supplements.

In fact, if you go on YouTube and watch videos of testimonials for collagen supplements, it's pretty underwhelming. Because most people aren't having great results.

Why I Stopped Taking Vital Proteins Collagen

For a long time, I used Vital Proteins. But I found out they were recently bought by Nestlé.

If you're not familiar with Nestlé, do a little research on them. They are not a company that I trust. And it's funny, because they were one of my former clients when I worked in corporate advertising. It's one of the reasons I left corporate advertising. Because I hated promoting products and companies I didn't believe in.

It's sad that Vital Proteins was bought by Nestlé, because Vital Proteins was a great company that I completely trusted and I only recommended their collagen powder. And I don't blame Vital Proteins. The sad reality is, all of these small companies eventually have to sell out to the big corporations.

So while I used to love Vital Proteins, I threw my last jar of collagen protein powder out a while ago. Vital Proteins sold their soul to the devil.

Why I Chose Bella Grace Collagen

Bella Grace, on the other hand, is brand new. It is a small company and I have actually met the owners. So we know it's not run by a monolithic parent corporation that doesn't care about its customers.

The last thing you want to do when you buy collagen is waste your money on a product that doesn't really work.

Not only that, but you could actually be taking a collagen protein product that is toxic. As you will see below, some collagens have been shown to contain heavy metals.

Bella Grace Collagen Elixir is brand new, and better than all the other collagen supplements on the market.

Bella Grace Collagen Elixir 

It is made from bovine collagen from grass-fed animals and it has some ingredients in it that catapult it above and beyond anything you will find on Planet Earth.

The Proof is in the Photos & Testimonials

But what really convinced me was when I saw the mind-blowing testimonials from people using Bella Grace, in just a matter of weeks and months.

Keep reading to see the before and after photos...

Once I saw the results people were getting, I knew I had to not only become a customer, but also become an affiliate so that I could share this with my readers.

You're gonna be blown away... keep reading...

10 Things to Look for in a Collagen Supplement

In this post, I break down what to look for in a collagen supplement, and why Bella Grace Collagen is the absolute best product on the market.

If you're currently buying a collagen supplement, you're going to want to switch. And if you're not currently taking collagen, now's the time to get started.

1. Type of Collagen


Since collagen is made from the bones and skin of animals, it doesn't make sense that you could even get vegan collagen, which is produced using genetically modified yeast and bacteria. We'll skip that, thank you very much.

Collagen Peptides vs. Plain Collagen

When shopping for collagen supplements, you always want to choose collagen peptides instead of just plain collagen.

In order to explain that, let me first explain what collagen is, how are body absorbs it, and why collagen peptides are easier for the body to utilize, which allows for proper collagen synthesis.

I'll also explain which brand of collagen peptide product is the best.

This is the most scienc-ey this post will get, so bear with me. Before and after photos coming soon!

What is Collagen?

Collagen is made up of long-chain of proteins called amino acids that make up our skin, connective tissue and bones.

Amino acids are also the precursors for the neurotransmitters or "feel good" brain chemicals, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These are the brain chemicals that help you feel focused, alert, happy and relaxed.

All collagen contains 19 different amino acids, with a particularly high content of hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline. The abundance of hydroxyproline is important to note, because this amino acid isn’t found in other proteins.

How Do We Absorb Collagen?

The body can't absorb collagen in whole form. The protein must be broken down during the digestive process before absorption into the bloodstream.

To increase collagen's bioavailability, collagen supplements are hydrolyzed. Hydrolyzed collagen is another way of saying Collagen Peptides.

When collagen is hydrolyzed, or made into collagen peptides, they break down collagen's long amino acid chains via a chemical or enzymatic process into collagen peptides consisting of just two or three amino acids together.

These collagen protein is then easily absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract in the form of a collagen protein powder or collagen capsules, or a liquid collagen.

How the Body Utilizes Collagen

After consuming collagen peptides and absorbing them, they travel throughout the body, repairing, rebuilding and providing energy.

Collagen peptides are sent to different tissues where cells use the peptides to build full-length collagen helices that repair our skin and bones and support joint health. The cells also use the amino acids directly for energy.

The peptides also function as antioxidants, helping to protect existing collagen in the body from oxidative stresses that degrades it.

What's the Difference Between Collagen and Collagen Peptides?

