Collagen Peptides (Vital Proteins) appear to be a more reliable choice due to established benefits, third-party testing, and positive customer feedback. NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) shows promise but has regulatory concerns and limited research.
| Attribute | NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) | Collagen Peptides (Vital Proteins) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) | Collagen Peptides (Vital Proteins) |
| Form | Capsules, sublingual powder, delayed-release capsules, liposomal liquid, and powder | Powder. Also available in capsule form. |
| Purity/Source | >99.5% purity claimed, often verified by third-party testing | Bovine hide. Sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows. A whitefish-derived option is available for pescatarians. |
| Dosage per Serving | 250mg, 300mg, 500mg, up to 1000mg or 1200mg | 20g of collagen peptides per serving. Some single-serve packets contain 10g of collagen peptides. |
| Serving Size | 1 capsule to 2 capsules, or a scoop of powder | 2 scoops (20g) for powder. For capsules, 6 capsules twice daily, totaling 12 capsules per day. |
| Third-Party Testing/Certifications | Many products undergo third-party testing for purity and potency; GMP-certified or TGA-approved facilities | Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is third party tested. The ingredients were ranked in the top 10% for each of the categories we tested (metals, pesticides, phthalates, bisphenols, and label accuracy), getting an A in all categories. Made in an NSF-certified cGMP facility. The unflavored version scored an "Excellent" rating in independent lab testing for label accuracy and purity, placing it in the top 10% of products tested. The Vanilla flavor was also tested and scored as "Above Average," meaning it fell in the top 25% of the products tested. NSF Certified for Sport. |
| Ingredients (Additives, Fillers) | May contain microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, or silica; some are free of soy, dairy, gluten, and corn | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides. Some products contain added Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. The unflavored version contains a single ingredient: upcycled bovine hide. Chocolate flavor contains: Alkalized Cocoa, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, and Stevia Sweetener. It does not contain artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. It is made without dairy or gluten. The unflavored version contains no additives or fillers. |
| Bioavailability/Absorption Rate | Sublingual and liposomal forms may offer better bioavailability; absorption may be enhanced on an empty stomach or with piperine | Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are easily digested and absorbed. Research suggests that over 90% of collagen peptides are digested and highly absorbable, appearing as small peptides in the blood just 1 hour after consumption. |
| Manufacturing Location | Australia, New Zealand, and the USA | Packaged in an Illinois-based facility. The recyclable canisters are filled at a cGMP and NSF-certified facility. Products are packaged in an Illinois-based facility and undergo regular and rigorous testing to ensure compliance with third-party safety organizations, including Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards. |
| Health Benefits Claimed | Anti-aging, increased energy, improved cognitive function, enhanced metabolism, better heart health, DNA repair, increased insulin sensitivity, support joint health, muscle function, and immune function | Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. Supports healthy joints and bones. Promotes skin elasticity and hydration. May help reduce joint pain, increase strength, and improve body composition when paired with resistance training. |
| Specific Collagen Type | Not collagen | Types I and III |
| Price per Serving | Varies significantly depending on brand, form, and dosage | $1.64 for a 28-serving canister. $1.93 per serving for a 14-serving package. $2.14 for a seven-serving package. Subscribe-and-save options are available. |
| Customer Reviews/Ratings | Not available | Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars. |
| FDA Status | FDA prohibited sale as a health supplement in 2022 | Not available |