How to take collagen: dose, timing, drink

Once the tub of collagen is bought, the real questions begin: how many scoops, at what time of day, and what to mix it into? People ask us whether it holds up in hot coffee, whether it should be taken on an empty stomach, whether capsules are worth it compared with powder. The answers are simple and almost all written on the label, as long as you know where to look. Here is what we explain at the counter, with the products you’ll find on our collagen in Paris page.

Hydrolysed collagen: what’s actually in the tub

Collagen sold as a supplement is almost always hydrolysed: the protein has been broken down into small fragments, called peptides. That’s what lets it dissolve in a drink without clumping and without a strong taste. Labels often cite the brand of the raw material: Peptan® or Naticol®, for example.

Two origins dominate. Marine collagen comes from fish skin: the Naticol® powder from Nutripure comes from wild cod, haddock and redfish. Bovine collagen comes from beef, such as the Collagen Peptide Type 1 Beef from Nutrimuscle, 100% type I Peptan®. The choice between the two mostly comes down to your eating habits and any fish allergy.

What dose per day?

For powders, one figure appears on almost every label: 10 g per day.

• The hydrolysed marine collagen from Dynveo is measured with a 10.4 g scoop, included in the tub.
• The unflavoured marine collagen from Novoma is taken as 2 measuring scoops, i.e. 10 g of collagen, with 150 mg of vitamin C.
• The Naticol® marine collagen from Nutripure states 10 to 20 g per day. It is available in our shop only, for collection in store.

Capsules deliver much smaller amounts. The Novoma marine collagen capsules contain 1,000 mg of Naticol® collagen per 3 capsules, with hyaluronic acid, vitamins and zinc. These are chosen for convenience and for their complete formula, not for the amount of collagen. The same logic applies to Doctor’s Best bovine collagen tablets: 3,000 mg of hydrolysed type 1 and 3 collagen per 3 tablets, with 30 mg of vitamin C.

What time of day should you take it?

Good news: there is no fixed schedule. Novoma states that it can be taken at any time of day. Dynveo suggests first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or before bed. Nutripure recommends it with a meal or after training.

The real criterion is consistency. Nutrimuscle refers to a daily intake over at least 8 weeks. At the counter, we suggest attaching your collagen to something you already do every day: morning coffee, the post-workout shaker, the evening bowl of soup. Those who skip days are, generally, those who left the tub at the back of a cupboard.

In which drink?

A neutral hydrolysed collagen mixes into almost anything, hot or cold. Our product pages mention water, coffee, tea, milk or a plant-based milk, juices, smoothies and soup. Nutripure’s page also adds porridge, yoghurt and even pancake batter.

• Cold drink: use a shaker or stir briskly, as it dissolves a little more slowly.
• Hot drink: hydrolysed collagen dissolves easily in coffee or tea without changing the taste.
• With a whey: Nutripure’s product page states that collagen can be added to your protein shaker.

Flavoured powders, raspberry, mango or red fruits, are best drunk in cool water. Neutral ones are the easiest to slip into daily life unnoticed.

One last tip that’s often forgotten: close the tub properly after each use and keep it dry and away from heat, as the labels require. A damp scoop dipped into the powder is enough to cause clumping. Store the scoop inside the tub, fully dry.

And vitamin C?

This is the only official claim linked to collagen: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Collagen itself, as a supplement, carries no approved medical claim. Some formulas therefore combine the two, such as Novoma’s powder. Otherwise, neutral collagen goes just as well in an orange juice as in a coffee.

If you prefer a more culinary approach, take a look at our bone broth range, or read our guide on marine, bovine, powder or capsules.

Frequently asked questions

Does collagen hold up in hot coffee?

Yes. Nutrimuscle, Novoma and Nutripure product pages all list coffee and tea among the possible drinks.

Does marine collagen taste like fish?

Neutral versions are described by the brands as tasteless. Marine collagen remains a fish-based product: it is not recommended in case of fish allergy.

How long should you take it for?

Nutrimuscle recommends regular use over at least 8 weeks. For your product, follow the duration and dose stated on the label.

Can it be taken during pregnancy?

Some labels, such as Nutripure’s, reserve the product for adults. If pregnant, breastfeeding or undergoing treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Want to compare a marine powder and a bovine powder before deciding? Our Paris 12th shop welcomes you Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am to 6:30pm, just steps from Ledru-Rollin metro station.