Collagen is a protein that makes up 25 to 35 percent of all the proteins in the human body. Unfortunately, as a person ages he or she will continuously lose collagen, resulting in wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pains and other signs of aging. Collagen supplements, in the form of tablets, injections or creams, are a popular and effective way of replacing lost collagen and slowing the development of these problems. People take collagen tablets for multiple conditions, so choosing the right one involves assessing personal goals, choosing the right supplements, determining a dosage and making sure the tablets contain nothing an individual is allergic to.

The first step to choosing the best collagen tablet is simple: asses the problems that the supplement will address and pick the tablet that has the right ingredients. For bone pain, arthritic changes, or injury repair, the best collagen tablets will be glucosamine combinations that include glucosamine, chondroitin or methylsulfonylmethan.  If anti-aging and anti-wrinkle treatment is the primary concern, choose a non-Glucosamine tablet, but add some kind of Vitamin C substance, either in the pill itself or through a diet. For people with gout or other medical complications who can't take Vitamin C, the C Ester form (ascorbyl palmatate) will work as well.

After determining the right type of collagen tablet, the next step is to choose the right dosage. Collagen tablets are water soluble, so there is little risk of over-dosing, but it is still prudent to only intake as much as is necessary. For skin-related issues, about 5 to 6 grams is considered adequate. If collagen is being used to address arthritic problems, joint pain or swelling, the correct dosage will vary anywhere between 5 and 10 grams, and should be determined with the advice of a physician.

The last concern in choosing the best collagen tablet is to be certain that it contains nothing an individual is allergic to. Often collagen tablets contain wheat, yeast, sugar, gluten, soy, salt or shellfish, which are the source of many common allergies. All ingredients will be listed on the bottle and should be read carefully. In addition, collagen tablets can be chicken- or bovine-based; if an individual is concerned about mad cow disease or beef products, choose a plant-collagen supplement. The same holds true for vegetarians or vegans.

Collagen is an essential building block for muscles and bones, and it is important to replenish lost collagen as an individual ages. Regular intake of collagen tablets is recommended by physicians as a preventative measure to avoid invasive surgeries as a person ages. Always consult a physician before beginning any new tablet regimen.