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Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body — it holds your joints, skin, bones, and connective tissue together. After your mid-twenties, your natural collagen production starts declining. If you train heavy and put your joints under regular stress, supplementing with collagen is one of the smartest things you can do.
I started taking collagen for joint support and noticed a genuine difference in how my knees and shoulders feel during heavy lifts. Here are the best options available in the UK.
My Top Pick (Quick Answer)
Revive Naturals Multi Collagen Protein — a 5-type collagen complex from grass-fed bovine, wild-caught fish, and free-range chicken. Unflavoured, mixes into anything, and Amazon Choice with over 12,000 reviews.
Why Collagen Matters (Especially If You Lift)
Your body uses collagen to build and repair:
- Joints: Cartilage is primarily made of collagen. Heavy lifting wears on cartilage over time
- Tendons and ligaments: These connective tissues rely on collagen for strength and elasticity
- Skin: Collagen keeps skin firm and elastic. Declining collagen = wrinkles and sagging
- Bones: About 30% of bone mass is collagen, providing the flexible framework
- Gut lining: Collagen supports the integrity of your digestive tract
- Hair and nails: Collagen provides structure for stronger hair and nails
From around age 25, you lose approximately 1-1.5% of your collagen per year. By 40, the difference becomes noticeable — stiffer joints, slower recovery, less elastic skin. Supplementation can help slow this process.
Types of Collagen Explained
There are at least 28 types of collagen, but five are most relevant for supplementation:
| Type | Found In | Benefits | Best Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | Skin, bones, tendons | Skin elasticity, bone strength | Bovine, fish |
| Type II | Cartilage | Joint health, cartilage repair | Chicken |
| Type III | Skin, muscles, blood vessels | Skin hydration, muscle structure | Bovine |
| Type V | Cell surfaces, hair | Hair growth, cell membranes | Eggshell |
| Type X | Cartilage, bones | Bone formation, joint recovery | Chicken, eggshell |
This is why I prefer a multi-type collagen supplement rather than one that only contains Type I or Type III. You want coverage across all the key types for full-body benefits.
Best Collagen Supplements UK
1. Revive Naturals Multi Collagen Protein — Best Overall
My Experience: I mix one scoop into my morning coffee every day. It dissolves completely and is genuinely tasteless — you would never know it was there. After a few months of consistent use, I noticed my knees feel better during squats and my shoulders do not ache as much after heavy pressing sessions.
What makes this stand out is the 5-type formula. Most collagen supplements only contain one or two types. This combines Types I, II, III, V, and X from four different sources — grass-fed bovine, wild-caught fish, free-range chicken, and eggshell membrane. That gives you comprehensive coverage for joints, skin, bones, hair, and gut.
Key Details:
- Types: I, II, III, V, and X (5-type complex)
- Sources: Grass-fed bovine, wild-caught fish, free-range chicken, eggshell
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Size: 400g bag
- Price: Around £14.99
- Rating: 4.4 stars from 12,000+ reviews
- Amazon Choice, 1K+ bought in past month
- Unflavoured, keto and paleo friendly
2. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides — Best Premium Brand
Overview: Vital Proteins is the most well-known collagen brand globally, popular with celebrities and wellness influencers. Their collagen peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine and dissolve easily in hot or cold liquids.
Key Details:
- Types: I and III
- Source: Grass-fed bovine
- Protein per serving: 18g
- Size: 284g
- Price: Around £25-30
- Premium brand, widely recognised
The trade-off: Only contains Types I and III (no Type II for joints), and significantly more expensive per serving than Revive Naturals. You are partly paying for the brand name.
3. Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate — Best Trusted Classic
Overview: Great Lakes has been making collagen supplements for decades. Their hydrolysate formula is well-researched and trusted by athletes worldwide. Dissolves in hot and cold liquids.
Key Details:
- Types: I and III
- Source: Grass-fed bovine
- Protein per serving: 12g
- Size: 454g
- Price: Around £25-32
- Long-established trusted brand
4. Applied Nutrition Collagen — Best from a Gym Brand
Overview: Applied Nutrition makes solid supplements across the board (their whey protein is one of my favourites). Their collagen peptides offer good value from a brand gym-goers already know and trust.
