Collagen peptides are the easiest peptides to buy in Canada and the easiest to buy badly. Our pharmacists stock only collagen peptides powder with a Health Canada Natural Product Number (NPN), and explain below what the evidence does and does not show.
Collagen peptides at our pharmacy
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What are collagen peptides?
Collagen is the main structural protein in skin, tendons, cartilage and bone. Collagen peptides, also called hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate, are collagen that has been broken down into short chains of amino acids so it dissolves in liquid and is absorbed more easily than gelatin. They are sold in Canada as natural health products, not as drugs.
Types of collagen peptides powder
| Type | Source | Mostly collagen types | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovine collagen peptides | Cattle hide | I and III | The most studied and usually the best value per gram. |
| Marine collagen peptides | Fish skin and scales | I | Suits people who avoid beef or pork. Not for people with a fish allergy. |
| Chicken collagen | Chicken cartilage | II | Often sold in small doses in capsule form for joints. |
| Multi collagen peptides | A blend of the above, sometimes with eggshell membrane | I, II, III, V, X | More types on the label is not proof of more benefit. Check the total grams per scoop. |
What the evidence says
- Skin. Several randomized trials report modest improvements in skin hydration and elasticity after 8 to 12 weeks of daily collagen peptides. Many of these trials were small or funded by manufacturers, so treat the size of the effect with caution.
- Joints. Some trials report less activity-related joint discomfort with daily use. Results are mixed.
- Protein. Collagen is a source of amino acids but it is not a complete protein: it has no tryptophan. It should not replace other protein in your diet.
A licensed product may only make the claims Health Canada has authorized for it. Those claims are printed on the label next to the NPN. If a tub promises more than its label, believe the label.
Best collagen peptides Canada: how to choose one
- Find the NPN. An 8-digit Natural Product Number means Health Canada has licensed the product. You can search it in the Licensed Natural Health Products Database.
- Check the dose per serving. Most studies used between 2.5 g and 10 g a day. A “scoop” that delivers 1 g is mostly marketing.
- Read the source. Bovine, marine, chicken or porcine matters for allergies, religious practice and preference.
- Prefer unflavoured. Unflavoured collagen peptides powder dissolves in coffee, tea, soup or a smoothie, with no sweeteners to think about.
- Look for third-party testing for heavy metals, especially with marine collagen.
Collagen peptides results: a realistic timeline
Collagen works slowly, if it works for you at all. Based on the trials above, this is a fair expectation with a daily serving of 2.5 g to 10 g:
- First month: nothing visible, which is normal. Collagen is digested into amino acids and small fragments, and any change in skin takes longer than that.
- Weeks 8 to 12: the point at which most skin studies measured a modest improvement in hydration and elasticity. Many people notice nothing, and that is also a normal result.
- Three to six months: the time frame used in most joint studies, where results were mixed.
- When you stop: any benefit is expected to fade, because the effect depends on continued intake.
Collagen will not change your weight, your shape or a medical condition. If a product shows dramatic photo comparisons, it is promising more than its licence allows.
How to take collagen peptides
Stir one serving into a hot or cold drink once a day, with or without food. Collagen peptides are heat-stable, so coffee is fine. Give it at least 8 weeks before you judge it. Follow the directions on your product’s label, and ask a pharmacist first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney disease, follow a protein-restricted diet or have a fish, shellfish or egg allergy.
Collagen peptides vs other peptides
Collagen peptides are a food-derived supplement. They are unrelated to prescription peptide medications and to the injectable “research peptides” sold online. Our guide to peptides in Canada explains the three groups, and what peptides are covers the basics.
Do collagen peptides really work?
Trials report modest benefits for skin hydration and elasticity, and mixed results for joints, after 8 to 12 weeks of daily use. Collagen peptides are not a treatment for any disease.
What is the best collagen peptides powder in Canada?
The best one for you has an NPN, delivers 2.5 g to 10 g per serving, comes from a source you can take, and is unflavoured or sweetened in a way you accept. Brand matters less than those four points.
Is marine collagen better than bovine?
Not clearly. Both supply type I collagen peptides. Marine collagen suits people who avoid beef; bovine usually costs less per gram.
How much collagen should I take a day?
Most studies used 2.5 g to 10 g daily. Follow the dose on the label of your licensed product.
Can I take collagen peptides with my medications?
Usually yes, but tell your pharmacist what you take. Collagen powders can contain added vitamins or minerals that matter with some prescriptions. You can ask a pharmacist here.
Do I need a prescription for collagen peptides?
No. Collagen peptides are natural health products and are sold without a prescription.
Reviewed by our pharmacist-in-charge. Natural health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always read and follow the label.