A Personal Take on Collagen Supplements During Menopause
I tried 3 different brands of collagen looking for the fountain of youth.
Navigating through menopause at the age of 55, understanding my body’s evolving needs has become crucial, especially concerning collagen. This essential protein helps maintain skin elasticity, joint health, and overall vitality, which tend to decline as we age. Seeking the right supplement, I tested three renowned brands—Vital Proteins, Shore Magic, and Ancient Nutrition—each offering unique benefits tailored to different aspects of wellness
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
My Introduction to Collagen:
Vital Proteins was my introduction to collagen supplements, chosen for its accessibility (at my Costco and Whole Foods) and focus on Types I and III collagen. I used this product consistently for three months.
Pros:
Rich in Types I & III Collagen: Essential for skin, hair, and nail health, which are areas particularly vulnerable to aging signs.
Broadly Available: Its wide availability made it easy to purchase and incorporate into my daily routine.
Cons:
Non-Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen: This type of collagen is not as easily absorbed, which might have limited the benefits I experienced.
Mild Improvements: While there were some gains in hair and nail strength, skin elasticity improvements were less pronounced than expected.
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein
My Experience:
Drawn to its comprehensive formula featuring multiple collagen types, I switched to Ancient Nutrition for the next three months, hoping for a more holistic approach.
Pros:
Variety of Collagen Types: This product includes Types I, II, III, V, and X, intended to support a range of bodily needs from joints to skin.
Hydrolyzed for Enhanced Absorption: More digestible than non-hydrolyzed forms, which should theoretically improve results.
Cons:
Complex Ingredients List: Multiple sources (including bovine and marine) increase the risk of allergens and reduce the predictability of effects.
Skin Sensitivity: I experienced minor breakouts, which other users have also reported, possibly due to the varied collagen sources.
Shore Magic Premium Collagen
A promising find:
Encouraged by claims of high absorbability and a clean ingredient list, I opted for Shore Magic, extending my trial to four months due to positive early impressions.
Pros:
Highly Absorbable Marine collagen offers up to 95% absorbability, which I found led to quicker and more visible improvements in skin texture and joint comfort.
Includes Types I, II, III, and IV Collagen: A broad spectrum of collagen types supporting everything from bone density to skin hydration and repair.
Purity and Safety: Backed by science, this collagen is purely one ingredient and surprisingly neutral in taste.
Cons:
Higher Price Point: It is more expensive, but definitely felt more premium and effective. Depends on the person whether the price is justified or not.
Conclusion: Finding My Match
After extensive testing, I found that each brand has its merits depending on what you're looking for in a collagen supplement. While Vital Proteins was a great introduction to collagen supplements, and Ancient Nutrition offered a varied formula, Shore Magic stood out for its superior absorbability and targeted benefits that resonated most with my body's needs.
Choosing a collagen supplement is a personal decision influenced by individual health goals and responses to different formulations. For those like me, seeking significant, visible improvements in skin and joint health, Shore Magic proved to be an effective option, blending scientific backing with high-quality sourcing.