Are you looking for a collagen supplement that fits your needs? If you choose to supplement collagen to improve your skin health as well as benefit from joint, bone and muscle repair support, it's important to choose wisely!

With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is right for you. So where do you start? Don't worry; we've got you covered with our Ultimate Collagen checklist guide. This guide will help you conduct thorough research and confidently choose the best collagen supplement to meet your specific needs. 

OPTY.NC Ultimate Collagen Checklist

1. Know Your Goals

Determine what your health goals are before starting your search for a collagen supplement. Are you looking for support during recovery after a workout? Or are you looking to maintain healthy skin and joint mobility? Knowing your goals will help you select the right type of collagen supplement. Collagen powders, drinks, and capsules come in various types, each with a unique benefit. Some are good for joint health, while others focus on skin health or gut health.

If you’re looking to improve your skin health, choose marine collagen. It has the highest levels of type 1 collagen – the same collagen comprising 90 per cent of the collagen in our body and the main type of collagen in our skin. This means it has a greater affinity with human skin than other collagen types.

2. Check the Source

Collagen can come from various sources. Choose a supplement that gives you the assurance that the product is from a quality source. It's essential to purchase your collagen from trusted sources, preferably companies that follow ethical standards and have high-quality control. 

If you’re conscious about sustainability, choose an ethically sourced marine collagen from a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fishery. Some fish farming practices may negatively impact the environment and carry the risk of contaminating the farmed fish with toxins so choose wild caught over farmed fish where possible.

3. Bio-Availibility, Dosage and Format

What is Bio-Availability?

Collagen is only effective if it can be absorbed by the body (highly bioavailable). Collagen particles in their native state are too large to be absorbed. Their size must be reduced through a process called hydrolysation. That's why hydrolysed collagen peptides are a must. These smaller particles ensure optimal bioavailability, so you can experience the full benefits.

Peptides Matter:

For maximum effectiveness, choose a collagen supplement with high levels of peptides. Look for at least 95% collagen peptides and feel the difference.

Proven Dosage is Key:

Clinical trials found that taking 2.5–15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides daily is safe and effective. Depending on your skin needs and stage of life, the quantity you need can vary. For optimal skin health benefits, we aim for 5-10g of collagen per serving on a daily basis. 

Powdered Potency:

Adding water to powdered collagen makes it just as bioavailable as liquid collagen. The benefits of powdered over liquid is that it doesn’t require as many preservatives. Powders are also better for the environment as liquids are heavier to ship, using more fossil fuel.

4. Check for Additives

It's essential to avoid consuming unnecessary additives, so always check the supplement label for added sugars, fillers, and preservatives. The best collagen supplements on the market avoid artificial flavors and sweeteners and contain an adequate amount of protein per serving.

Choose collagen supplements with natural flavours and sweeteners, no preservatives and no emulsifiers that can disrupt gut barrier function (potentially causing leaky gut and other issues). A supplement using natural sweetener such as stevia, instead of sugar, will further benefit your skin health as they are easier for your body to absorb, and the supplement will be more effective.

If choosing marine collagen, make sure the source fish and finished product have been screened for mercury and heavy metals to guarantee the purest possible collagen.

5. Consider the Price

Collagen supplements vary in price, and it's vital to choose a supplement that fits within your budget. However, when it comes to collagen, remember that cheaper doesn't necessarily mean better. More expensive collagen supplements from trusted brands usually contain premium-quality ingredients. You don't want to skimp on your collagen supplementation, as it won't serve its purpose effectively.

6. Check Reviews and Recommendations

Do your research by checking out customer reviews of the collagen product you're interested in. The reviews should give you insight into how the product works, its quality, and whether it’s worth the cost. Moreover, seek recommendations from friends or family who have experience with a particular product. These recommendations will help you narrow down your options and make shopping a smooth experience.

Things to remember:

• Collagen is not just a beauty supplement 

Women and men of all ages can benefit from supplementing collagen, with those over 30 seeing greater benefits. Collagen can also help with eczema, acne and psoriasis while supporting skin health function, wound healing and immunity.

• Collagen will only be properly absorbed by a well-functioning gut

Absorption is affected by gut health. Conditions like dysbiosis and leaky gut may affect the bioavailability of collagen and other nutrients.

• Optimal skin health requires more than collagen

A supplement that combines collagen with other essential skin health ingredients will ensure the best results. OPTY.NC Marine Collagen Supplements provides all the nutrition and antioxidants your skin needs, along with 10g of highly bioavailable collagen peptides, sustainably and ethically sourced. Knowing that healthy skin begins in the gut, OPTY.NC includes prebiotics and probiotics to support microbiome diversity and a healthy gut, essential for optimum nutrient absorption, immune function and clear, healthy skin.

Don't be overwhelmed by the vast number of collagen supplements out there. With our Ultimate Collagen Checklist Guide, you're now equipped to shop with confidence and select the best supplement to meet your needs. Remember to prioritize quality, check for unnecessary additives, consider pricing, and don't forget to do your research. With these tips in mind, you'll find the perfect collagen supplement that can help you achieve your health goals.