A 50-year-old gym goer says joint pain has stopped after taking a collagen powder that costs around 31p per serving. The California Gold Nutrition CollagenUP powder, now reduced to £28.71 from £35.89 at iHerb, has drawn positive reviews from shoppers reporting improvements in knee stiffness and discomfort.
Product details and price
The 464g packet contains 93 servings, and the deal is available using the discount code OCT26HB. The unflavoured powder can be mixed into drinks, offering a convenient option for those who avoid capsules or tablets. The formula combines hydrolysed marine collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
The collagen is sourced from fish and broken down into smaller peptides through hydrolysis, making it easier to mix into liquids. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, which is important for the normal function of cartilage and bones. The supplement contains type I and type III collagen, naturally found in parts of the body including the skin, bones, tendons and ligaments, while type II collagen is particularly associated with cartilage.
What shoppers say
One reviewer said: "Noticeable difference in how my knees feel during and after my daily walks. I used to feel that dull ache and stiffness after walking for more than 20 to 30 minutes, especially on inclines. Since adding a scoop of this to my tea every morning, the stiffness has significantly backed off, and my joints feel cushioned rather than dry and crunchy."
Another added: "I recommend it; I bought it for joint support. I'm 50 years old, I go to the gym regularly, and lately my knee has been hurting after heavy sets. My brother recommended this CollagenUP. I've been taking it every morning on an empty stomach for six months now. The results are real: my joint pain has stopped, and my knees feel great when doing squats. It dissolves easily, has almost no taste, and smells like seaweed. The product is high-quality, and it's 100% worth the money. I'll be taking another course."
Scientific evidence and alternatives
A 2026 umbrella review published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum examined 16 systematic reviews covering 113 randomised controlled trials and 7,983 participants, finding favourable outcomes associated with collagen supplementation across skin and musculoskeletal health, although the strength of evidence varied. A meta-analysis in International Orthopaedics found collagen supplementation was associated with improvements in osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, compared with a placebo. A separate 2016 clinical trial reported improvements in knee pain, stiffness and physical function among participants taking undenatured type II collagen over six months.
Collagen supplements should not be viewed as a cure for joint pain or arthritis, and CollagenUP is a food supplement, not a medicine, and should not replace prescribed medication or medical advice. Other options include the Vida Glow Pro Collagen+ Powder (20g) for £55 from LookFantastic and the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement for £39.93, down from £51.75 at Amazon. The California Gold Nutrition CollagenUP also offers a subscribe and save option for £30.51, down from £35.89, on iHerb's site.
