Collagen Supplements: Types, Benefits, and What to Look For When Buying

Table of Contents

• Main Benefits of Collagen and How to Supplement It
• How to Choose Collagen?
• Recommendations for 4 Major Types of Collagen
  • Recommended Collagen Powder
  • Recommended Collagen Tablets
  • Recommended Collagen Drinks
  • Recommended Collagen Gummies, Collagen Jelly
  • Comparison Table of Major Collagen Brands
• Collagen Q&A
  • Who Needs Collagen and Why?
  • Is Collagen Really Effective?
  • When is the Best Time to Take Collagen for Maximum Effectiveness?
  • How Long Should You Take Collagen to See Results?
  • How to Consume Collagen?
• Popular Duty-Free Products Available Now

Main Functions of Collagen and How to Supplement It

Collagen is a type of protein that makes up about 30% of the protein in the body. It constitutes every tissue in the human body, including skin, ligaments, bones, cartilage, blood vessels, and the cornea. Collagen is a fibrous protein that acts like an adhesive for connecting tissues and cells, and it is a crucial component for forming and maintaining normal body functions.

Collagen plays an important role in maintaining health and keeping the skin beautiful. However, the fact is that the level of collagen in the body tends to decrease with age. It is said that a reduction in collagen can lead to skin sagging and wrinkles, arthritis, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, eye fatigue, and presbyopia.

How to supplement collagen? To maintain the collagen levels in the body, it's common knowledge to have a balanced diet that includes foods rich in protein and collagen. Besides this, "Vitamin C" and "Iron" are also needed to help the body synthesize collagen. Modern lifestyles are busy, making it relatively difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of "collagen," "vitamin C," and "iron" from diet alone. This is where dietary supplements can help.

How to Choose Collagen?

① Check the Source of Raw Materials

The raw materials of collagen can be broadly divided into animal-based (mostly pig) and fish-based. Each has its pros and cons, so you can choose according to your needs.

• Fish-based Collagen: Easier for the body to absorb
  Extracted from fish skin and scales, fish-based collagen has smaller molecules than animal-based collagen, making it easier for the body to absorb, though it is relatively more expensive.

• Animal-based Collagen: More affordable
  Animal-based collagen has larger molecules than fish-based collagen, so its absorption rate is slightly lower, but it is relatively cheaper. It's recommended for those who want long-term consumption but are concerned about cost.

② Check for Small Molecules

The smaller the molecules of collagen, the higher the absorption rate. It is best to choose products labeled as "collagen peptides" or "low molecular collagen."

③ Check for Supplementary Ingredients

Choose effective supplementary ingredients. When collagen enters the body, it is broken down into amino acids and then reformed into collagen. "Vitamin C" and "Iron" help in collagen generation, so it's advisable to supplement them alongside collagen. Depending on individual needs, you can also choose products that contain Vitamin B complex, ceramide, hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, polyphenols, and other ingredients beneficial for beauty and health.

④ Collagen Content

The recommended daily intake of collagen is 5-10g. Overconsumption of collagen can lead to skin issues such as acne, swelling, and weight gain, so be cautious. Follow the dosage instructions on the product. Collagen supplements typically contain about 5000mg of collagen per day.

⑤ Choose Your Preferred Form [Comparison of 4 Major Types of Collagen]

Collagen supplements can be generally categorized into tablets and powders. Recently, new types such as collagen drinks and collagen jellies have also become available. Below is a comparison of the [4 major types] of collagen. Choose the collagen type that suits you best!

Recommended Japanese Collagen — 4 Major Types

Collagen Powder

The powder form can be mixed with various beverages, offering a wide variety of flavors, making it easier to continue using without getting bored. Each serving also contains more collagen compared to tablets. However, it's not convenient to carry around.

