What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies—it’s responsible for the structure and elasticity of your skin, the flexibility in your joints, and the strength of your bones. The regenerative qualities of collagen are what help you bounce back from injury, whether it's a scratch to your skin or a crack in your bones.

As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, and workouts can stress and strain our muscles and joints. You may notice your bones become slightly more brittle, muscles and joints more rigid, your hair becomes drier, and your skin thinner and less elastic.

What are the benefits of collagen?

Collagen is your body’s main structural protein. It forms a matrix that supports all the body’s connective tissues, including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, cartilage, ligaments skin, hair, nails, and more. Collagen plays an important role in the regeneration of these tissues and helps you retain elasticity in your joints and other support structures.

While it's not the fountain of youth, collagen supplements can promote skin health and support the repair of damaged skin and hair by encouraging the formation of new collagen. Besides keeping your skin and hair looking young and radiant, collagen benefits can help to improve nail growth and texture. Did you know collagen can even support gut health? In other words, collagen taken on a daily basis can help you look and feel younger from the inside out!

What are collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides are made by breaking down collagen proteins into smaller fragments. This process of fragmenting the collagen molecules is called hydrolysis and makes the nutrient easier for the body to absorb.

How do I choose the right collagen supplement?

At The Vitamin Shoppe, we offer a large selection of collagen supplements to help your body boost collagen synthesis. Many of our collagen supplements are formulated with a powerful blend of nutrients to further prevent the breakdown of elastin proteins in the skin while helping your body stay hydrated. For an extra nutrient boost, a selection of collagen powders are mixed with super greens.

Many of our collagen peptide formulas use grass-fed bovine collagen—which is highly bio-available and easily digestible—and are free of gluten, dairy, soy, and nut products. Naturally available hyaluronic acid, another ingredient in our premium collagen supplements, helps your skin’s moisture. By improving your body’s collagen makeup, you can promote your health and well-being.

How do I take collagen?

Enjoy healthier skin, hair, nails, and joint strength and mobility when you add collagen powder to your daily routine. You can buy collagen not only in powder form, but in capsules, liquids, tasty soft chews, or even as a creamer for your coffee!

Natural collagen peptides are highly digestible and can be absorbed in hot or cold liquids—just blend with orange juice or vitamin C supplements. You can also mix powdered or liquid collagen into oatmeal, soups, sauces, and dressings as an easy way to supplement your diet.

Natural collagen is not meant to treat, cure, or prevent any disease, but it can support many areas of wellness. If you think you’re someone who could benefit from extra collagen, browse our huge selection of collagen products at The Vitamin Shoppe today!