Collagen Powder
If you are looking for collagen powder in South Africa, and want to know how the different brands stack up against each other, we’ve got you covered.
Collagen is an important component in various body parts including skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Reasons behind taking collagen span from skin health, strengthening bones, and providing structure in the skin.
If you are physically or emotionally unwell, your body may not produce enough amino acids on its own. This is where it may need assistance from a supplement. Some of the highest percentages of amino acids found in collagen include proline, lycine, glutamine and arginine.
Types of Collagen
There are 28 types of collagen, but there are four common ones;
Type I: This is the most common type and is found in all connective tissue.
Type ll: This is found in all joints and intervertebral discs.
Type lll: This is the collagen found in your skin and blood vessels.
Type lV: This one is found in your kidneys, inner ear, and lens of the eye.
In South Africa, you’ll find I, II and III on your shelves if you read the contents on the label. If you’re looking for skin health and elasticity, then look at buying Type I and Type III. If you’re after joint health, then look into purchasing Type II collagen.
Taking collagen has been popularized over the past years. It can be taken as a powder, drink, topical cream, or capsule form. It’s even been made in a hydrolyzed form. Hydrolyzed means that the body more easily absorbs it. Though creams have been popularized, the layer of skin that requires the collagen called the dermis is too deep to be reached by topical cream. Supplements are great as they are easily absorbed and added to drinks such as juice, smoothies, and coffee.
Before supplementing your collagen intake, it’s always best to look to natural sources of collagen to ensure you’re getting the raw version of collagen. From here, you can supplement using a powder.
- It’s found in the connective tissue of the animals we eat
- Cow – Type I and III
- Chicken – Type II
- Fish – Type I
- Egg – Type I and III
- Foods containing Gelatin provide collagen
- Vitamin C is known to provide collagen
It is still to be researched whether eating collagen-rich foods provides us with more collagen or not. Research suggests that collagen ingested from supplements is absorbed more easily.
List of Best Collagen Powders in South Africa
TNT Mercury Prime Collagen
Price: R339.00
Weight: 400g
Description: This option has a serving size of 12g, and you’ll get 30 servings per container. This collagen has Bio-active Type I Collagen Peptides. This collagen is hydrolyzed and derived from cattle (written as bovine on the container) for easy consumption but is not vegan friendly. As a Type I collagen source, it assists with fighting aging and promoting skin elasticity.
Nutritech NT Collagen
Price: R289
Weight: 454g
Nutritech recommends that you use approximately 30g per serving. This slightly cheaper option contains 26 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides Type I and Type III derived from grass-fed cattle for fast absorption. It’s good to note that this option is Stevia sweetened. As mentioned with the last option, this option is not vegan-friendly.
SSA Supplements Superior Collagen
Price: R339
Weight: 345g
This collagen offers 30 servings at 11.5g. SSA Supplements Superior Collagen provides Type I and II Hydrolyzed Collagen. This collagen improves skin color, joint mobility, and hair and nail strength. It has 100% Hydrolyzed Collagen from cattle. It only comes unflavoured and is recommended for use in protein shakes. As an added benefit, this product also contains vitamin C.
Vitatech Collagen Powder 200g
Price: R199
Weight: 200g
Vitatech has hydrolyzed collagen peptides. This powder should be taken as 5g per serving, and you should get 40 servings from each container. Peptan provides health benefits by acting as building blocks for healthy joints, bones, muscles, and skin.
Bone Broth Guy Collagen Peptides Powder
Price: R780
Weight: 800g
This option should be taken as a daily serving between 10g and 20g. Collagen peptides powder is GMO, gluten, hormone, and antibiotic free. It is pure grass-fed collagen derived from cattle. This brand can be used in your drinks (hot and cold) and in cooking and baking.
Solgar Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Price: R765
Quantity: 40 capsules
This option is non-GMO, dairy, and gluten-free. It contains Hyaluronic acid, which helps the body hold onto more water in a layer of the skin called the dermis. This coupled with the collagen, helps to tighten skin and prevent the loss of plumpness seen in aging. Solgar Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Complex contains Hydrolyzed Type II Chicken Sternal Cartilage Extract. This product also contains vitamin C, which is known to provide collagen.
Titan Nutrition Organic Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides
Price: R349
Weight: 330g
This collagen offers 30 servings with a recommendation of an 11g scoop. This collagen has Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides derived from cattle and is therefore not vegan-friendly. This product is free of all dairy, gluten, soy & preservatives. As it is unflavoured, it’s a great option to add to coffee or juice. The amino acids found in this collagen offer bone and joint support.
Slender You Collagen For Her
Price: R199
Weight: 200g
This option offers 40 servings and is suitable for skin, hair, and nails. The recommendation per serving is approximately 5g. It contains Type I hydrolyzed collagen. This option is not vegan-friendly. This option comes unflavoured, so you have more options regarding how you want to prepare it.