• Japanese Product Name: アミノコラーゲンプレミアム 28日分
• Features: Compared to the previous generation "Meiji Collagen Powder," it newly adds beauty ingredients such as ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and coenzyme Q10, providing comprehensive beauty nutrition for the skin.
• Source: 100% fish-derived collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 5000 mg per serving
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin C 50mg, Hyaluronic Acid 20mg, Coenzyme Q10 10mg, Ceramide 1200μg, Arginine 25mg, Glucosamine 60mg per use
• Calories: 27 kcal per serving

• Japanese Product Name: アミノコラーゲン 28日分
• Features: 100% fish-sourced collagen, absorbed about 1.5 times more than pig skin! The highest cost-performance choice in Meiji collagen.
• Source: Fish-derived collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 5000 mg per serving
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin C 50mg, Hyaluronic Acid 20mg, Coenzyme Q10 10mg, Ceramide 1200μg, Arginine 25mg, Glucosamine 60mg per use
• Calories: 27 kcal per serving

• Japanese Product Name: プレミアリッチ パーフェクトアスタ コラーゲン
• Features: Contains 16 beauty ingredients, combining low molecular collagen with nano collagen.
• Source: Pig collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 5,500 mg per serving
• Supplementary Ingredients: Placental extract 54.5mg (equivalent to 1,500mg of extract), lemon balm extract 100mg, hyaluronic acid 30mg, triple Vitamin B blend (Vitamin B1 0.6mg, B6 0.5mg, B12 12.0μg), ceramide 190μg, processed bird's nest product 230μg, Coenzyme Q10 2mg, royal jelly extract 730μg, dietary fiber 670mg, glucosamine 10mg per use
• Calories: 28 kcal per serving

• Japanese Product Name: パーフェクトアスタコラーゲン 30日分
• Features: Contains 12 luxurious beauty ingredients including high levels of Vitamin C, lactic acid bacteria, Vitamin B complex, and hyaluronic acid.
• Source: Pig collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 5,300 mg per serving
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin B1 0.6mg, Vitamin B6 0.5mg, Vitamin B12 12.0μg, Vitamin C 100mg, lemon balm extract 100mg, hyaluronic acid 30mg, sterilized lactic acid bacteria powder 10mg, elastin protein 1mg, glucosamine 10mg, Coenzyme Q10 2mg per use
• Calories: 27 kcal per serving

• Japanese Product Name: サントリー ミルコラ Milcolla スティック30包
• Features: Convenient individual packaging! Contains trending beauty ingredients such as proteoglycan and ceramide.
• Source: Collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 5,000 mg per serving
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin C 100mg per use
• Calories: 24.8kcal per serving

• Japanese Product Name: 資生堂ザ・コラーゲン パウダー 126g
• Features: Zero fat! Special processing removes the unique smell of collagen.
• Source: Collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 5,000 mg per serving
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid 1mg per use
• Calories: 22kcal per serving

Collagen Tablets

The biggest advantage of collagen tablets is that they are easy to swallow and convenient to carry. The downside is that they contain less collagen than the powdered form. However, they are recommended for those who do not like powdered forms or wish to take them during work or travel.

• Japanese Product Name: 美チョコラコラーゲンプレミアム 140粒
• Features: Newly added 7 nutrients including iron, lactic acid bacteria, and Vitamin C!
• Source: Collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 1,000 mg per day (5 tablets)
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin C 100mg, Vitamin B1 1.0mg, Vitamin B2 2.0mg, Vitamin B6 10.0mg, Niacin 25mg, Pantothenic acid 10.0mg, Iron 5.0mg, Lactic acid bacteria (50 billion at manufacturing) per use
• Calories: 4kcal per use

• Japanese Product Name: 美チョコラコラーゲン(120粒)
• Features: In addition to collagen, it includes 6 other nutrients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin B group!
• Source: Collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 600 mg per day (3 tablets)
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin C 50 mg, Vitamin B1 1.0 mg, Vitamin B2 2.0 mg, Vitamin B6 10.0 mg, Niacin 25 mg, Pantothenic acid 10.0 mg per use
• Calories: 4kcal per use

• Japanese Product Name: DHC コラーゲン60日分 360粒
• Features: Easily absorbable fish-derived collagen peptides! The highest collagen content among tablets.
• Source: Fish-derived collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 2,050 mg per day (6 tablets)
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin B1 14.0mg, Vitamin B2 2.0mg per use
• Calories: 8.0kcal per use

