My favourite places to buy collagen and gelatine powder
Collagen powder would be one of my top 5 desert island supplements - as in, if I hypothetically were to get stuck on a desert island for an unknown length of time and I had to choose a handful of supplements to take with me, collagen powder is high on the list of priorities in my 'thrival' and survival.
My other desert island supplements would include vitamin c (although I expect to have easy access to vitamin c-rich fruits so this isn’t a dealbreaker; use code ASHIYA5 to get 5% off), activated charcoal (to detoxify any contaminants in case I accidentally eat something dodgy; use code ASHIYA5 to get 5% off), Saccharomyces Boulardii (well-researched for preventing and treating for gastrointestinal diseases), and finally, a good B-complex (can be difficult to attain enough through just foods and I think our requirements are underrated! Use code ASHIYA5 to get 5% off).
Back to collagen.
Collagen (and gelatine) powder contain anti-inflammatory amino acids like proline, glycine, and arginine, which have pro-metabolic and pro-thyroid effects. A strong metabolism (i.e., how well our cells create and use energy) is the pinnacle marker of good health. A few signs of good metabolic health include warm fingertips and toes, good digestion, strong hair and nails, glowing skin, and generally having a happy and content temperament. The thyroid hormones affect EVERY SINGLE CELL of the body, which in my humble opinion makes thyroid hormones a little intimidating because symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction are V A S T. From insomnia, hair loss, and impaired memory, to coarse skin, muscle aches, and cold intolerance; a lot of health struggles do come down to some degree of thyroid dysfunction. Hence, anything that supports good thyroid function is a priority for me.
In comes collage powder! In no specific order, here are my top places to purchase collagen:
Ossa Organic - halal-certified, pasture-raised gelatine and grass-fed bovine collagen powder
Use code TAYYIB10 for 10% off your entire order. Not all of Ossa Organic products are halal-certified; please check the product descriptions and contact the company directly if in doubt!
Balanced Body Mind - halal-certified, grass-fed bovine collagen powder
Use code ASHIYA5 for 5% off your entire order.
Saturée - they carry halal bovine and marine collagen powder, and halal gelatine powder
If you are based in Australia or elsewhere in this part of the world, this will be a great option for you! Find out about the difference between collagen and gelatine here.
If you are not inclined to taking supplements, you can make a collagen-rich broth at home (search online for recipes or check my saved recipes here) or buy ready-made halal, delicious-tasting and versatile bone broth here.
Please note, some brands do not advertise their products as halal-certified. If you want to double check, please contact the company directly.
Bovine or marine collagen?
If you are wondering which collagen type is better, it really depends on what you are using it for and personal taste. I’ve found that most marine collagen powders leave a faint fishy aftertaste, hence I prefer bovine collagen. But, everyone is different. In terms of the health benefits, here are the key differences:
Bovine collagen:
Derived from the hides (skin) and bones of cows (bovine).
It mainly contains Type I and Type III collagen, which are found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
Rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are key for skin, joint, and gut health.
Beneficial for improving skin elasticity, joint, ligament and gut-lining support, plus aiding the structure of organs and tissues.
Well-absorbed, HOWEVER the larger molecular size of bovine collagen peptides might make it slightly less bioavailable compared to marine collagen.
Generally neutral in taste and smell.
Marine collagen:
Extracted from the skin, scales, and bones of fish (usually cold-water fish; cod, salmon, haddock, etc.). It consists primarily of Type I collagen, which is prevalent in skin, bones, and connective tissue.
Rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline;often has a higher concentration of hydroxyproline, which is essential for stabilising collagen and improving its elasticity.
Due to its smaller particle size, marine collagen is often considered to be more bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body. This potentially leads to quicker results for skin health and anti-aging benefits.
Considered more sustainable, especially if it’s sourced from wild-caught fish.
Often has a slight fishy taste or odour, but it depends on the brand. The higher the quality, the less likely it leaves a fishy aftertaste.
If you opt for marine collagen, these would be my tried and true choices:
I generally avoid flavoured collagen powders as they often contain the cryptic ‘natural flavours’, an unknown mix of substances that may contain solvents and preservatives. Best to avoid where possible!