Why Powder Is The Best Form To Take For Collagen Supplements
We often talk about the best forms to take a nutrient—some you'll want to slather on topically, others you'll want to take via tonics and brews, and others make for efficacious supplements. And considering collagen supplements seem to come with loads of queries in their own right, it's no surprise you may be left wondering what's the way to take collagen? We've previously discussed how you should nix collagen creams or serums, but what about all the different forms of hydrolyzed collagen? Just browse your favorite wellness retailer or beauty outlets and you'll see it show up in waters, tonics, gummies, snacks, and powders.
What is a wellness-minded individual to choose?
Why is powder the best form for collagen?
Powders are the best for two reasons: efficacy and functionality.
Efficacy.
Powders are able to deliver the most potent amount of collagen—this is why when you find collagen supplements with north of 15 grams of collagen per serving, they're almost always in powder form. Whereas other options likely contain smaller dosages, even in the milligram range.
And while there is no official Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for collagen supplement dosage at the moment, research shows that you'll get the most benefits when you ingest 2.5 grams (where you'll start to see skin care benefits1, although more research suggests 5 grams might be the more effective dosage) to 20 grams (for daily protein support and where you'll see muscle mass support2).* This means to get the most out of your collagen routine, you'll want to find forms that are able to deliver a good amount of peptides. That leads you to powders.
If you prefer other delivery methods—drinks, tonics, capsules, gummies—that's fine; just know that you're likely not getting as much collagen in these products.
Functionality.
Powders are also a convenient way to add a meaningful dose of collagen to your nutrition routine, whether blending into a refreshing smoothie with colorful fruits or mixed into your morning coffee or latte. Read: You can switch it up and get creative—or keep it simple for an effortless morning routine. For your viewing convenience, we rounded up some of our favorite ways to take collagen here—plus tips on adding it to your routine.
The takeaway.
Powders are the best way to consume collagen peptides, as they can offer high doses of the ingredient and are easy to fold into almost any recipe. Sold yet? Well, we rounded up the best-of-the-best collagen supplements out there.*
Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com. In her current role, she covers all the latest trends in the clean and natural beauty space, as well as lifestyle topics, such as travel. She received her journalism degree from Marquette University, graduating first in the department. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.