• Japanese Product Name: FANCL ディープチャージ コラーゲン
• Features: Fish-derived collagen certified as [Functionality Indicating Food] by Japanese standards
• Source: Fish-derived collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 1,000 mg per day (6 tablets)
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin C 100mg per use
• Calories: 5.1kcal per use

• Japanese Product Name: Dear-Natura Style コラーゲン 360粒
• Features: Japanese government-certified [Nutritional Functional Food] with low-molecular collagen and Vitamins C, B₁, B₂, B₆.
• Source: Pig collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 2,050 mg per day (6 tablets)
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin C 80mg per use
• Calories: 8.85kcal per use

Collagen Drinks

With a variety of flavors and ease of consumption, the main advantage is that they contain the highest collagen content among all types, although they tend to be slightly more expensive.

• Japanese Product Name: アルフェ ビューティコンク＜ドリンク＞ 50mL×10本
• Features: A fortified beauty drink rich in collagen and iron! Contains 0 fat and no caffeine.
• Source: Collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 5,000 mg per bottle
• Supplementary Ingredients: Iron 5.0mg, Vitamin B6, Hyaluronic Acid 5mg per use
• Calories: 27kcal per use

• Japanese Product Name: FANCL ディープチャージ コラーゲン ドリンク 50ml×10本
• Features: Fish-derived collagen! Peach flavored and caffeine-free
• Source: Fish-derived collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 3,000 mg per bottle
• Supplementary Ingredients (per serving): Vitamin C: 250mg
• Calories: 16kcal

Collagen Gummies and Jelly

The biggest advantage of collagen gummies and jelly is that they feel like a sweet treat, making consumption stress-free! They are also more convenient to carry than drinks. However, they contain lower collagen content and are relatively more expensive.

• Japanese Product Name: ビューパワー プラセンタ&コラーゲン 美容ゼリー アサイー風味
• Features: A beauty jelly containing placenta and collagen!
• Source: Not specified
• Collagen Content: 45,700 mg per 70g box
• Supplementary Ingredients (per serving): 68,500mg of placenta per 70g box
• Calories: 73.6kcal per 70g box

• Japanese Product Name: FANCL ディープチャージ コラーゲン スティックゼリー 10日分
• Features: Easily absorbable fish-derived collagen! Delicious apple flavor
• Source: Fish-derived collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 3,000 mg per 20g
• Supplementary Ingredients: Vitamin C 100mg per use
• Calories: 19kcal per serving

• Japanese Product Name: おやつにサプリZOO コラーゲン+ヒアルロン酸+プラセンタ ピーチ風味 150粒
• Features: Popular health snack followed by over 800 people! Also fortified with hyaluronic acid and placenta for comprehensive beauty care!
• Source: Pig-derived collagen peptides
• Collagen Content: 200 mg per 2 tablets
• Supplementary Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid 1mg, Placenta Extract 5mg, Vitamin C 80mg per use
• Calories: 7.46kcal per serving

