Short answer: the store carries two very different kinds. Hydrolysed collagen peptides (marine, bovine or multi-source) are taken in grams a day and are usually chosen for skin, hair and nails; type II collagen from chicken cartilage (UC-II, BioCell) is used in small amounts to support joint comfort.
Examples from our labels
| Product | Serving | Collagen per serving | Usually chosen for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (bovine) | 4 tbsp (20 g) | 20 g peptides | Skin, hair, nails |
| Vital Proteins Marine Collagen (cod) | 3 tbsp (12 g) | 12 g peptides | Skin, hair, nails |
| California Gold CollagenUP (marine) | 1 scoop (5 g) | 5 g with 60 mg hyaluronic acid and 90 mg vitamin C | Skin |
| NOW BioCell Collagen | 2 capsules | 1,000 mg cartilage extract (570 mg hydrolysed type II collagen, 190 mg chondroitin, 95 mg hyaluronic acid) | Joints |
| NOW UC-II Joint Health | 1 capsule | 40 mg UC-II chicken cartilage providing 10 mg collagen, including undenatured type II | Joints |
Why the amounts differ
Peptides are protein and are counted in grams like any protein source; UC-II is undenatured collagen taken in small milligram amounts as its label states, so the two are not compared by grams.
Vitamin C and collagen
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, which is why some formulas such as CollagenUP add it.
Shop from this guide
Browse Collagen, Hair, skin & nails or Bone & joint. Collagen comes from fish, bovine or chicken sources, so if you have a food allergy check the source and the allergen statement on the label. Supplements are not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.
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