As I explained above, the main difference between collagen vs. collagen peptides is that a collagen peptide product is more bioavailable. That means they are better absorbed into the bloodstream. This is because the collagen in collagen peptides have much shorter chains of amino acids than collagen and gelatin.

Because they're fully hydrolyzed and therefore shorter, collagen peptides are more readily broken down into a form that can enter the bloodstream upon digestion.

To put it simply, collagen peptides are the more broken down form of collagen.

Not All Collagen Peptide Products Are the Same

Bella Grace Collagen uses the very best form of collagen peptides.

The brand name is VERISOL® collagen, which is made by a German company, Gelita. You can read about it on the Gelita website.

VERISOL® is premium source of collagen peptides because:

  1. They are the most clinical studied in the field, with research defining their safety and effectiveness.
  2. Further, Verisol® uses selective, small peptides because they have superior absorption from the gut and enhanced effectiveness.
  3. These bioactive peptides can activate the processes that create new collagen, where and when you need it. Other forms of collagen are merely passively delivering amino acids without optimizing the process of collagen generation.

In short – The VERISOL® bioactive collagen peptides in the Bella Grace Collagen represent the form with the greatest clinical support, proven bioavailability & directly activates cellular repair.

2. Collagen Peptides from Grass-fed, Pasture Raised Cows

Okay, so now that we know we need collagen peptides and not just collagen, we also need to make sure the collagen peptides are responsibly sourced. There are lots of collagen supplements out there and they are not necessarily from a good source.

Just as there are different types of collagen products from powders to capsules, there are also different sources of collagen. For example, there are marine collagen and marine collagen peptides, as well as bovine collagen and bovine collagen peptides.

I believe the very best source of collagen is from bovine collagen (collagen from cows) and ideally you want bovine collagen peptides, or hydrolyzed bovine collagen.

In other words, the collagen supplements are made from collagen from healthy cows that are fed properly.

I believe bovine collagen peptides is better than marine collagen or marine collagen peptides because marine collagen can have more contamination from polluted seawater.

Photo by Daniel Quiceno M / Unsplash

VERISOL® collagen peptides are made by a Gelita, sourced from cows that are grass-ged and pasture raised.

I took this screenshot on their website:

Needless to say, this is especially important to me. I'm a big believer in the benefits of grass-fed animal products.

3. No Heavy Metals, No Additives, No GMOs

Another huge issue with collagen supplements is heavy metals, additives and GMOs.

Studies Show Heavy Metals Found in Collagen

You may have read the report a few years back from the Organic Consumers Association.

Organic Consumers Association and Clean Label Project tested 28 of the top-selling brands of collagen supplements and found that:

  • 64% tested positive for measurable levels of arsenic
  • 37% tested positive for measurable levels of lead
  • 34% tested positive for trace levels of mercury
  • 17% tested positive for measurable levels of cadmium

Yikes, right?

See their 10-page white paper here.

Why Are There Heavy Metals in Collagen?

Many collagen brands are made from animals raised in CAFOs, or confined animal feeding operations, also known as factory farms.

This is why they have GMOs and heavy metals – because they are eating a terrible diet full of pesticides, fluoride and aluminum, which is stored in their tissues.

Bella Grace is Different

As I explained above, Bella Grace Collagen is better than other collagen supplements because they use Verisol® collagen peptides, which is manufactured from cows on pasture, not cows raised on factory farms.

So this is why there are no heavy metals in Bella Grace Collagen.

Photo by Gabriel Porras / Unsplash

But how do we know for sure that the collagen does not have GMOs, heavy metals or additives?

As you can see from the screenshot below from Gelita's website, their collagen peptides products are non-GMO and qualify for the Clean Label, which means they do not contain heavy metals.

As you can see from the Clean Label website, their standards and methodology for Clean Label status are very stringent.

4. More Than Just Collagen

But wait, there's more!

As you can see from the label below, Bella Grace Collagen is not just collagen.

Bella Grace Collagen

Bella Grace Collagen has added vitamin C and a couple other ingredients that make it different and better than all the other collagen supplements on the market.

Namely, astaxanthin, which is one of the best sources of vitamin C. Bella Grace also contains cat's claw.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a fat soluble nutrient with a unique structure that's a perfect match for your skin's cell membranes. It's also the world's best source of vitamin C.

As I said above, your body can't absorb and utilize collagen unless you are getting enough vitamin C. This means you're going to be absorbing more collagen per serving of Bella Grace because your body can actually utilize it.

