What Is the Best Collagen Powder Source?

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular due to the many benefits they provide. Though collagen production decreases with age, supplementing with collagen powder can help replenish the body's natural collagen levels.

Collagen Types

Collagen is a specialized protein that plays a pivotal role in maintaining the structural integrity of various connective tissues in the body. It is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of the body's total protein content.

There are at least 28 different types of collagen identified, but the majority of the body's collagen is made up of six types. They are Types I, II, III, IV, V, and X.

Type I Collagen: The most abundant collagen in the body. Found in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and organs. It supports skin elasticity and hydration and is essential for wound healing.
Type II Collagen: Found primarily in cartilage, providing joint support and cushioning.
Type III Collagen: Commonly found alongside Type I in skin, muscles, and blood vessels. It contributes to skin firmness and elasticity.
Type IV Collagen: Located in the basement membrane of cells, it plays a role in filtration and supports various organs.
Type V Collagen: Found in the cornea, some layers of skin, hair, and placenta. It helps form cell surfaces and hair.
Type X Collagen: Important for bone formation and cartilage, particularly during endochondral ossification (bone development from cartilage).

Collagen Powder Sources

Collagen supplements are sourced from various materials like bovine (cow hides and bones), marine (fish skins and scales), chicken cartilage, and eggshell membranes. The extraction process typically involves hydrolyzing collagen-rich tissues, where enzymes break down large collagen molecules into smaller peptides for better absorption.

As a protein, collagen contains amino acids, the building blocks of all proteins. There are 20 different amino acids. Collagen, by its nature, is comprised of specific amino acids that are necessary for collagen's unique triple-helix structure and its function in connective tissues.

Collagen from various sources generally share similar amino acid profiles. However, there are subtle differences in these profiles depending on the source, as well as differences in absorption rate and potential allergens. These minor differences are significant enough to impact the targeted benefits of each collagen source.

Bovine Collagen: Offers a balance of Types I and III collagen, providing broad support for skin, bones, and muscles.
Marine Collagen: Best suited for skin health due to its high Type I collagen content and superior bioavailability.
Chicken Collagen: Ideal for joint health because of its high Type II collagen concentration and additional joint-supporting compounds.
Eggshell Membrane Collagen: Supports joint and connective tissue health with Types I, V, and X collagen.
Beef Bone Broth Collagen: Enhances skin elasticity, gut health, and overall wellness with Types I and III collagen and a rich amino acid profile.
Chicken Bone Broth Collagen: Promotes joint comfort and gut health through Type II collagen and gut-supporting amino acids.
Porcine Collagen: Enhances skin moisture and elasticity with Types I and III collagen, closely resembling human collagen.
Multi Collagen: Combines multiple collagen types (I, II, III, V, X) from various sources to provide comprehensive support for skin, joints, bones, hair, and nails.
Plant-Based Collagen Builders: Aid natural collagen production by providing essential nutrients like vitamin C and amino acids, suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Bovine Collagen

Best For: Improving skin health, joint support, and overall wellness.
Digestibility: High when hydrolyzed; easily absorbed.
Collagen Types: Rich in Types I and III.
Amino Acid Profile: High in glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine.

Bovine collagen is derived from the hides and bones of cows. Through a process known as hydrolyzation, the collagen is broken down into smaller peptides, enhancing its bioavailability. Bovine collagen is rich in glycine and proline, amino acids essential for collagen synthesis.

Studies in the Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology have shown that bovine collagen supplementation can significantly improve skin hydration and elasticity.

Marine Collagen

Best For: Skin rejuvenation and anti-aging benefits.
Digestibility: Excellent; smaller peptide size allows for rapid absorption.
Collagen Types: Primarily Type I.
Amino Acid Profile: High in glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and contains unique amino acids like hydroxylysine.

Marine collagen is sourced from the skin, scales, and bones of fish, particularly cold-water fish like snapper, cod, and salmon. It has the smallest particle size among collagen sources, which enhances its absorption and bioavailability.

Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food indicates that marine collagen peptides can promote skin elasticity and reduce wrinkle formation.

Chicken Collagen

Best For: Joint health and cartilage support.
Digestibility: High when hydrolyzed.
Collagen Types: Rich in Type II.
Amino Acid Profile: Contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine along with glycine and proline.

Chicken collagen comes from chicken cartilage. It is abundant in Type II collagen, which supports joint health. Chicken collagen also contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, compounds known to support joint mobility and reduce inflammation.

