1) Avoid “multi-collagen” marketing scams
While multi-collagen supplements tend to be less expensive, there are a few key reasons why choosing bargain brand multi-collagens may not be the smartest option for meeting your daily collagen needs.
For starters, research indicates that certain collagen types should be taken together while others should be taken separately.
For example, because collagen Type II protein makes up the fluids and function in the cartilage and joints, Type II collagen supplements should be taken separately from Types I & III to ensure adequate absorption.*
For this reason, taking multi-collagen supplements that combine all the various types of collagen into 1 serving isn’t recommended as this will blunt the absorption, hindering the body from reaping the full benefits.
Additionally, many collagen fiber types that don’t have ample research backing their effectiveness are cheaper to source. These low-cost collagen types are often used in multi-collagen supplements as fillers to mitigate manufacturing costs - ultimately yielding a far less effective supplement.
Therefore in order to experience maximum anti-aging results with collagen supplementation, use a powder that combines Types I & III - and leave out all the rest.
2) Make sure your collagen supplement is certified grass-fed
If you’ve considered supplementing with collagen then you probably already know that picking a collagen source can be a bit confusing.
Bone broth collagen, bovine-collagen, chicken-collagen, marine-collagen…
With so many options to choose from - how can you decide which is the best option for you?
Here’s what you need to know about the source:
It actually doesn’t matter as much as you think it does.
While the ratio and concentration of amino acids may vary slightly from source to source, structurally, collagen is the same whether it’s coming from a cow, chicken, fish or bone broth.
The key difference maker to pay attention to isn’t the animal; it’s how the animal was cared for.
In other words, whether the collagen comes from a grass-fed, pasture-raised, cage-free, free-range, and antibiotic-free source, (or not), will have a direct impact on the absorption, effectiveness and ultimately the safety of the supplement.
Grass-fed cows are never fed any genetically modified organisms and are not exposed to growth hormone treatment (rBGH & rBST), chemicals, antibiotics, or injected pathogens. This makes grass-fed collagen one of the healthiest (and safest) protein supplements to include in your diet. It is free of hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, and steroids.
The only way to ensure you are avoiding this risk of toxin exposure is by using a collagen supplement that is Certified Grass-Fed.
3) Look for “hydrolysate” or "peptides" on the label
To ensure your body can easily digest and put the collagen to immediate use, make sure the supplement is fully hydrolyzed collagen.
When hydrolyzed, collagen is carefully reduced to smaller, more digestible peptides during the manufacturing process.
Studies indicate properly hydrolyzed collagen peptides are available in the bloodstream within two hours of ingestion — usually within only one hour.
In other words, using a hydrolysate collagen means your body will be able to start reaping the age-defying benefits much more rapidly.
Bottom line: If you are interested in trying collagen, doctors agree that it’s important to choose wisely…
Consuming pure Grass-Fed, Type I & III collagen fibers that are fully hydrolyzed for fast absorption will give your body a huge advantage when it comes to staving off joint pain as well as reducing visible signs of aging.
At NativePath, Dr.Chad Walding (DTP & Co-Founder) has played a critical role in developing a breakthrough formula to make meeting daily collagen needs easier and more effective than ever.
The Doctor-Recommended
Collagen Formula
NativePath Grass-Fed Collagen