While you will see many collagen blends that contain vitamin C, such as pomegranate juice powder, not all vitamin C sources are the same.

Astaxanthin is not only more stable than vitamin C sources like ascorbic acid, but was found in a clinical study to be 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C.

Photo by engin akyurt / Unsplash

Watch the Video on Astaxanthin

This video below explains why astaxanthin works so well as a vitamin C source, and why vitamin C works synergistically with collagen peptides:

Natural astaxanthin also helps skin lock in moisture, makes skin more resilient to environmental factors, promotes longevity of existing dermal structures, and supports the skin's ability to replenish important components that contribute to the maintenance of hydrated, smooth elastic, and younger-looking skin.

Cat's Claw

Cat's claw (Una de gato) is a traditional medicine treasure from the Amazon Rainforest. A vine that is highly revered.

According to Bella Grace Collagen Elixir formulator, Dr. Mark Miller:

"Cat's claw is the most potent inhibitor of NF-kB, which is the master gene switch that dictates chronic inflammation.My research was recognized by the the NIH with Innovation Award for showing that Cat's claw suppresses collagen breakdown by MMPs in human tissues."

5. Clinical Results: Skin Health, Healthy Hair, & Cellulite

For healthy skin, VERISOL Collagen is your best bet. VERISOL is what is in Bella Grace Collagen supplements, and it is are clinically proven to boost the skin's collagen levels by up to 60%.

They have over 80 clinical trials.

Here are just a few...

Studies Show: Best Collagen Supplement for Skin

Based on studies, VERISOL may be the very best collagen for skin health. In a double-blind, controlled study amongst over 100 women, after 4-6 weeks of taking VERISOL daily, they experienced more evened skin surface and visible reduction in fine lines around the eyes.

VERISOL Helps to Improve Skin Elasticity

That same study, showed that VERISOL resulted in significantly higher skin elasticity – up to 15% – compared to use of a placebo. This effect could be measured after just 4 weeks of treatment and persisted after 8 weeks of consuming VERISOL orally.

So, based on clinical trials, VERISOL is arguably the best for skin health.

Collagen Studies on Healthy Hair

In this study, VERISOL Collagen Peptides Improved Hair Thickness in 16 Weeks. The results: 44 women ranging in age from 39 to 75 saw significantly thicker hair. Also, hair follicle cells increased by 31%.

Collagen Studies on Cellulite

Here's a study on VERISOL and cellulite: Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology.

YES! Cellulite!!!!

6. Convenient & Easy to Consume

No more mixing collagen powder with water, shakes or coffee.

Instead of a collagen protein powder, Bella Grace Collagen Elixir is a liquid collagen protein blend that comes in a pouch.

I'm not really a big fan of collagen powder or collagen capsules. I vastly prefer a liquid collagen to a collagen powder, because it's so much easier to remember to take.Using a collagen powder means you have to scoop and mix.

All you have to do to consume Bella Grace Collagen supplements is open the pouch and consume it. Because it comes in a handy pouch, it is super convenient for travel.

Bella Grace Collagen Elixir – 30 day supply in a box

How Much Collagen Do We Need to Take Each Day?

Research suggests that daily collagen intake should range from 2.5 to 15 grams, or , depending on the person's weight, age, and specific health goals.

For example, studies show that athletes and individuals with joint pain may benefit from a higher collagen intake of 15 grams per day. On the other hand, someone looking to improve skin elasticity and prevent wrinkles may need a lower dose of 2.5 grams per day.

However, it's important to note that collagen supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and consulting with a healthcare professional is always recommended before starting a collagen regimen. By consuming an appropriate amount of collagen each day, individuals can support their body's natural collagen production and reap the numerous health benefits associated with this powerful protein.

Less is More with Bella Grace

Since Bella Grace Collagen Elixir is formulated with synergistic ingredients including astaxanthin and cat's claw, you can get by with taking less.

So for Bella Grace, it is recommended to take 1 to 2 gel packets daily. Each packet is 1 full ounce or 30 ml.

7. Low Calorie, Low Carb, Paleo, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Kosher

If you are on a gluten free diet, you can take this form of collagen. It's gluten free, and it's dairy free, low carb, paleo and keto.

And it's only 15 calories per serving.

Unless you're a vegan, which you really shouldn't be – it's not healthy, guys – you know that if you've been reading my blog for a while, anyone can take this product.

