What Are Collagen Gummies?
Collagen gummies have become an increasingly popular supplement for supporting skin, hair, nail, joint, and gut health. These gummies contain collagen peptides which are easily absorbed by the body to provide a variety of potential benefits.
How Do Collagen Gummies Work?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is the building block for connective tissues such as skin, bones, muscles, hair, nails, and tendons. As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen leading to signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, stiff joints, brittle nails and hair, and weakened muscles and tendons.
Collagen gummies provide collagen peptides that are easily digested and absorbed by the body. When hydrolyzed into peptides, collagen can enter the bloodstream whole rather than needing to be broken down by digestive enzymes and acids. This allows the collagen peptides to be delivered throughout the body to provide targeted support where needed.
Benefits of Collagen Gummies
Regularly taking a collagen supplement like gummies may provide many benefits including:
- Reducing visible signs of skin aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin by supporting the dermal collagen matrix
- Increasing moisture and hydration for softer, smoother, and more supple skin
- Preventing brittle nails and hair damage while stimulating growth
- Supporting bone mineral density to strengthen bones
- Lubricating joints and tendons to improve flexibility and mobility
- Speeding up recovery time after exercise to reduce soreness
- Supporting gut integrity and healing leaky gut syndrome
Types of Collagen in Gummies
There are several types of collagen used in gummies including:
Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen comes from cows and is very similar to the type of collagen found in human bodies. It contains types 1 and 3 collagen which support skin, hair, nails, bones, muscles, and tendons.
Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is derived from fish skin, scales, and bones. It provides type 1 collagen as well as other proteins, minerals, and antioxidants. Marine collagen is very easily absorbed in the body.
Egg Shell Collagen
Egg shell collagen contains type 1 collagen and proteins derived from egg shells. It is also easily digested and used by the body to support connective tissues.
Choosing the Best Collagen Gummies
When shopping for a collagen gummy supplement, there are a few key factors to look out for:
High Collagen Content Per Serving
Ensure your collagen gummies provide at least 10 grams of collagen per serving. Lower doses may not provide the full benefits of collagen supplementation. The best gummies contain between 10-20 grams of collagen peptides per serving.
Contains Multiple Collagen Types
For whole body collagen support, choose gummies that provide a mix of type 1, type 3, type 5, and sometimes type 10 collagen. This variety ensures collagen production benefits a wider range of connective tissues.
High Bioavailability Ingredients
Marine collagen, bovine collagen, and hydrolyzed collagen peptides have the highest bioavailability so your body can readily absorb and utilize them. Egg shell collagen is also noted for its bioavailability and easy digestion.
Natural Flavors and Colors
The highest quality collagen gummies use natural flavorings and plant-based colors instead of synthetic additives. They are also free of common allergens.
Contains Vitamins and Minerals
Some collagen gummy products include complimentary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like vitamin C, biotin, zinc, coconut oil, and vitamin E. These support collagen production and maximize benefits.
Do Collagen Gummies Have Side Effects?
For most people, collagen gummies do not cause negative side effects. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when taking a collagen supplement:
- Some people experience mild digestive symptoms like bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea when first using collagen. These typically go away after 2-3 weeks once your body adjusts.
- There is a small risk of allergic reaction in those allergic to common collagen sources like beef, fish, eggshells. Discontinue use if this occurs.
- Some research indicates very high doses of collagen supplements over long periods may potentially cause kidney stones or organ calcification. However, typical supplement doses like 10-20 grams per day are considered safe.
Do Collagen Gummies Really Work?
According to research, regularly taking collagen supplements like gummies can be beneficial for:
- Skin health - Multiple studies demonstrate collagen supplementation decreases skin dryness, wrinkles, and dermal collagen fragmentation to reduce visible signs of skin aging.
- Muscle and bone health - Consuming extra collagen protein supports building lean muscle mass after exercise. It also improves bone mineral density to strengthen bones.
- Joint health - Hydrolyzed collagen supplements reduce arthritis pain, improve mobility, and support cartilage repair by increasing collagen concentration around joints.
- Injury recovery - Collagen helps speed up recovery following exercise, intense workouts, muscle overuse, or injuries.
- Hair and nails - Collagen peptides have been shown to increase nail growth and thickness while reducing breakage. They also support faster hair growth.
The Best Collagen Gummies
Some of the top collagen gummy products in 2023 include:
1. Vital Proteins Collagen Gummies
Vital Proteins Collagen Gummies provide 10 grams of bovine collagen peptides per serving from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle. They contain types 1 and 3 collagen to support hair, skin, nail, bone, joint, ligament, cartilage, and muscle health. These gummies have natural fruit flavors and are whole30 approved, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
2. Natures Bounty Glow Collagen Gummies
Natures Bounty Glow Gummies have 2000mg of collagen types 1&3 per serving with 50mg of vitamin C for added support. They feature a combination of peptides from bovine collagen, fish collagen, and eggshell membrane collagen making them highly bioavailable. With a delicious mixed berry flavor and affordable pricing, these gummies provide solid benefits.
3. Further Food Collagen Gummies
Further Food Crafted Collagen Gummies contain vitamin C and 10 grams of collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides. They come in natural citrus and wildberry flavors sweetened with organic coconut sugar. These gummies support joint, bone, skin, hair, nail, and gut health with clean, thoughtful ingredients.
The Bottom Line on Collagen Gummies
Collagen gummy supplements provide a convenient and tasty way to increase your collagen intake each day. The collagen peptides are easily digested and absorbed to better support your connective tissues from head to toe. When choosing a collagen gummy, look for products with at least 10 grams of multi-source collagen per serving with clean, thoughtful ingredients for maximum benefits without any nasty side effects.
FAQs
What is the best time of day to take collagen gummies?
Most experts recommend taking collagen gummies first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or right before bedtime. Taking them in the morning allows the collagen peptides to be used most effectively throughout the day. The bedtime dose gives your body collagen while you sleep for great overnight recovery and repair.
How long does it take for collagen gummies to work?
Collagen gummies need to build up in your system for 6-8 weeks before you're likely to see noticeable results in areas like skin, hair, and nails. Effects like joint relief happen more quickly in 2-4 weeks. Stay consistent with your dosage over 2-3 months for full benefits.
Can you take too much collagen?
For most people, taking the standard dosage of 10-20 grams of collagen from supplements like gummies does not pose any risks. Higher doses over long periods may potentially lead to side effects like kidney stones but that is rare. Always follow dosage instructions.
Do collagen gummies expire?
Like any supplement, collagen gummies eventually expire. Unopened containers last over a year. Once opened, try to use up collagen gummies within 6 months before the quality degrades. Store them properly sealed at room temperature away from excess light or moisture.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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