A collagen supplement is now available for around 31p per serving thanks to a discount code, and one shopper reports their 'joints feel cushioned rather than dry and crunchy' after taking it.
California Gold Nutrition's CollagenUP powder has been reduced to £28.71, down from £35.89, for the 464g packet containing 93 servings. The discount is applied with the code OCT26HB from iHerb.
The unflavoured powder can be mixed into drinks, making it a convenient option for those who prefer not to take capsules or tablets. CollagenUP is a food supplement, not a medicine or a replacement for prescribed medication, and it is not a treatment for arthritis.
Formula and ingredients
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.
It contains type I and type III collagen, which are naturally found in skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Type II collagen is particularly associated with cartilage. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in connective tissue, including the fluid that helps joints move smoothly.
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and cartilage, as well as skin and blood vessels. The powder is free from gluten, soya and GMOs, and comes in a resealable pouch.
What the research suggests
A 2026 umbrella review published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum examined 16 systematic reviews covering 113 randomised controlled trials and 7,983 participants. Researchers found 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.
Other factors, like time taken and type of collagen, can affect results. Collagen, unless prescribed by a doctor, is not an alternative for medicine.
Shopper reviews
One person 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."
Some shoppers noted the taste, with one writing: "This is a good quality collagen drink, the ingredients are good quality and the pack size is good. The taste needs masking, because there is a fishy back taste, it also dissolves better in warm water as per instructions."
Another said: "I tried the small size, I think it's worth the price. Comes with a scoop in it. The smell is little bit weird, there is a small aftertaste at the end when I mix it with water only."
One shopper concluded: "After roughly three weeks, I realised my knees weren't clicking or aching when I got back from my evening walks. It feels like it legitimately adds lubrication back into the joints."