Bella Grace Collagen Elixir also contains over 10 grams of protein per serving, which is awesome.

Collagen Helps with Moods & Brain Health

I spent a lot of years learning about the many benefits of protein for brain health and mood stabilization. In Julia Ross's book, The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your Emotions--Today, she recommends 20-30 grams of protein 3 times a day, just to maintain our current level of brain health.

So, if you suffer from anxiety, depression, addictions, or have difficulty focusing, getting more protein per serving of food may help you meet your daily protein goal.

Photo by Brooke Cagle / Unsplash

It can be tough to get enough protein per serving of food, especially in this day and age with so many people going vegetarian or even vegan. Most of us need to increase our protein intake.

Many people have food allergies and have switched from milk to soy milk and oat milk. Which is why so many people are relying on protein powder today. However, taking collagen protein is superior for many reasons.

Adding 1-2 pouches of Bella Grace Collagen Elixir to your daily diet could help to bridge the gap.

8. Collagen Testimonials

Okay, okay... so Bella Grace is the best in terms of sourcing, the best clinical results, and all the things.

But does it really work?

The results are nothing short of astounding. Like nothing I've ever seen before.

There are so many testimonials that I can't include them all here. Otherwise you'd be scrolling and scrolling.

I'll share a few below... and you can check out more testimonials here.

Click here for more Bella Grace collagen testimonials.

Keep in mind that when I first wrote this blog post in the summer of 2022, the company hadn'teven had their official launch yet. The official launch was in October, 2022 in Clearwater, Florida.

They started with a soft-launch in March of 2022, and by the summer of 2022, had around 4,000 total customers (including retail customers and affiliates).

9. What If You Could Get Collagen for FREE?

How would you like to get your collagen for FREE?

Yes, you read that right. FREE.

Here's all you have to do to get Bella Grace for FREE:

  1. The first time you order Bella Grace Elixir, you get an automatic 10% off on your first purchase.
  2. After your first purchase, when you sign up for Bella Grace Elixir on autoship, you save 10% going forward.
  3. When 3 of your friends are signed up as a customer with an active autoship, you get a box every month for free! You only have to pay for shipping and tax.

I don't know about you but I think that's incredibly awesome.

10. Money Back Guarantee

If you are not satisfied for any reason, you can get a full refund within 30 days. Bella Grace offers a full money back guarantee within 30 days of purchase.

What have you got to lose? And what have you got to gain?

Order Bella Grace Collagen Elixir Today

Click here to order now.

You get 10% off your first purchase. And there's a 30 day money back guarantee.

Don't wait – get started today!

And your purchase helps me keep blogging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not ready to order yet? Still have questions? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Q: When will I start seeing results from collagen supplements?

A: The time it takes for visible benefits to appear can vary depending on the individual. While some users may experience improvements in skin elasticity and hydration within just a few weeks, others may need to take the supplements for several months before noticing any changes.

That being said, scientific studies have shown that collagen supplements can indeed have positive effects on the skin, hair, nails, and joints. For instance, a review of 11 studies found that taking collagen supplements improved skin hydration, elasticity, and roughness (1). Similarly, a study of 69 women who consumed collagen powder daily for 12 weeks found that their skin became significantly smoother and more elastic compared to a control group (3). Other studies have suggested that collagen supplements can improve joint pain and mobility (4).

Q:What is hydrolyzed collagen, and how is it different from regular collagen?

A: Collagen is a protein that makes up a large part of our skin, bones, tendons, and other connective tissues. It is composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and it has a long, fibrous structure. However, when collagen is hydrolyzed, it is broken down into smaller peptides that are easier for the body to absorb and utilize.

Hydrolyzed collagen is therefore a form of collagen that has undergone a process of enzymatic hydrolysis, which breaks down the protein chains into peptides. These peptides are usually shorter than 10,000 Daltons, and they can be obtained from various sources, including bovine, porcine, marine, and avian collagen.

One advantage of hydrolyzed collagen is that it may be more bioavailable than regular collagen, meaning that it can be absorbed and utilized by the body more efficiently (2). This is because the smaller peptides can bypass some of the steps that regular collagen needs to go through in order to be digested and transported into the bloodstream. As a result, hydrolyzed collagen supplements may have a faster and more pronounced effect on skin, joint, and bone health compared to regular collagen supplements.

Q: Are collagen supplements safe?

