Collagen Supplements VS Collagen-Rich Foods: What’s the difference?

Collagen is a key nutrient that is responsible for many elements in the body, from your skin, hair, and nails to your joints, bones, and tendons. Over the past few years, collagen has become a popular supplement that many have introduced into their daily routine thanks to its array of beauty benefits.  

You can boost your collagen levels through your diet by eating collagen-rich foods, but is there a difference between taking collagen supplements vs eating foods rich in collagen? We’ve put together everything you need to know about collagen supplements vs collagen-rich foods to help you determine what form of collagen is best for you. 

There are 28 different types of collagen, all of which are responsible for different functions in the body. But with age and lifestyle factors, this abundant protein can slowly start to decrease.  A decline in collagen can result in early signs of ageing, which is why collagen supplements became so popular.

Wrinkles and other visible signs of ageing on our skin is caused by the natural loss of collagen in our body. Whether you choose to take collagen supplements or consume more collagen-rich foods, incorporating collagen into your routine can help to make you look, feel and move at your best. And that's what Vital Proteins aims as a brand. 

Collagen supplements are a quick and easy way to support and maintain your collagen levels.  

From collagen powder to collagen capsules, all forms of collagen supplements feature small collagen peptides and a wealth of other beneficial nutrients to help give your body’s natural collagen supply a helping hand. 

You can take collagen supplements on their own or as a delicious collagen smoothie. Even better, our Unflavoured Collagen Peptide Powder can be stirred into any hot or cold beverage, making it super easy for you to consume!  

Having a healthy and balanced diet is the most important step. To get you started on collagen we have listed our favourite collagen booster foods:

1. Citrus Fruit  

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, can help support your vitamin C levels and in turn protect and boost your natural collagen production, which contributes to collagen formation and helps support normal skin function. 

2. Fish

Fish are rich in essential amino acids, which can help to boost your collagen production. Try to introduce fatty fish like salmon, cod, and mackerel to support your body’s collagen levels as you age. 

3. Bone Broth  

Bone broth is often a key ingredient used in many collagen supplements thanks to its high collagen content. Not only does this collagen-rich food boost your collagen levels, it also features many nutrients like calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, glucosamine, and amino acids – all of which help support your health and wellbeing. 

If you have a busy schedule, our collagen supplements will take little to no time for you to add into your day-to-day routine. All you need to do is simply stir one scoop of collagen powder into a beverage or recipe of your choice and enjoy. 

For those with a little more time to spare, why not try eating more collagen-rich foods? To help get you started, we’ve listed our favourite collagen-rich foods below.