Comparison Table of Collagen Brands

Product Name	Image	Source	Collagen Content	Supplementary Ingredients	Average Price per Serving
Meiji Collagen Powder Gold Upgrade		Fish	5000 mg/serving	Vitamin C 50mg, Hyaluronic Acid 20mg, Coenzyme Q10 10mg, Ceramide 1200μg, Arginine 25mg, Glucosamine 60mg	¥130
Meiji Collagen Powder		Fish	5000 mg/serving	Vitamin C 50mg, Hyaluronic Acid 20mg, Coenzyme Q10 10mg, Ceramide 1200μg, Arginine 25mg, Glucosamine 60mg	¥87
Asahi Collagen Powder Gold Enhanced Version		Pig	5500 mg/serving	Placenta extract 54.5mg, Lemon balm 100mg, Hyaluronic Acid 30mg, Vitamin B complex, Ceramide	¥72
Asahi Collagen Powder		Pig	5300 mg/serving	Vitamin B1 0.6mg, Vitamin B6 0.5mg, Vitamin B12 12.0μg, Vitamin C 100mg, Lemon balm 100mg, Hyaluronic Acid 30mg, Lactic Acid Bacteria Powder 10mg, Elastin 1mg, Glucosamine 10mg, Coenzyme Q10 2mg	¥55
SUNTORY Milcolla Collagen Powder		Not specified	5000 mg/serving	Vitamin C 100mg	¥229
Shiseido The Collagen Powder		Not specified	5000 mg/serving	Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid 1mg	¥182
Chocola BB Beauty Collagen Tablets Upgrade		Not specified	1000 mg/daily 5 tablets	Vitamin C 100mg, Vitamin B complex, Iron, Lactic Acid Bacteria	¥119
Chocola BB Beauty Collagen Tablets		Not specified	600 mg/daily 3 tablets	Vitamin C 50mg, Vitamin B complex	¥42
DHC Collagen Tablets		Fish	2050 mg/daily 6 tablets	Vitamin B1 14.0mg, Vitamin B2 2.0mg	¥22
FANCL Deep Charge Collagen Tablets		Fish	1000 mg/daily 6 tablets	Vitamin C 100mg	¥55
Dear-Natura Collagen Tablets		Pig	2050 mg/daily 6 tablets	Vitamin C 80mg	¥25
Taisho ALFE Iron Low-Molecular Collagen Drink		Not specified	5000 mg/bottle	Iron 5.0mg, Vitamin B6, Hyaluronic Acid 5mg	¥378
FANCL Deep Charge Collagen Drink		Fish	3000 mg/bottle	Vitamin C 250mg	¥279
BEAUPOWER Placenta Collagen Jelly		Not specified	45700 mg/70g	Placenta 68500mg	¥55
FANCL Deep Charge Collagen Jelly		Fish	3000 mg/20g	Vitamin C 100mg	¥241
ZOO Collagen Peach Tablets		Pig	200 mg/2 tablets	Hyaluronic Acid 1mg, Placenta 5mg, Vitamin C 80mg	¥15

Collagen Q&A

Who Needs Collagen? And Why?

People aging
From the age of 25, the body's collagen production begins to decline, leading to issues like loose skin, increased wrinkles, and joint degeneration.

People frequently exposed to sunlight
UV rays accelerate the loss of collagen, causing skin aging.

People with irregular lifestyles
Factors like staying up late and stress can affect collagen synthesis.

Those who value appearance maintenance
People who wish to maintain skin elasticity, glossiness, and moisture.

Fitness enthusiasts
Supplying adequate collagen helps maintain and repair connective tissues and can also improve exercise performance, reduce exercise injuries, and support post-exercise recovery.

Seniors
As age increases, the speed of collagen synthesis in the body declines, leading to decreased skin elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles, and degeneration of bones and joints.

Post-surgery recovery individuals
After surgery or in other injury situations, supplementing collagen can promote tissue repair and regeneration and accelerate wound healing.

Is Collagen Really Effective?

Studies show that supplementing collagen can benefit skin elasticity, moisture retention, and joint health.

Collagen molecules are found to have effects such as enhancing beauty, moisturizing, promoting metabolism, and providing nutritional benefits.

However, effectiveness varies from person to person, and not everyone may notice significant results.

Recommended intake: The suggested daily intake is 3 grams. If someone needs to use collagen to address specific symptoms, a double dose can be taken.

When is the Best Time to Take Collagen?

It's recommended to take it on an empty stomach, such as in the morning or 1-2 hours before bedtime, to aid absorption.
For those with sensitive stomachs, it's advised to take it after meals. Taking collagen with Vitamin C enhances its effectiveness.

How Long Does It Take for Collagen to Be Effective?

You usually need to consume it continuously for several weeks to months to feel the effects.
Individuals' experiences may vary based on different body constitutions.

How to Take Collagen?

When choosing collagen products, pay attention to the ingredient label. Opt for collagen peptides with a smaller molecular weight for better absorption. Taking it alongside Vitamin C can promote collagen synthesis. If you are on medication, it's recommended to consult a professional physician for advice.

※Note: The actual content and ingredients may vary between product batches or specifications. Please confirm detailed product information before purchasing.