What does “high strength” collagen really mean?

The supplement industry loves a bold phrase, and “high strength” is one of the biggest. It sounds reassuring, powerful and effective. But when it comes to collagen, that label often causes more confusion than clarity.

Unlike vitamins and minerals, collagen is a protein. Your body needs it in gram amounts, not micro or milligrams. This is where many collagen products fall short, especially tablets, capsules and gummies.

Why tablets and gummies fall down

Collagen is bulky by nature. It doesn’t compress well, which means tablets and capsules can only hold very small amounts. Most so-called high strength collagen pills contain under 1g per serving, sometimes far less.

Gummies aren’t much better. While they’re marketed as convenient and tasty, they often contain added sugars and still only deliver a fraction of the collagen your body actually needs.

The problem is that the term high strength has no strict definition. Brands can use it freely, even when the dose is too low to deliver meaningful benefits.

What does the science say?

Research into collagen supplementation consistently shows benefits for skin elasticity, joint comfort and hair strength at doses of around 5 to 10g per day. These are amounts that are simply unrealistic to achieve through tablets or gummies alone.

This doesn’t mean collagen doesn’t work. It means the format and dose matter far more than the marketing language.

Why powder makes sense

Collagen powder allows you to consume an effective dose in a simple, flexible way. It dissolves easily into hot or cold drinks, smoothies or food, without needing binders, fillers or sugars.

It also gives you control. You can adjust your intake depending on your goals, whether that’s skin health, joint support, recovery or all three.

How to choose collagen wisely

Instead of focusing on phrases like high strength, look for these things on the label,

• Grams per serving, not milligrams • Clear sourcing, such as marine, bovine or a blend • Minimal ingredients, no unnecessary additives • Guidance on daily dosing

The bottom line

High strength doesn’t automatically mean high quality or high dose. With collagen, the real power comes from consistency and the right amount.

Always turn the pack around, check the grams and choose a format that actually delivers what your body needs. Your skin, joints and hair will thank you for it 💗

If you want help choosing the right collagen or understanding how much you really need, that’s exactly what we’re here for.