MojoMe Performance Nutrition 100% Pure Marine Collagen Powder
Price: R545
Weight: 250g
MojoMe is Type I 100% Pure Hydrolysed Marine Collagen. The daily recommended serving is 10g. It’s made from White fish that are wild caught. This option is one of the few that are marine based. It dissolves instantly and is very absorbent. It is non-GMO, and free of antibiotics, hormones, and preservatives. It is free from shellfish and crustaceans for those worried about allergies.
Sally Ann Creed Pure Hydrolysed Collagen, 350g
Price: R549
Weight: 350g
This collagen is suitable for your hair, skin, nails, bones, muscles, and joints. It is Type I hydrolyzed collagen. It has no artificial additives, fillers, preservatives, or sweeteners. It’s non-GMO, grassfed protein. Each serving is one scoop or 6g, and you can get 58 servings from one container.
NPL Keto Zone Collagen Creamer
Price: R339
Weight: 300g
This option should be consumed as 15g servings. The container offers a total of 20 servings. This product includes medium-chain triglycerides, which regulates blood sugar levels. This product comes unflavoured, and in vanilla meaning, it may be an excellent addition to a warm beverage. Used with ketogenic diets, there may be a better adaptation to the diet. This supplement contains vitamin C for added collagen benefits. It promotes strong and healthy skin, hair, and nails.
The Harvest Table Pure Argentinian Bovine Collagen Granules
Price: R469
Weight: 350g
Each serving of this supplement should be two tablespoons or 16g. This option provides 13grams of Type I and III collagen derived from cattle. It has eight key amino acids to promote collagen production. It comes in various sizes, but to make it more comparable to the other options mentioned in this article, we’ll be profiling the 350g container. This product has no additives or preservatives. Although it is gluten-free, GMO-free, Halaal, and Kosher, it isn’t vegan-friendly. It promotes better skin, hair, and nails, as well as provides better muscle growth and sleeping patterns.
With this product, you can subscribe to monthly jars of the product. There is also a discount offered to people refilling the jar.
MetaBody Pure Hydrolyzed Collagen 300g
Price: R359
Weight: 300g
This supplement should be taken as 10g per serving and 25g if intended for muscle repair. It is a Type I hydrolyzed collagen powder. This product improves your skin, nails, hair, and bones. It has 9g of protein and 37 calories.
Summary Table
Here are all the information summaries for quick reference:
Name of product | Price (Rands) | Weight (grams) | Type | Amount per serving (g) | Total servings in the container |
TNT Mercury Prime Collagen
|
399 | 400 | I | 12 | 30 |
Nutritech NT Collagen
|
289 | 454 | I, III | 30 | |
SSA Supplements Superior Collagen
|
339 | 345 | I, II | 11.5 | 30 |
Vitatech Collagen Powder 200g
|
199 | 200 | 5 | 40 | |
Collagen Peptides Powder
|
780 | 800 | 20 | ||
Solgar Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Complex
|
765 | 40 capsules | II | 40 capsules | |
Titan Nutrition Organic Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides
|
349 | 330 | 11 | 30 | |
Slender You Collagen For Her
|
199 | 200 | I | 5 | 40 |
MojoMe Performance Nutrition 100% Pure Marine Collagen Powder
|
545 | 250 | I | 10 | |
Sally Ann Creed Pure Hydrolysed Collagen, 350g
|
549 | 350 | I | 6 | 58 |
NPL Keto Zone Collagen Creamer
|
339 | 300 | 15 | 20 | |
The Harvest Table Pure Argentinian Bovine Collagen Granules
|
469 | 350 | I, III | 16 | |
MetaBody Pure Hydrolyzed Collagen 300g | 359 | 300 | I | 10 |
Benefits of Collagen Powder
Skin benefits
Collagen makes up 80% of our skin. Starting in our twenties, we begin to lose 1% of our collagen each year. There are many benefits to eating collagen. As we age, our bodies create less of it, leading to skin wrinkling and drying up. Collagen assists with keeping the skin tight and hydrated, slowing the effects of aging. It’s said that the collagen we eat stimulates our body to create more of its own.
Hair benefits
Collagen supplements have been known to increase hair’s protein-building qualities. This can result in longer, thicker hair. It may also result in reduced grey hair by supporting the healthy structure of the hair follicles.
Relief for joint pain
Collagen is found in our joints. As we age, this collagen’s production decreases, making us more susceptible to degenerative changes like osteoarthritis. Some studies suggest that taking collagen supplements improves joint pain and flexibility, but more research needs to be done. As with skin, taking collagen supplements may stimulate our body’s creation of its collagen.
