Man, 50, with aching knees says ‘joint ache stopped’ after taking 31p-a-day purchase
“Since adding a scoop of this to my tea every morning, my joints feel cushioned rather than dry and crunchy.”
One shopper said their ‘joints feel cushioned rather than dry and crunchy’(Image: Getty)
Shoppers seeking to support their joint health as they age can snap up a collagen supplement for roughly 31p per serving courtesy of a discount code. California Gold Nutrition’s CollagenUP powder is currently available for £28.71, reduced from £35.89, for the 464g tub containing 93 servings using the code OCT26HB from iHerb.
The unflavoured powder can be stirred into beverages, making it a handy addition to daily routines for those who’d rather avoid capsules or tablets. While collagen supplements have gained attention for their possible joint health benefits, it’s crucial to understand that CollagenUP is a food supplement, not medicine or a substitute for prescribed treatments, and it doesn’t cure arthritis.
California Gold Nutrition’s CollagenUP blends hydrolysed marine collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in a formulation created to support overall wellness. The collagen comes from fish and is broken down into smaller peptides via a process known as hydrolysis.
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The supplement features type I and type III collagen, which occur naturally in body parts including skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Type II collagen, by contrast, is specifically linked to cartilage. Hyaluronic acid represents another component in the blend and exists naturally in connective tissue, including the fluid that enables joints to move smoothly.
Vitamin C supports normal collagen formation for healthy bones and cartilage, as well as skin and blood vessels, reports the Mirror. The unflavoured powder can be mixed into your preferred drink, while the formula is completely free from gluten, soya and GMOs. It also comes in a resealable pouch for easy storage.
The California Gold Nutrition is available from iHerb
The powder features unflavoured, non-bovine, hydrolysed fish collagen and should support healthy hair, skin, nails, joints and bones.
What does the science tell us?
There’s mounting interest in collagen supplements and their potential advantages for joint and bone health, with numerous studies investigating whether regular supplementation can truly make a difference. A 2026 umbrella review published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum analysed 16 systematic reviews covering 113 randomised controlled trials and 7,983 participants.
Scientists discovered positive outcomes linked to collagen supplementation across skin and musculoskeletal health, though the quality of evidence differed between outcomes. Meanwhile, a meta-analysis published in International Orthopaedics revealed that collagen supplementation was linked to improvements in osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain relief, compared with a placebo.
A separate 2016 clinical trial also documented improvements in knee pain, stiffness and physical function amongst participants taking undenatured type II collagen over six months. It’s crucial to bear in mind that other elements, such as duration of use and collagen variety, can influence outcomes.
Additionally, collagen isn’t a substitute for medication unless recommended by a medical professional, and users should always adhere to their GP’s guidance.
Where else can you buy collagen?
Beyond the single purchase option, it’s worth highlighting there’s a subscribe and save deal on the California Gold CollagenUP for £30.51, reduced from £35.89, available on iHerb’s website.
Another alternative available is the Vida Glow Pro Collagen+ Powder (20g) for £55 from LookFantastic. This product is marketed as ‘a refreshing drink that works alongside your everyday skincare routine’.
One person said: “So far, I’ve felt a positive change.”(Image: iHerb)
Meanwhile, Amazon stocks the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement for £39.93, slashed from £51.75. This covers the 587g container, and it’s claimed to provide ‘key support for radiant hair, skin, and nails’ with ‘swift absorption’.
What are customers saying?
The California Gold Nutrition’s CollagenUP powder has received impressive ratings, with one buyer commenting: “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.
Each container has about 93 servings.(Image: iHerb)
“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 customers had slightly different views, with one person 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. I think consistent use is best for it. The packaging is ok, I have to take care of re-sealing.”
Another commented: “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. I recommend mixing it with another drink that will fade the taste and smell. Hope it will make a change – I saw good reviews.”
On the whole, customers were pleased. One shopper, for instance, shared: “I started taking marine collagen specifically to help protect cartilage as I get older. It mixes completely clear with no fishy aftertaste. 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.”
