Vegan collagen isn’t actual collagen but rather a blend of nutrients and plant-based compounds that help your body produce collagen – a protein crucial in maintaining the structure and elasticity of skin, joints and other connective tissues.
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“Essentially, you're going to find it in any part of the human body that needs to be strong, but also has that kind of elasticity,” explains Alex.
Your body can produce collagen, or you can get it
through your diet or
dietary supplements.
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Traditionally, collagen supplements come from animal sources like cows (bovine collagen) or fish (marine collagen).
6 While these sources are rich in
amino acids essential for supporting the body’s natural collagen production and maintaining
healthy skin, hair, nails,
bones and joints, these products aren’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
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This is where vegan collagen comes in. The ingredients used in vegan collagen usually include amino acids, vitamins and minerals essential for collagen synthesis, such as
vitamin C.
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There are a few ways that vegan collagen can be created:7,11-13
- microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria, are used to create proteins similar to human collagen
- plant extracts are modified to mimic collagen, which helps the body produce more collagen naturally without relying on animal sources or microorganisms
These innovative approaches ensure you can enjoy the benefits of collagen without compromising your dietary choices.