A: Collagen supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated by most people when used as directed. Collagen is a natural protein found in the body, and the supplements are often derived from animal sources such as bovine, marine, or chicken. They are generally considered safe for healthy adults, and there are few negative side effects reported.

As always, I recommend seeking advice from a healthcare professional before adding any new dietary supplements to your routine.

Q: Are collagen supplements effective for reducing wrinkles?

A; Collagen supplements are often touted for their potential anti-aging benefits, particularly for reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. Some research studies have suggested that taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements may be effective in slowing the signs of aging and improving skin health.

One comprehensive review of 19 studies found that hydrolyzed collagen supplements could help to reduce skin aging, decrease wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity after 90 days of use. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of collagen supplements can vary depending on factors such as the quality and purity of the product, the dosage used, and individual differences in collagen metabolism.

Overall, collagen products could be a safe and effective addition to your current health and wellness routine. I recommend talking to your healthcare provider to determine whether collagen supplements are a good fit for your individual needs and health goals.

Q: Can collagen supplementation tighten saggy skin?

A: Collagen supplements have been a recent point of discussion in the beauty industry, with many people wondering if they can help tighten saggy skin. While there is a limited amount of research on this topic, some studies have indicated that collagen supplements may have a positive impact on skin elasticity, hydration, and texture, which in turn could potentially improve the appearance of saggy skin.

It is important to note, however, that the effectiveness of collagen supplements may vary from person to person. Additionally, in some cases, the benefits of collagen supplements may not be visible until several months of consistent use.

Despite these limitations, the potential benefits of collagen supplements for overall skin health are significant. Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced by the body and is responsible for the strength and elasticity of our skin. As we age, our body's collagen production gradually declines, leading to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and saggy skin.

Supplementing with collagen may help to counteract some of these effects, as collagen supplements stimulate the body's natural collagen production and thus help to rebuild and strengthen the skin's structural components. Additionally, some collagen supplements contain other ingredients that have been shown to support skin health, such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

In conclusion, while there may be limited research on the effectiveness of collagen supplements for tightening saggy skin, the potential benefits for overall skin health are significant. By promoting the body's natural collagen production and supporting key components of skin health, collagen supplements may be a valuable addition to any skincare routine.

Q: Is there a vegan form of collagen?

A: First, it is important to understand what collagen is and its role in the body. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support to the skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. It is naturally produced by the body but its production decreases as we age.

Collagen is derived from animal products, such as cows and pigs and fish. There are currently no vegan-friendly sources of collagen available. However, there is ongoing research exploring the potential for genetically modified yeast and bacteria to produce vegan collagen.

While vegan sources of collagen are not yet available, there are other ways to boost collagen production and support healthy skin, bones, and muscles. By incorporating a variety of vitamin C-rich foods into your diet or taking vegan-friendly collagen-boosting supplements, you can help maintain healthy collagen levels in the body. However, as stated above, I do not recommend a vegan diet for health.

Q: Is collagen keto-friendly?

While many people may assume that collagen is off-limits due to its protein content, in reality, collagen can be a great addition to a keto-friendly approach to eating. One of the key reasons for this is that it is low in carbohydrates, which is a must for those following a ketogenic diet.

While there are some collagen products on the market that may contain added sugars or other unwanted ingredients that can detract from its keto-friendly qualities, there are also many high-quality collagen supplements that are free from these issues. To make sure you are making the best choice for your needs, take the time to carefully read the nutrition label on any collagen supplement you are considering, and choose products that are free from added sugars and artificial flavors.

In addition to its compatibility with a ketogenic diet, collagen also boasts a number of other impressive health benefits. As a key component of connective tissues in the body, collagen can help support healthy skin, joint and bone health, and overall mobility and flexibility. Overall, adding collagen to your diet can be an excellent way to support your health goals while following a keto-friendly approach to eating.

Still Got Questions?

Ask in the comments below or email me at annmarie @ annmariemichaels dot com.

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References:

1. Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral collagen supplementation: A systematic review of dermatological applications. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2019;18(1):9-16.

2. Oesser S, Adam M, Babel W, et al. Oral administration of 14C labeled gelatin hydrolysate leads to an accumulation of radioactivity in cartilage of mice (C57/BL). Journal of Nutrition. 1999;129(10):1891-1895.

3. Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2014; 27(1):47-55.

4. Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, et al. 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 2008;24(5):1485-1496.

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