Collagen Myths Debunked - Is Vegan Collagen Really Collagen?
Welcome to our short series of Collagen Myths Debunked. In this series we will address many of the collagen myths that have been floating around for a while, separating fact from fiction.
Over the years, collagen has become one of the most searched for ingredients as it relates to overall wellness, healthy ageing and beauty. As the collagen market has grown so too has the number of products making claims around “vegan collagen”. So with that said, let’s start with the first myth…Is vegan collagen, really collagen?
For as much as we’d like it to be true…it simply isn’t so.
Plant based products may contain nutrients that contribute to normal collagen formation, such as Vitamin C and other minerals. However true collagen itself is an animal-derived protein and cannot be obtained from plants.
This distinction matters because supporting your body’s ability to form collagen is not the same as providing collagen peptides. Hydrolysed collagen peptides provide collagen derived peptides that the body absorbs and uses while nutrients contribute to normal formation of collagen.
Understanding the difference between collagen and collagen-supporting nutrients is important when choosing a collagen supplement that aligns with your goals.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It gives skin its fitness and elasticity, keeps hair strong, and supports flexible joints and mobility.
But from the age of 25, collagen levels naturally decline - faster with stress, UV exposure, lifestyle and hormonal changes and this contributes to:
- Fine lines and loss of elasticity
- Weaker, thinner hair
- Stiffness and decreased mobility
- Slower skin regeneration
As collagen is a specific structured protein, with a unique amino acid profile, it is naturally found in animals and not in plants.
So, what is Vegan Collagen?
Products sold as vegan collagen aren’t typically collagen itself.
They usually contain plant-based ingredients that are designed to support the body’s own collagen synthesis. These may include nutrients such as Vitamin C, minerals and amino acids that contribut to normal collagen formation.
Though these ingredients play an important role in supporting healthy collagen production, they do not provide collagen peptides.
Why does this matter? It matters because supporting your body’s ability to make collagen is different from providing collagen itself.
Why Are Collagen Peptides Used In Liquid Supplements?
Hydrolysed collagen is collagen that has been broken down into smaller peptides through the process of hydrolysis and are easier for the body to absorb and digest.
Once absorbed they provide collagen-derived amino acids and peptides that can support collagen production. The digested amino acids, di- and tripeptides are absorbed into the bloodstream to create new collagen fibres in the skin.
Choosing The Right Collagen Support
When selecting a collagen supplement it is important to understand what you are consuming.
A product containing collagen peptides provides collagen-derived ingredients directly. A product containing collagen-supporting nutrients helps provide the conditions your body needs to produce collagen naturally.
Both can play a role, but they are not the same.
At Gold Collagen, our approach is based on scientifically studied hydrolysed collagen peptides (Peptan®) combined with carefully selected supporting ingredients to help your body maintain healthy collagen production from within.