Powder v. Pill: Which is The Best Form of Collagen for You?

If you haven’t added collagen to your routine yet, then there is no better time to start than now. But with so many products on the market bragging about their collagen content, you may not know where to start. Not only are collagen products not created equally, but there are also better ways to get collagen. So let’s get into it! If you want to know the best way to take collagen, read on.

Where Does Collagen Come From?

Collagen is a protein found in humans and animals. Its name actually comes from the Greek meaning “glue,” and much like glue, it holds the body together, making up a large portion of the body’s connective tissue. As it is a protein produced by animals, it cannot be found in plants. Any vegetarian or vegan “collagens” that you might find do not contain any collagen--they simply contain plant-derived amino acids that your body could potentially use to produce its own collagen. While the premise holds, there have been few studies to confirm that these supplements actually work at all. Collagen peptides on the other hand have been backed by numerous studies and have been found to improve skin and aid in joint recovery. The body needs a select group of amino acids to build and maintain collagen stores which naturally deplete with age and the wear and tear of everyday life. Collagen peptides supply an abundance of those amino acids.

Collagen Is Meant To Be Digested

People have been consuming collagen for quite literally thousands of years as it is found in animal products, particularly those made from bones and connective tissue such as bone broth. And our ancestors were on to something: collagen is best absorbed through digestion. It is simply too large of a protein to be absorbed through the skin or hair. While food such as bone broth does contain collagen, it is not as rich as collagen peptides themselves. BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides have been derived from the layer under the cow's skin. This collagen is then further broken down into peptides so that your body can easily break them down into amino acids that it can use or store. This occurs during digestion. So when it comes to collagen, peptides in a pill or powder are the best way to go.

Collagen Capsules

We could also refer to collagen capsules as collagen pills because that’s what they look like: little collagen pills full of collagen goodness. Collagen capsules are no different from collagen peptides powder: they are just the powder contained within a casing, typically made of cellulose or gelatin. We’ll start with why people like them: they are fairly easy to take. If you already take a daily regimen of vitamins and supplements, we could see how easy it would be to incorporate a collagen capsule into that routine. You also don’t have to mix anything. The problem with collagen capsules is the dosing. Collagen capsules are obviously pretty small. You have to take more than just a few to get the same amount that you would in one serving of collagen powder--most brands recommend somewhere around six capsules to equal what you would get by mixing a scoop into liquid.

Collagen Peptides Powder

Maybe we are a little biased, but we love collagen powder. Collagen peptides powder is super versatile and great to have on hand in the kitchen. You can mix it with really anything, from water to your cup of coffee. It can also be used in cooking and baking. Unlike a collagen capsule, you only have to take one dose per day to get the recommended amount of amino acids. We like adding it to our cup of coffee in the morning. We are pretty proud of our original, unflavored collagen peptides, which most people swear are totally undetectable when added to their favorite beverage. However, if you do want to try something more flavorful, check out our Fountain of Youth Formula which is blended with biotin, vitamin C and Maqui berry to support healthier hair, skin and nails.

Pill or Powder: Does It Matter?

Since collagen capsules and powder are the same hydrolyzed collagen peptides, it doesn’t matter which way you take it. Your body will recognize the collagen peptides in both. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. However, if you don’t want to take six capsules every day (in addition to the other supplements you’re probably taking), you may want to stick with the powder.

BUBS Naturals Collagen Powder

If you are looking for an easy way to take your daily dose of collagen, check out our easy-to-use, on-the-go collagen single-serve stick packets! These packs can easily be stored in your bag or at your desk so you can enjoy collagen wherever you are.