No product is currently booming as much as vegan collagen - whether in capsules, as shakes, or as gummies, collagen is advertised everywhere as a beauty secret. Vegan products, in particular, are very popular. But what is really behind this trend? Does vegan collagen exist, or what is actually in these products? You will find out in this article!
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Collagen - the all-rounder protein
At 30%, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Various types of collagen are found in almost every part of the body, for example:
- in bones
- in skin
- in tendons
- in cartilage
- in internal organs
- in the cornea
- in connective tissue
The protein ensures that all these tissues remain elastic. Due to their tight cellular structure, they exhibit enormous tensile strength. Collagen fibers can hold ten thousand times their own weight. Very impressive!
Why should one take collagen?
Over the course of our lives, our body's ability to produce collagen decreases more and more. This is one of the reasons why we get wrinkles as we age, our skin becomes dull, our hair thins, or our joints are no longer as supple. This is where the beauty and health industry comes in. Collagen products are supposed to support the body in all these processes in old age.
Most collagen on the market is isolated from bovine or porcine gelatin, dried, and powdered. As a capsule or drinking powder, it is then supposed to strengthen skin, connective tissue, cartilage, etc. But more and more people are trying to avoid animal ingredients. So a plant-based alternative had to be found.
What is “vegan collagen”?
Collagen is produced in the cells of mammals. Plants are not capable of this. It is therefore not possible to isolate collagen from plant substances, as can be done from animal gelatin. Instead, vegan collagen products consist of various plant-based proteins that ultimately have the same structure as animal collagen. Most of them also contain important cofactors that the body needs for collagen formation, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A. Antioxidants also help the skin and connective tissue maintain elasticity.
However, these products do not contain actual collagen. If you look closely, you will notice that the label often states something like "collagen support" or "collagen formation support." The body is not supplied with additional collagen, but it is supported in its own production of collagen.
Does the effect of vegan and animal collagen differ?
Whether plant-based collagen products have the same effect on our skin, bones, and connective tissue has not yet been conclusively clarified. Manufacturers of vegan products say that even animal collagen is first broken down into its components by our body and then reformed. Therefore, it makes no difference whether one consumes animal or plant-based collagen.
However, some manufacturers of animal products point out that a plant-based product can only stimulate self-production, but not replenish stores. Unfortunately, the study situation on this is not clear.
Vitamin C from natural rosehip
Vegan or animal collagen?
Which collagen product you ultimately choose is up to you. Especially people who care about an animal- and environmentally friendly lifestyle often opt for the plant-based variant. What is certain is that the contained ingredients will definitely support your skin, connective tissue, cartilage, skin, and hair. Vitamin C is not only important for disease prevention during the cold season but is also a diligent helper all year round, contributing to your body producing enough collagen. A balanced, protein-rich diet with plenty of water or unsweetened tea and an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise is also important to stay fit, agile, and young.
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