In an effort to improve my knee health, I turned to Collagen peptide supplements. By far, the most highly recommended brand was Vital Proteins. I purchased them with my own money and used them for several months before deciding to share my opinions.
Keep reading for my full Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides review!
What are Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides?
The Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder contains collagen (a protein) that is touted for its ability to improve overall wellness, especially, hair, skin, nails, and joints. Their collagen is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides in Brazil. It is a supplement that you add to any liquid. It is unflavored and free of added sugars, gluten, and dairy.
Why did you start taking Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides?
I started taking the Collagen Peptides after my second knee surgery. I previously took glucosamine and chondroitin, which have unclear results for osteoarthritis, but that some people recommend. After going through a second surgery, I was interested in finding a supplement that would help my knee pain and overall joint health. My former strength & conditioning coach at the University of Minnesota said collagen may help, and he recommended the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder.
So, while many people take the collagen power for beauty reasons, I chose to take it for joint health reasons. I will touch on the beauty effects that I’ve noticed.
How do you use the collagen powder?
The easiest way to consistently use the collagen is to add it to your routine. I typically eat cereal with almond milk in the morning. I now pour the almond milk in first, then add the collagen and mix, and then pour my cereal and eat. I take one scoop and slowly sprinkle it into the milk, stirring after each addition until it’s smooth (more on this later).
How does collagen help knee pain?
While some medical professionals are skeptical, there is promising evidence that collagen may help with arthritis pain and sport-related joint pain. One study examined the use of collagen hydrolysate in athletes in a 24-week trial and found that it did improve the joint pain in athletes. According to the study, collagen may support joint health and reduce joint deterioration in athletes.
Does the Collagen Peptide Powder work for your knee?
Since there are so many factors to consider when it comes to knee pain, it’s not easy to always determine the impact of a treatment, like this supplement. I think it has minorly helped my knee pain after ACL and meniscus surgery. I still experience anterior knee pain and early signs of osteoarthritis.
However, I do believe my knee/joints heal much quicker. My pain or discomfort does not last as long and is easier to control. If it does flair up, I am able to get it feeling better much quicker.
Will you keep taking Collagen Peptides for your knee?
Yes, I plan to keep taking the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides for my knee. The improvement I notice there is small, but to me it is significant. I also have noticed several other benefits from the supplement that I enjoy. I would definitely recommend giving it a try for yourself if you had knee surgeries or struggle with knee pain.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Benefits
The benefits listed on their site include:
- 20g Collagen Peptides
- Skin elasticity- Yes.
- Healthy Joints & Bones- Yes.
- Youthful appearance- Yes.
- Hair, Skin,& Nail support- Yes.
- Mix in hot and cold liquids- No. It is not easy to mix into cold liquids, especially almond milk.
Do the Collagen Peptides help your hair, skin, and nails?
YES! While the effect on my knee is not certain, I can definitely SEE the impact of the collagen on my hair, skin, and nails. Once I began taking it consistently, I noticed a huge difference. Some of the benefits I’ve seen include:
- Clearer skin, less acne/fewer breakouts
- Smoother, more elastic skin
- Hydrated, supple skin (fewer dry patches)
- Less dandruff/flaky scalp
- Stronger nails that grow quicker
- Rapid hair growth
I tried relentlessly to grow my hair out after a relaxer in high school. Biotin, inverted scalp massages, homemade conditioning masks, I did it all. My hair did grow and get healthier, and then I stopped being so diligent. It was stuck at the same length (just above my butt) for years, but I thought it had just reached its limit. Once I started taking this stuff consistently, my hair started growing more than I’d seen in years.
How long did it take to see results?
As with any supplement, you do not see results overnight. I did not see noticeable results until I consistently took 1 scoop of the powder every single day. With consistent use, it took me about 2-3 months to see substantial results.
Downfalls of the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
I have very few bad things to say about this product. Compared to similar options, it is not absurdly expensive. The main thing I do not like about it is how it dissolves. It claims to dissolve in hot and cold liquid, but I have not found this to be true.
Since this is unflavored, I typically add it to my cereal (almond) milk. I absolutely cannot just pour a scoop in and stir. If I tried that, it would congeal into a huge lumpy mess. Instead, I have to sift and sprinkle in small amounts at a time and then stir. It’s doable, and it works well if I do it that way, but it takes time and it’s inconvenient. If you drink hot liquids, it would be no issue, but you must add in a tiny amount at a time if adding to cold liquids.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides FAQ
- Can you taste it? No, I really do not notice it, but I would suggest putting it in something with flavor (not just plain water).
- Does it mix well with hot and cold drinks? No, I have found it does not mix well with cold drinks.
- Have you tried any other Vital Proteins products? No, not yet. I have found this one works well for me. However, I would be interested in trying some like capsules or collagen bars.
- Does the collagen peptide powder help your knee? Yes, I have noticed some differences. This has helped my knee, but it is not a replacement for other treatments, it is a complementary addition.
- Does the powder help with hair, skin, and nails? YES! I have noticed a tremendous difference in the length and quality of my hair and nails, and my skin and improved immensely. I didn’t start taking this for beauty reasons, but I definitely notice and enjoy beauty benefits.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, I cannot tell you for a fact that this supplement helps my knee. For me, it is part of my treatment and wellness plan, and I’ve noticed some small results. However, I have noticed huge results when it comes to hair, skin, and nails, even though I did not start taking this for beauty reasons.
Given my experience, I would recommend trying the Vital Proteins Collagen Powder if you struggle with knee pain, and seeing how it works for you. I am on my second container and I plan to repurchase it moving forward.
This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to purchase using the links.
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