Author: Hannah FryeJune 28, 2023Assistant Beauty & Health EditorBy Hannah FryeAssistant Beauty & Health EditorHannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.How to chooseBest collagen for jointsHow we choseThe takeawayImage by mbg creative / Guille Faingold on StocksyJune 28, 2023Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.Collagen supplements are often discussed through a lens of skin benefits, but did you know that there's more full-body benefits to ingesting collagen?
The list of possible benefits is quite long, but one of the most important is joint health. To come, the very best collagen supplements to support your joints and how to choose the best product for you.
How to choose
There are many different types of collagen out there, some better for joints than others. Below are a few things to consider when shopping to find the best product for your unique needs:
- Consider type II collagen: Collagen type II is an important structural component of our joints. Type II collagen has been shown to promote joint mobility and comfort. Although, other types of collagen (i.e., types I and III) are also beneficial for joint and bone health.*
- Make sure it's hydrolyzed: A 2023 review noted that hydrolyzed collagen is imperative for proper absorption. "Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to contain biologically active peptides that are able to reach joint tissues and exert chondroprotective effects," researchers said.*
- Look for collagen plus complementary ingredients: When shopping for collagen for the purpose of joint support, other synergistic and complementary nutrients and bioactives, such as hyaluronic acid, should catch your eye. According to one 2015 review, ingested hyaluronic acid may help promote joint comfort1.*
The best collagen for joints in 2023
Best powder: mindbodygreen beauty & gut collagen+
:view on mindbodygreen | From $59Pro
- Specialized complex: collagen plus 7 other nutrients, botanicals, and bioactives
Con
- Not vegan
Collagen per serving
- 17.7 grams
This blend has everything you need and nothing you don't. The formula is free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten.
Along with it's potent 17.7 grams of collagen peptides (types I and III) there is vitamins C and E for enhanced collagen production, hyaluronic acid for skin hydration and joint comfort, the protein building block L-glutamine, biotin for your beauty needs, and curcumin from turmeric extract and sulforaphane from broccoli seed extract for antioxidant support. This is a powerhouse formula for your beauty, gut, and joint health needs.*
This blend has everything you need and nothing you don't. The formula is free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten.
Read full reviewBest gummy: Vital Proteins Collagen Gummies
:view on Vital Proteins | $18:view on CVS | $14:view on iHerb | $18Pro
- Gummies are a convenient option
Con
- Contains 5 grams of added sugars
- 4 gummy serving
Collagen per serving
- 2.5 grams
Not everyone can commit to mixing a powder into their smoothie or coffee everyday, which is fair. If that sounds familiar, then you may be a gummy vitamin lover, and this collagen pick is one of the best options out there.* The grape flavored gummies contain 2.5 grams of Verisol® collagen along with natural sweeteners and colors.
Not everyone can commit to mixing a powder into their smoothie or coffee everyday, which is fair. If that sounds familiar, then you may be a gummy vitamin lover, and this collagen pick is one of the best options out there.* The grape flavored gummies contain 2.5 grams of Verisol® collagen along with natural sweeteners and colors.
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This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.Best liquid: Momentous Collagen Shot
:view on Amazon | $41:view on Momentous | $36Pro
- Quick & easy
Con
- Contains artificial sweetener (sucralose)
Collagen per serving
- 10 grams
These sweet collagen shots contain 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen each, making them semi-customizable when it comes to dosage. The formula also contains 35 milligrams of vitamin C, which is essential to keep your collagen production functioning at its best. These shots do contain artificial sweeteners, so go for a different option if you're sensitive to them or dislike the taste.*
These sweet collagen shots contain 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen each, making them semi-customizable when it comes to dosage. The formula also contains 35 milligrams of vitamin C, which is essential to keep your collagen production functioning at its best. These shots do contain artificial sweeteners, so go for a different option if you're sensitive to them or dislike the taste.*
Best on the go: NOW Supplements UC-II Type II Collagen
:view on Amazon | $32:view on iHerb | $40Pro
- Includes type II collagen
Con
- Plastic bottle
Collagen per serving
- 40 mg
As mentioned before, type II collagen is ideal for joint support (though it's not always easy to find). Luckily, this capsule contains exclusively type II collagen, plus seaweed-derived minerals such as calcium. You only have to take one capsule a day on an empty stomach, and the size of the capsule is relatively small. While it doesn't contain vitamin C or other types of collagen (such as types I and III), it does get the job done for joint support.*
As mentioned before, type II collagen is ideal for joint support (though it's not always easy to find). Luckily, this capsule contains exclusively type II collagen, plus seaweed-derived minerals such as calcium. You only have to take one capsule a day on an empty stomach, and the size of the capsule is relatively small. While it doesn't contain vitamin C or other types of collagen (such as types I and III), it does get the job done for joint support.*
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This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.Best capsule : Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
:view on Amazon | $70:view on Pure encapsulations | $68Pro
- Supports tendons and ligaments*
Con
- Contains shellfish
Collagen per serving
- 200 mg
For those who can only remember to take a capsule, this is your best option. This formula is full of joint-targeted ingredients, including BioCell Collagen® which has been shown to promote joint comfort, vitamin C for collagen support, turmeric for a healthy inflammatory response, and more—making it a multi-faceted blend packed into two capsules a day.*
For those who can only remember to take a capsule, this is your best option. This formula is full of joint-targeted ingredients, including BioCell Collagen® which has been shown to promote joint comfort, vitamin C for collagen support, turmeric for a healthy inflammatory response, and more—making it a multi-faceted blend packed into two capsules a day.*
The takeaway
Collagen peptides can support healthy joints, especially type II collagen. When shopping, look for complimentary joint-supporting ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to make your purchase worth every penny.* To learn more about this multi-faceted supplement ingredient, dive into the research surrounding collagen's benefits here.*
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.Meet The Experts
Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.1 Source
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4469223/