Prevents bone loss
Collagen provides the structure for our bones. As we age, collagen levels in the bones deteriorate and may lead to diseases such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is characterized by weak and brittle bones. Taking collagen supplements may inhibit bone breakdown, decreasing our fracture risk as we age. Collagen, together with calcium and vitamin D, may result in a greater bone mineral density, protecting you from many illnesses.
Improves muscle mass
Collagen may improve muscle mass in people with Sarcopenia, a condition where muscles deteriorate with age. It’s said to promote the creation of proteins like creatine and stimulate muscle growth after exercise. Although collagen may assist with muscle growth, it isn’t as effective as whey for muscle growth. Whey is a richer source of the amino acids required for muscle growth.
Improve the condition of the heart
Research has found that collagen supplements may help decrease the risk of heart conditions. Collagen provides structure to your vascular system, the blood vessels that carry blood to and from your heart. A lack of collagen in these fibers results in less flexible and elastic arteries.
Improve gut health
In certain gut diseases like Irritable Bowel Disease, people have been found to have decreased levels of collagen. There’s an emerging idea that replacing this collagen may lead to a healthier gut and less illness.
Improves liver health
Collagen can assist with decreasing the adverse effects your liver goes through when breaking down foreign substances. Glycine can reduce liver damage associated with alcoholic liver damage and acute and chronic liver injury.
Weight loss
Research suggests that collagen may aid you in your weight loss journey, but it must be stressed that adding collagen to your diet can’t be the only dietary change made to combat weight gain. If this is your goal, it would also serve you well to choose a collagen powder with little to no sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Smoking, sun exposure, and joint diseases like osteoarthritis can affect how much collagen your body produces. Excessive amounts of sugar can also result in decreased collagen levels. Pollution has also been noted for accelerating collagen breakdown. Reasons for reduced collagen levels may be a result of genetic defects, digestive problems, and a lack of collagen-rich food.
Collagen is reported to have few side effects when taken. Some powders are made with common allergens, such as eggs and shellfish. Though there’s no conclusive evidence, some people report heartburn and feelings of fullness when taking collagen. Knowing what you’re allergic to before taking a collagen supplement is important. If you’re unsure, consult a healthcare professional.
We’ve compiled a list of 14 collagen supplements you’ll find on South African shelves or via online stores like Takealot. Have a look at the table below to see a quick breakdown of all our picks and each one’s most crucial information.
When looking at the various options, one factor for consideration was the presentation. Some present as powders, while others present as granules. Granules dissolve more quickly into liquids, whereas powders require more mixing to dissolve.
A vegan alternative
As you may have noticed, the options mentioned above are not vegan-friendly, and that’s because collagen sources are animal-based. Scientists may be able to create collagen options for vegans in the future. Still, for the time being, those waiting can eat foods containing minerals that promote the formation of collagen, vitamin c, zinc, copper, manganese, proline, and b vitamins.
Certain bacteria have shown to have similar proteins to those found in collagen. However, researchers are still investigating and trying to create an option suitable for vegans looking for collagen supplementation.
Keratin has been suggested as an alternative to collagen. It is found in nails and hair, but it is not vegan as it is derived from various animals’ feathers, wool, and horns. Limited research supports its use for anything other than topical application.
Choosing a supplement
When choosing which supplement will be best for you, you’ll need to consider the application. You’ll need to ask yourself questions related to when you’ll be drinking it and what you’ll be drinking it with. The creamer supplement may be better if you have a hot beverage when you’d like to take the collagen supplement. You may consider the unflavoured option if you’d like to mix it into juice or the flavored option if you plan on drinking it with water.
Use the table we’ve created for you to find an affordable collagen option which caters to the type of collagen you’re looking for and don’t forget to compare how much collagen is required per serving, as this will tell you how often you’ll be returning to the shop to buy another container or sachet. Choosing a cheaper option that offers few servings is pointless as your repetitive purchases may exceed what you’d get from a larger, more expensive container with less collagen per serving.
When to expect results
Studies suggest using collagen for at least eight weeks before expecting any results on nails, skin, and hair. Some even suggest waiting up to one year before expecting to see a difference in bone health.
From a healthcare perspective, if you have any conditions that result in the deterioration of connective tissue or collagen fibers, then it isn’t reasonable to think that a supplement will completely remedy your illness. Visiting a doctor, dermatologist, physiotherapist, or other health professionals will give you perspective as to whether a collagen supplement is required or if you need another form of medical intervention.
The need for research
When looking at whether collagen supplements work, you may have seen articles mentioning that the results are inconclusive. Usually, research on collagen is small and is often funded by the companies that created the product, which may lead to bias. Some literature reviews have shown that there are benefits, but more evidence is needed.
To recap, decide on your goal for taking collagen, choose which collagen type you’ll need, and look for a hydrolyzed option for fast absorption. You may need to try a few options before finding one that suits you. If you require more information, make sure you do your research or consult with your healthcare professional.