Key Details:
- Hydrolysed collagen peptides
- Available in flavoured and unflavoured
- UK brand
- Competitive pricing
Comparison Table
| Product | Types | Protein/Serving | Size | Price | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revive Naturals | I, II, III, V, X | 20g | 400g | £14.99 | ~£0.75 |
| Vital Proteins | I, III | 18g | 284g | £25-30 | ~£1.75 |
| Great Lakes | I, III | 12g | 454g | £25-32 | ~£0.80 |
| Applied Nutrition | Varies | Varies | Varies | £15-20 | ~£0.60 |
Revive Naturals gives you the most collagen types at the most competitive price. The only brand that comes close on value is Applied Nutrition, but with fewer collagen types.
How to Take Collagen
Dose: 10-20g per day is the range supported by most research. I take one full scoop (20g) daily.
Timing: There is no “best time” — consistency matters more than timing. I take mine in my morning coffee because it dissolves completely and becomes part of my routine. You can also mix it into water, smoothies, porridge, or any drink.
Hot or cold: Hydrolysed collagen (peptides) dissolves in both hot and cold liquids. It will not affect the taste of your drink.
With Vitamin C: Your body needs Vitamin C to synthesise collagen. Taking collagen alongside Vitamin C (or eating citrus fruits) can enhance its effectiveness. My Igennus B-Complex contains Vitamin C, so I am covered.
Does Collagen Actually Work? What the Research Says
The evidence for collagen supplementation has grown significantly in recent years:
- Joints: A 2019 systematic review found that collagen supplementation significantly reduced joint pain in athletes and people with osteoarthritis
- Skin: Multiple studies show improved skin elasticity and hydration after 8-12 weeks of collagen supplementation
- Tendons: Research suggests collagen peptides taken before exercise can enhance collagen synthesis in tendons and ligaments
- Bone density: Some studies show improved bone mineral density with long-term collagen use
Is it magic? No. But the evidence is solid enough that I consider it a worthwhile addition to my supplement stack, especially given the joint demands of heavy training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just eat bone broth instead?
Bone broth does contain collagen, but the amount per serving is much lower and more variable than a standardised supplement. If you enjoy bone broth, great — drink it. But for reliable, measured collagen intake, a supplement is more practical.
Is collagen just protein? Why not just eat more whey?
Collagen is a protein, but it has a very different amino acid profile to whey. It is rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline — amino acids specifically needed for connective tissue repair. Whey protein does not provide these in meaningful amounts. They serve different purposes and complement each other well.
How long until I notice benefits?
Joint benefits: 4-8 weeks of daily use. Skin improvements: 8-12 weeks. Hair and nail improvements: 12+ weeks. Collagen works gradually by supporting your body natural repair processes. Be patient and consistent.
Is marine collagen better than bovine?
Marine (fish) collagen is primarily Type I which is great for skin. Bovine collagen provides Types I and III which covers skin, bones, and muscles. For gym-goers wanting joint support, a multi-source product (like Revive Naturals) that includes chicken-derived Type II collagen is the most comprehensive option.
Can vegetarians take collagen?
No — all collagen supplements are derived from animal sources. There is no plant-based collagen. Some brands sell “collagen boosters” which contain nutrients that support your body own collagen production (like Vitamin C, zinc, and silica), but these are not the same as actual collagen supplementation.
My Final Recommendation
If your joints ache, your recovery is slow, or you want to support your skin and connective tissue as you age, collagen is worth adding to your routine. At under £15 per month, it is a small investment for genuine long-term benefits.
My pick: Revive Naturals Multi Collagen Protein — 5 types, 4 sources, unflavoured, and the best value multi-collagen in the UK. Mix it into your morning coffee and forget about it.
Read more:
- Best Krill Oil UK: Omega-3 Without the Fishy Taste
- Best Magnesium Supplements UK
- My Complete Daily Supplement Stack
- Best Whey Protein UK 2026
Last updated: March 2026. Prices may vary. All recommendations are based on personal experience and research.