A study in the International Journal of Medical Sciences found that supplementation with chicken collagen Type II improved joint function and reduced pain in individuals with osteoarthritis.

Beef Bone Broth Collagen

Best For: Skin health, gut health, and overall wellness.
Digestibility: High when hydrolyzed.
Collagen Types: Contains Types I and III collagen.
Amino Acid Profile: Rich in glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and glutamine.

Beef bone broth collagen is derived from simmering the bones, marrow, and connective tissues of cows over an extended period. This slow-cooking process extracts collagen, gelatin, minerals, and other beneficial compounds which are processed into a powder.

Beef bone broth collagen is rich in Types I and III collagen, which are good for skin elasticity, hair strength, nail growth, and gut health. The amino acid glutamine present in beef bone broth aids in gut health by supporting the intestinal barrier.

Chicken Bone Broth Collagen

Best For: Joint health and cartilage support.
Digestibility: High when consumed as broth or in hydrolyzed powder form.
Collagen Types: Rich in Type II collagen.
Amino Acid Profile: Contains glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and joint-supporting compounds like chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine.

Chicken bone broth collagen is made by simmering chicken bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. This process extracts nutrients in their natural, bioavailable forms.

Chicken bone broth collagen is abundant in Type II collagen, which helps maintain healthy cartilage and joints. The presence of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine further enhances its ability to support joint mobility and reduce inflammation.

Eggshell Membrane Collagen

Best For: Joint and connective tissue support.
Digestibility: Good; natural form requires minimal processing.
Collagen Types: Contains Types I, V, and X.
Amino Acid Profile: Rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, along with other joint-supporting compounds.

Eggshell membrane collagen is sourced from the thin membrane lining the inside of eggshells. It is a rich source of not only collagen but also other joint-supporting nutrients like hyaluronic acid and glucosamine.

Clinical trials reported in Clinical Interventions in Aging have shown that eggshell membrane supplements can reduce joint pain and stiffness.

Porcine Collagen

Best For: Skin health and tissue repair.
Digestibility: High when hydrolyzed.
Collagen Types: Contains Types I and III.
Amino Acid Profile: Similar to bovine collagen; rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

Porcine collagen is derived from pig skin and bones. Its amino acid profile is similar to that of human collagen, which may enhance its effectiveness in promoting skin health and wound healing.

Studies in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggest that porcine collagen can improve skin moisture and elasticity.

Multi Collagen

Best For: Comprehensive support for skin, joints, bones, and hair.
Digestibility: High when hydrolyzed.
Collagen Types: Combines multiple types (I, II, III, V, X).
Amino Acid Profile: Broad spectrum of amino acids from various sources.

Multi collagen supplements blend collagen from several sources—such as bovine, chicken, marine, and eggshell membrane—to provide a range of collagen types in one product. This combination aims to offer comprehensive benefits, supporting skin elasticity, joint health, bone strength, and hair and nail growth.

By providing multiple collagen types, multi collagen supplements can target various tissues and functions in the body.

Plant-Based Collagen Builders

Best For: Vegans and vegetarians seeking to support natural collagen production.
Digestibility: Excellent; typically includes vitamins and minerals for absorption.
Collagen Types: Do not contain collagen but support its synthesis.
Amino Acid Profile: Provides amino acids like glycine and proline from plant sources, along with vitamin C and antioxidants.

There is no such thing as a plant-based collagen as plants do not contain collagen. However, certain plant-based supplements can help boost the body's own collagen production. These often include ingredients like vitamin C, biotin, and amino acids from sources like soy, wheat, and peas.

Which Is the Best Type of Collagen?

Multi collagen is the best option for most individuals because it offers wide-ranging and generalized benefits that support overall health and fitness.

Multi collagen supplements combine multiple types of collagen from various sources into one comprehensive product. The balanced amino acid profile offers broad spectrum support and addresses multiple areas of health simultaneously.

Antler Farms® Multi Collagen contains five types of collagen (I, II, III, V, and X) from the best sources, including grass fed cattle, wild-caught fish, cage-free chicken, and eggs. It is 100% pure with no fillers, additives, chemicals, or GMOs.

Ultimately, the best collagen powder source depends on your desires, dietary restrictions, and preferences. Therefore, if you are looking for more targeted benefits, choose a collagen that aligns with your specific health goals.