Before it earned superfood status, collagen was better known for its role in skin serums and plumping lip injections. Today, it’s widely used to promote joint health, digestion, and sleep. Collagen is naturally produced in mammals and bovine collagen (sourced from cows) is most commonly used in supplements while marine collagen (extracted from cold water fish like salmon) is typically used in skincare products. For convenience, collagen is available in many forms, including powders, capsules, and gelatin, so it’s just a matter of finding the right vehicle for you.

What Is Collagen?

As a long-chain amino acid, collagen is the main protein found in our skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissue. Our bodies actually contain 16 different types of collagen, but the most abundant is Type I, stored in places like our bones, tendons, muscles, and digestive system.

Benefits of Collagen

Although collagen is found in our bodies, you tend to lose collagen as you age. (Some studies report that 1% of collagen is lost each year after age 20.) Without it, skin may begin to sag or wrinkle, so supplementation may improve the firmness to your skin and keep your complexion looking youthful. Collagen may also help prevent joint pain and combat degenerative joint disorders like osteoarthritis, and prevent bone loss and conditions like osteoporosis and sarcopenia as you age.

Top Bone & Joint Brands

Experience the benefits of collagen when you stock up on these go-to supplements!

New Chapter

New Chapter—a Certified B Corp—is committed to high-quality, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. Its responsibly sourced supplements are free from artificial fillers, colors, and synthetic binders.

Fermented Vitamin D3

New Chapter’s organic vitamin D3 is uniquely fermented to unlock nutrients for your body to absorb, so you get the full 250% daily value from each easy-to-swallow tablet.

wellmade by Thrive Market

Our supplements are produced in FDA-regulated facilities that practice current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), the gold standard for quality and safety. Before hitting shelves, each formula is always thoroughly tested for potency and purity.

Grass-Fed Beef Gelatin

Made from the bones of grass-fed cows, our collagen powder delivers 10g of protein per serving to help support everything from muscle recovery to digestive health. Thrive Market member Rachael from Indiana says it’s a “great price for the quality” and loves to make gummies with it.

MaryRuth Organics

Founder MaryRuth Ghiyam wanted to develop the most wholesome liquid multivitamin that everyone in the family could take. Today, her trusted brand offers organic supplements ranging from gummies to probiotics, all made with care from exceptional ingredients.

Vitamin D3 + B12 Gummies

Enjoy two important vitamins in one convenient gummy. D3 may help the body absorb calcium and support immune function, while B12 supports red cell production. Dipesh from California says “My kids are fussy when it comes to multivitamins and they love this one. It tastes great and can be used by adults and kids. I have this on autoship and we all take it.”

Thrive Market’s Tips for Supporting Joint Health

Head to the blog where you’ll find tips on transforming your collagen supplements into tasty dishes (hello, fudge bars), a comparison on collagen versus gelatin, and much more.

Collagen Fudge Bar Recipe

When chocolate is involved, dessert is a no-brainer. Add a dose of collagen to these creamy fudge bars made with almond butter, cacao, and salted almonds for a crunchy finish.

Collagen Benefits from Dr. Axe

When it comes to adding collagen to your diet, Dr. Axe says “our body needs collagen’s building blocks—proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. If we’re not getting those amino acids, our body is missing the opportunity to regenerate and create new healthy cells and tissue.” Learn more in our video interview.

Collagen vs. Gelatin

Collagen and gelatin are both good sources of protein, but what’s the difference? This post looks at what makes these ingredients unique, and offers tips for using them in your favorite recipes.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.