Collagen is definitely the buzzword of the moment! The protein is found in almost every bit of our bodies, from hair to skin, bones to connective tissue. But, as most things do when we age, collagen production tends to slow down.
Losing collagen means that our skin is not as elasticized as it used to be, which is why wrinkles begin to form. It can also make hair and nails stronger, help with joints, and even help with weight loss.
But with so many collagen supplements out there, how do you know which ones are legit?
Ingredients
Before purchasing a product, take a look at its label. Real collagen will contain only contain the protein, along with some vitamins and minerals. If you see a long list of ingredients that are difficult to pronounce, best to leave it alone.
Dosage
When it comes to collagen, a little goes a long way. The daily amount should be between two to five grams, so if the label suggests taking heaps, it’s probably full of fillers. See if you can find the molecular weight of the product on the packaging – the lower the weight, the higher the quality. Anything under 2,000Da (Daltons) is great quality; anything higher will have poor absorption.
Price
Unfortunately, good collagen does not come cheap as the high-quality stuff is expensive to produce. Be wary of products that seem too cheap.