Sourcing the Best Collagen Peptides for Your Body

Choosing the best collagen peptides can feel daunting. There are so many options! Before you buy, read the label. Make sure you’re getting hydrolyzed collagen from an ethical, sustainable source. It should mix easily into hot or cold beverages, so you’ll actually want to drink it. And look for collagen types I and III on the package. Those are the most common, naturally occurring types in the body. Collagen peptides shouldn’t contain any fillers, sugars or other unwanted ingredients.

Collagen peptides support healthy skin, bones and joints. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and how to choose the highest-quality and most bioavailable supplement.

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What are Collagen Peptides?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body.^[1] It makes up about 30% of overall protein. Collagen is the main component^[2] of your skin, joints, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissue. Collagen helps strengthen bones and gives structure to skin.

But as we age, collagen production starts to decline.^[3] This naturally leads to drier skin that’s less elastic, as well as wrinkles and fine lines.^[4]

Collagen supplements provide essential building blocks to support natural collagen production. Glycine is the most common amino acid in collagen. It allows for collagen’s strong and resilient structure. Collagen supplements are the most abundant source of this amino acid.

The connective tissue of animals also contains collagen. Foods like chicken skin, pork skin, beef, fish and bone broth are sources of collagen.^[5] Your body’s digestive enzymes split the collagen in food into peptides and amino acids. In supplements, that work is already done. The collagen has been hydrolyzed, so your body can more easily absorb it. Collagen peptides are simply hydrolyzed collagen.^[6]

The body has 28 types of collagen but some are more common and important. Type I is the most prevalent. It is strong and flexible, found in all connective tissues. Type III is a flexible mesh that supports cells, organs and more.

Related: Learn what makes Bulletproof Collagen Proteins different

The Researched Benefits of Collagen Peptides

The benefits of collagen peptides include support for healthy skin, bones and joints. Yes, your body makes collagen naturally. But starting around age 25,^[7] that production peaks then starts to decline. Supplementing with collagen can help you maintain adequate supplies. This helps offset the effects of aging, so you can feel your best.

Joint & Bone Support

The body’s connective tissue—including the joints, bones and ligaments—depends on the amino acids found in collagen for strength and flexibility. Collagen peptide supplements^[8] have been shown to benefit joint comfort and function. They also promote joint flexibility and support bone strength.

Glowing & hydrated skin†

Supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen^[9] provides the building blocks for healthy skin elasticity. It also supports skin hydration and helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Choose the Best Collagen Peptides

Use this quick, helpful guide to choose the best collagen peptides.

How is it sourced? Do the company’s values align with yours?

Look for the words “grass-fed” and “pasture raised.” Collagen peptides are commonly sourced from cows. Choose ethical sources that use parts of the cow that would otherwise be wasted. This supports sustainability and ensures a premium quality product.

Bulletproof Collagen Protein comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. Our collagen peptide products don’t contain any hormones, antibiotics or GMOs.

What other ingredients does it contain?

Lower quality collagen contains fillers, artificial colors or flavors. Each serving should provide 10 grams to 20 grams of protein. If the label shows a lower number, it may mean there are other ingredients added to offset cost.

Bulletproof Unflavored Collagen Peptides Powder is pure, hydrolyzed bovine collagen, with no added sugars.

How bioavailable is collagen?

Foods like fish, bone broth and chicken skin are natural sources of collagen.^[10] The disadvantage is that your body requires more energy to break them down and access the collagen inside. If you enjoy eating those foods, include them in your healthy diet. But if you want the benefits of collagen peptides, choose a supplement.

Collagen peptides are more bioavailable, ready for your cells to use. Look for hydrolyzed collagen, collagen hydrolysate or collagen peptides on the ingredient list.

Bulletproof Collagen Peptides have been hydrolyzed, making it easier to put those collagen peptides to work. The process is gentle enough that it preserves the benefits of collagen.

Does it easily mix into drinks?

The hydrolysis process also makes collagen powder dissolve easily in hot or cold liquids. (It’s also more pleasant to drink hydrolyzed collagen peptides in coffee or smoothies.) If a collagen supplement contains fillers, it may clump or have a gritty texture.

Read next: 14 Collagen Peptide Recipes to Make Your Skin Glow