What is Collagen?
Derived from the Greek word “kolla,” meaning ‘glue’, collagen is the most abundant form of protein in mammals and the human body. It is present in various forms throughout the body, including the bones, cartilage and tendons. It is also what gives the skin its strength and structure, and also plays a role in the replacement of dead skin cells.
Collagen Production Decline
There are many factors that cause the decline of collagen production, one of which is age. This decline weakens the structural integrity of the skin and leading to sagging skin, the formation of lines and wrinkles and the weakening of cartilage in joints.
This decline typically starts at 40, with a dramatic decline for women after menopause. By 60, there would be a considerable decline, regardless of gender.
Other controllable factors include exposure to UV light, smoking and high sugar consumption. Generally speaking, having a healthy lifestyle will contribute positively to collagen synthesis in the body.
Benefits of Collagen
Collagen has already been used medically for a variety of treatments, including, would dressing, guided tissue regeneration.
A review in 2006 found that collagen may help reduce the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis while improving joint function. Another more recent study suggests that collagen may also help to build muscle and increase muscle strength in older adults when combined with exercise.
Recently, collagen has come into demand for their supposed cosmetic benefits. This may not apply to products like ointments and creams as the collagen molecule is too big to pass through the skin. Benefits from these products are most likely because of their moisturizing properties instead of any collagen related improvements. Unfortunately, because these are not drugs, there is no hard requirement for any scientific evidence to prove their claims.
Some studies to show that indeed collagen can help combat aging signs in the skin, but only when ingested over a sustained period of time.
Collagen Products
As mentioned above, collagen creams and ointments should be avoided because the collagen molecules in these creams are too big to be absorbed by the skin anyway.
What you should focus on are ingested supplements that either provide the collagen in an easy digestible form (i.e. Hydrolyzed Collagen), or products that help improve your body’s ability to synthesis new collagen, including precursors like Vitamin A, C, and complementary ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid.
There are 3 main types of Collagen. Products with Type 1 and 3 are usually focused on cosmetics and general well being, while products with Type 2 tend to focus on joint health. They come in capsules or powders that can be made into collagen drinks
Note that Collagen is almost always from animal sources (cows, pigs, chicken, fish), so vegetarians should avoid.
Side Effects
Collagen is generally safe with few reported side-effects (headaches, constipation, and mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported in clinical studies). Those with animal allergies should take note of the animal source of the products.
Prices around Singapore
For comparisons sake, here are some collagen drink powders that can be found around Singapore. Are they cheaper? Almost double the price for half the volume? See for yourself. Click to enlarge some example deals.
Where to buy
Below are the prices from iHerb. With the comparisons below, you can see why CheapSupplement.com.sg recommends iHerb for all your supplement and organic purchases.
Here are some of the best selling Collagen products for Singapore:
Neocell
Super Collagen+C, 6000mg, Type 1 & 3
For hair, skin, nails, joints & bones. NeoCell Collagen has been shown to increase skin hydration by an average of 21% and up to 50%, with 92% of test subjects experiencing increased skin hydration and 60% experiencing firmer, softer skin. (NeoCell Collagen 2014 study)
iHerb: 120 tablets, US$10.85 (SGD$ 14.62) or less
iHerb: 250 tablets, US$16.96 (SGD$ 22.86) or less
iHerb: 198g (7 oz) powder, US$10.85 (SGD$ 14.62) or less
Great Lakes Gelatin Co.,
Collagen Hydrolysate, Collagen Joint Care, Beef
454g (16 oz)
Collagen drink for hair, skin, nails, joints & bones. NeoCell Collagen has been shown to increase skin hydration by an average of 21% and up to 50%, with 92% of test subjects experiencing increased skin hydration and 60% experiencing firmer, softer skin. (NeoCell Collagen 2014 study)
iHerb: US$21.49 (SGD$ 28.97) or less
Doctor’s Best
Best Collagen, Types 1 & 3
For hair, skin, nails, joints & bones. NeoCell Collagen shown to increase skin hydration by an average of 21% and up to 50%, with 92% of test subjects experiencing increased skin hydration and 60% experiencing firmer, softer skin. (NeoCell Collagen 2014 study)
iHerb: 500mg, 240 capsules, US$11.40 (SGD$ 15.37) or less
iHerb: 1000mg, 180 capsules, US$12.18 (SGD$ 16.42) or less
iHerb: 1000mg, 540 capsules, US$32.81 (SGD$ 44.22) or less
iHerb: 200g (7.1 oz) collagen drink powder, US$9.36 (SGD$ 12.62) or less
California Gold Nutrition
CollagenUP 5000, Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides + Hyaluronic Acid
Enzymatically hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides + hyaluronic acid + vitamin c. Supports healthy joints, bones, skin, hair & nails. Low molecular weight – 5,000 Daltons. Easily Absorbed. Cold water soluble collagen drink, mild flavor.
iHerb: 204g (7.195 oz), US$15.81 (SGD$ 21.31) or less
iHerb: 461g (16.26 oz), US$32.37 (SGD$ 43.63) or less
Life Extension
Bio-Collagen with Patented UC-II, 40 mg
60 Small Caps
Bio-Collagen with Patented UC-II® is a novel form of undenatured type II collagen from chicken cartilage shown to provide targeted support for the immune issues related to joint discomfort. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study on patients found that UC-II® provided relief by 33%, and decreased joint discomfort scores by a remarkable 40% — in just 90 days!
iHerb: US$27.00 (SGD$ 36.39) or less
Jarrow Formulas
Type II Collagen Complex, 500 mg
60 Capsules
BioCell Collagen is a low molecular weight, water-soluble glycosaminoglycan complex completely derived from chicken sternum cartilage. BioCell Collagen has clinically documented bioavailability, and has been shown to support joint health and skin hydration.
iHerb: US$12.26 (SGD$ 16.52) or less
Natural Factors
BioSil, ch-OSA Advanced Collagen Generator
BioSil Hair Skin Nails, with clinically proven ch-OSA, helps restore your body’s 3 beauty proteins more youthful levels. Its capacity to generate collagen with your own DNA fingerprint makes ch-OSA the genuine breakthrough in collagen. Clinically Tested · US Patent #5,922,360 and Other Patents Pending
iHerb: 30 veggie caps, US$15.99 (SGD$ 21.55) or less
iHerb: 60 veggie caps, US$28.79 (SGD$ 38.81) or less
iHerb: 120 veggie caps, US$50.39 (SGD$ 67.92) or less
iHerb: 15ml (0.5 fl oz), US$17.59 (SGD$ 21.66) or less
iHerb: 30ml (1 fl oz), US$25.59 (SGD$ 34.49) or less
Click here to see the best selling Collagen products at iHerb
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References: health.howstuffworks, wikipedia, British Journal of Nutrition, ConsumerLab