Collagen powders and capsules from marine and bovine sources, many with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid added, plus MSM capsules and glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM combinations. Brands include OstroVit, Trec Nutrition, NOW Foods, Essensey, Snap Supplements and Trace Minerals.
How to choose a collagen supplement
- Source: marine collagen comes from fish, for example OstroVit Marine Collagen 200g and Trec Collagen Marine. NOW Foods Collagen Peptides is hydrolysed bovine collagen, types I and III. Neither suits vegetarians or vegans, and marine collagen is unsuitable if you are allergic to fish.
- Powder or capsules: powders give a larger serving and mix into coffee, smoothies or porridge; unflavoured ones disappear into drinks, while flavoured jars such as Trec Collagen Renover are made to drink on their own. Capsules like Trec Collagen Max or Essensey Collagen Forte are convenient but supply less collagen per serving, so compare grams on the label.
- Added vitamin C: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones and cartilage. OstroVit Collagen + Vitamin C and OstroVit Marine Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C include it. Collagen itself has no authorised health claims.
What is MSM?
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulphur compound found in small amounts in foods. Essensey MSM Organic Sulfur provides it in capsules, which avoids the bitter taste of the loose powder. If you want MSM with the classic joint ingredients, Essensey Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM and NOW Foods Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM combine them; see Joint Support for more.
Other products in this range
Trace Minerals Ionic Biotin + Collagen is a flavoured liquid, and biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin. Snap Supplements Super Greens mixes collagen with greens powders, and TREC Endurance Collagen 4 Runners is aimed at runners. For beauty-focused formulas, see Beauty Supplements.
Collagen & MSM: your questions answered
Marine or bovine collagen: what is the difference?
Marine collagen is made from fish and bovine collagen from cattle; both are sold as hydrolysed peptides that mix easily. Choose by dietary preference and allergies, as marine collagen is unsuitable for anyone allergic to fish.
Is collagen powder better than collagen capsules?
Powders usually deliver several grams per serving, while capsules provide far less per dose, so compare the grams of collagen on each label. Capsules suit people who do not want to mix a drink.
Why do some collagen products contain vitamin C?
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels. Collagen itself has no authorised health claims, so the vitamin C is the part of the formula that carries one.
Is there a vegan collagen?
No. Collagen is an animal protein, so every collagen product here is unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. MSM capsules may be suitable; check the capsule shell on the label.
Can I take MSM and collagen together?
Yes, they are often combined, and some joint formulas pair MSM with glucosamine and chondroitin. Follow the serving on each label and check with a pharmacist if you take regular medication.
