Hi, dear Posse folks!! Over the last few days, collagen, collagen powders in particular, has been popping up on my radar via Facebook, a friend’s mention, etc.
From what I gather, it’s supposed to help with hair, skin and nails, and also joints and bones (which I could really use these days). And perhaps some other overall benefits, such as aging in general. So I’m wondering: it is a possible fountain of youth (maybe just a sprinkler of youth?)? Or simply another passing health trend?
Poking around the Internet, I see unflavored collagen powder that you mix into liquids, flavored powders, capsules, collagen creamers, collagen waters, etc.
So the other day in Target, I saw single-use packets of Vital Proteins unflavored collagen powder and grabbed a couple to try. Stirred it into my oatmeal today and couldn’t really taste it. I’m sure it takes weeks, or maybe even months, to see a difference. I’m willing to give it a go, at least for a little while. But I don’t want to spend a small fortune on it either. So we shall see.
What about you? Have any of you tried collagen in any of its many forms? If so, what has been your experience with it? Or do you have any other suggestions/products that you’ve found help with joints, aging, etc.? Thanks!!
I am… skeptical? I’d be concerned about bovine collagen because of mad cow disease. And my understanding is our stomachs break it down into amino acids which are of the same sort you’d get from a protein-rich diet, if you are already eating one.
I started taking Ancient Nutrition’s collagen powder about 3 weeks ago. I had read that it would help with weight loss on a keto diet. I don’t do keto, but I am carb controlled. So far, no benefit for weight loss. Also wanted to see if it would help with hair loss. Joints, too. I feel better, not sure of the effect yet.
I took collagen tablets for about 18 months continuously a few years ago after I had lost some hair due to illness, on the advice of my hairdresser. I had always been skeptical, but it really worked for me, my fingernails were also hella long and strong while I was on it.
I’ve used collagen in my coffee for a while now. I can taste it a little bit if I mix it into water or lemonade, but in a bulletproof coffee, it blends in. When I use it, I do feel that after 2-3 weeks of constant use, my skin holds hydration better and is less flaky (and I have suuuuper flaky skin even after exfoliating).
I’m angry with myself though. I used Vital Proteins for a while, and then (for no good reason other than curiosity) decided to mix it up a bit and get the Primal Blueprint Collagen Fuel. BIG. MISTAKE. Vital Proteins mixes into hot liquids easily, and also into cold liquids with a lot of stirring. The Primal Blueprint stuff mixes into hot liquids at first, but then forms chunks and leaves the most slimy, awful sludge at the bottom of the mug (and it doesn’t even bother trying with cold liquids).
I’ve used Primal Blueprint stuff before (their normal Primal Fuel is really good) so I had a lot of hope. What’s worse, I contacted their customer service to ask if I was doing something wrong, and they were basically like, “Nope, you’re doing it right, it does that for us too, just stir it more regularly while drinking it.” WHY would they put out a product like that, that they know isn’t working??
I haven’t tried other brands besides those two. I’m hesitant, but I’d try others in a small sample packet first, after that experience.
I know nothing about collagen but am getting great ideas reading everyone else’s posts for my creaking bones and stiff joints. Thank you all!
Collagen has a taste to me and it disgusts me, so I will not take it. I did injure my hip and knee a few years ago and it has gotten worse and chronic. I tried everything Glucosamine disagrees with me. Boron helps a lot of people. Not me. High doses of MSM did a great detox but did not help. There are a lot more that I tried but no effect. Now, finally, I am actually getting better. I am not sure which supplement it is though. I heard about recent senescent cell studies – fascinating stuff – and found out that Life Extension recently came out with Senolytic Activator and I’m taking it. I also found out that high doses of niacinamide “cure” (the Kaufman study) all arthritis and joint pain. I have worked up to 1500mg. So these two cover aging and joint pain. Good luck!
I use collagen, Vital Proteins bovine collagen and also marine collagen. It’s flavorless and easy addition to tea, coffee, smoothies etc. I think it can only help. I take it for skin and hair predominantly, and if it helps my joints, bonus!
Hey Ann,
I have absolutely zero idea about beauty but Jin gave his Mum some Glucosamine with MSM. It completely changed her life from a hip and knee pain sufferer to a life of ease.
Portia xx
I have read that marine collagen is best. What you find at Target is bovine collagen. I can see that being good for joints. I think marine would be best for skin. It’s more expensive than bovine. Also, Amazing Grass makes a plant based collagen. That’s also pricey but am dying to try it!
I have been putting one scoop in my morning coffee for almost a year. My hair grows and my nails are strong. I started taking it for my joints and I feel it has helped some. I recently had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders and I am coming along nicely. It is not a fountain of youth but I do believe it is a good thing. BTW, I am 67 so anything helps.
I regularly add collagen to smoothies. I do think that regular use is beneficial to my joints. But the rest of my diet is equally important – no sugar and white flour…
No I haven’t but I will be very interested to see how you go on with it. XX