Collagen Powder: What to Look For and Why It Matters

With countless collagen supplements filling the shelves at grocery stores and popping up in your social media feed, it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for you. At Cascadia Medical Weight Loss and Nutrition, we often get asked: Does collagen really help? And if so, which one should I buy?

Let’s break it down—collagen does support a wide range of health benefits, but not all collagen powders are created equal. Here’s what you need to know.

🌟 Why Collagen Matters for Your Health

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, acting like a scaffolding that holds everything together. It plays key roles in:

• Supporting skin elasticity and reducing signs of aging

• Strengthening joints and promoting cartilage health

• Aiding gut barrier integrity

• Enhancing lean muscle and connective tissue

  
  

💡 Importantly, collagen does NOT count towards your daily intake of protein for muscle building, so make sure you are still hitting your protein goals without the use of collagen powders.

But here's the catch: collagen production begins to decline as early as age 35. By the time you’re 60, more than half of your body’s collagen may be depleted. Factors like poor diet, smoking, sun exposure, and chronic inflammation can speed up this decline.

That’s why supplementing with a high-quality collagen powder can be a smart addition to your metabolic health routine.

🔍 What Is Collagen, Really?

Collagen is a structural protein found in skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, and more. It’s what gives tissues their strength and flexibility. Unfortunately, our modern diets often fall short of delivering enough natural collagen—especially since we no longer eat collagen-rich organ meats and tendons like our ancestors did.

🧬 Types of Collagen You Need to Know

There are 16 known types of collagen, but five types are most important:

Type	Supports
Type I	Skin, bones, tendons, and teeth (90% of total body collagen)
Type II	Cartilage and joints; supports a healthy inflammation response
Type III	Organs, muscles, and blood vessels; works with Type I
Type V	Cell membranes, hair, skin, eyes, and placenta
Type X	Bone formation and joint cartilage

Pro Tip: Many collagen powders only contain 1 or 2 types. Look for a multi-type formula to get the full range of benefits.

🐄🐟🐔 Main Collagen Sources: Which One’s Best?

Here’s a quick breakdown of where collagen comes from and what each type offers:

• Bovine (cow) – Rich in Types I & III. Great for skin, bones, and gut health.

• Marine (fish) – Rich in Types I & II. Promotes skin elasticity and cartilage support.

• Chicken – High in Type II. Excellent for joints, cartilage, and ligaments.

• Eggshell Membrane – Contains Types I & V. Supports tissue repair and skin quality.

• Bone Broth – A natural, whole-food source of collagen and amino acids.

  
  

✨ Don’t forget vitamin C! Your body needs it to synthesize collagen. Load up on leafy greens, berries, broccoli—or consider a high-quality liposomal vitamin C supplement.

🚫 What to Watch Out For in Collagen Powders

Unfortunately, not all collagen powders are beneficial. Watch out for:

• ❌ Non-hydrolyzed collagen – Not easily absorbed by your body

• ❌ Non-organic or factory-farmed sources – May contain antibiotics, GMOs, or hormones

• ❌ Vegan collagen powders – These don’t contain real collagen; they’re synthetic substitutes

  
  

✅ The 2 Key Factors When Choosing a Collagen Powder

When shopping for collagen, look for these two non-negotiables:

1. From Organic, Clean Sources

• Look for collagen from grass-fed cows, wild-caught fish, or free-range chickens

• Choose products labeled as “all-natural” and free from antibiotics, GMOs, and hormones

2. Hydrolyzed (a.k.a. Collagen Peptides)

• Hydrolyzation breaks collagen into smaller, easily absorbed peptides

• Look for collagen that dissolves in both hot and cold liquids

• Studies show hydrolyzed collagen improves skin hydration, elasticity, and joint health

  
  

🛒 Our Bottom Line: How to Choose the Right Collagen Powder

When browsing collagen options, ask yourself:

• ✅ Is it hydrolyzed (collagen peptides)?

• ✅ Does it include multiple types of collagen (ideally Types I, II, III, V, and X)?

• ✅ Is it sourced from grass-fed, wild-caught, or free-range animals?

• ✅ Is it free from fillers, additives, and artificial ingredients?

  
  

If the answer is yes to all of the above—you’ve found a great product!

💬 Have Questions?

At Cascadia Medical Weight Loss and Nutrition, we’re here to help you make informed choices about your supplements. If you’re unsure which collagen is best for your health goals, schedule a consultation with us—we’ll help you personalize your plan.

Resources available upon request.This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.