By Kate Withington |
Collagen has become a buzzword in the beauty and wellness industry, with its offering promise of youthful skin, stronger nails, and healthier joints. And of course, who doesn’t want that?! But as more people adopt vegan lifestyles, the question arises: is collagen vegan?
This blog aims to debunk myths and provide clear information on whether vegan collagen is effective and how you can reap the benefits of collagen boosters while still following a vegan lifestyle.
Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's elasticity, joint health, and overall structural integrity of our bodies. It accounts for around 30% of your body’s total protein. But as you get older it becomes harder to maintain your natural collagen levels, which is why collagen supplements have become incredibly popular, touted as miracle workers for anti-ageing and joint support. However, as veganism gains traction for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, the compatibility of collagen skin supplements with a vegan lifestyle comes into question.
Before we can work out whether collagen is vegan, first we must fully understand what is collagen?
As discussed earlier, collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, found in skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. It acts as the glue that holds everything together, providing strength and structure. Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but this production decreases with age, leading to wrinkles, joint pain, and other signs of ageing.
Therefore, as the collagen process slows down, many people turn to other sources of collagen, including health supplements. Most traditional collagen supplements are derived from animal products. Common sources include the bones, skin, and connective tissues of cows, pigs, chickens, and fish. These animal-derived collagen supplements are rich in the amino acids needed to support our body's collagen production.
Therefore, as you may have guessed, the straightforward answer to whether collagen is vegan is no. Traditional collagen, extracted from animal tissues, is not vegan. This is a crucial point for those adhering to a vegan lifestyle, which excludes the use of animal products. So does this mean that vegans can’t access collagen produced outside the body?
The good news is that the concept of "vegan collagen" has been gaining traction for many years now as more consumers seek plant-based alternatives. As you’d assume, vegan collagen does not contain collagen from animal sources; instead, it involves products that either stimulate the body’s natural collagen production or contain ingredients designed to support this process. This means that you can still reap the benefits of collagen without having to consume traditional animal-derived collagen.
One new and innovative method involves using genetically modified microorganisms. Scientists can insert human genes related to collagen production into yeast or bacteria. These microorganisms then produce collagen, which can be harvested and purified for use in supplements. This method ensures that no animals are involved in the production process. But still provides individuals with the collagen boost they’re looking for.
Another approach, that is very popular, is to create supplements that act as collagen boosters, promoting the body's natural collagen production. These products typically contain a blend of plant-based ingredients known to support skin health and collagen synthesis. For example, Diso’s collagen boosters are packed with Vitamin C, grape seed, and melon extract to help stimulate your body’s natural collagen production - all while being completely vegan.
Now that we know that traditional collagen isn’t vegan, but there are some plant-based alternatives out there, you may be wondering, is vegan collagen effective? Of course, this depends on individual products. So let’s take a look at the ingredients commonly found in vegan collagen supplements:
Biotin is a B health vitamin that is crucial for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It supports the infrastructure of keratin, a protein in the body that forms these tissues.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C acts as a co-factor for enzymes that stabilize and cross-link collagen molecules.
Silica is another common ingredient in vegan collagen supplements and is found in plants like bamboo and horsetail, silica supports collagen production and maintains skin elasticity.
Ingredients like lysine, proline, and glycine are vital for collagen production. These amino acids can be sourced from plants and added to supplements to support the body’s natural collagen synthesis. Amino acids can also be found in many food items, such as quinoa, fish, mushrooms legumes and beans.
However, when we’re discussing ‘are collagen supplements vegan?’, it's important to differentiate between traditional collagen supplements and those marketed as vegan. Traditional collagen supplements are not vegan, as they are derived from animals. However, vegan-friendly options are available and are designed to support collagen production without using animal products.
A common concern is whether vegan collagen supplements are as effective as their animal-derived counterparts. While they don't provide collagen directly, these supplements can be effective by offering the necessary nutrients for the body to produce collagen naturally.
The Diso Collagen Booster is a prime example of a product that caters to the vegan market. It doesn’t contain collagen but acts as a collagen booster, providing ingredients that promote the body’s collagen production. This makes it a fantastic option for vegans who want to support their skin health and overall well-being without compromising their vegan lifestyle.
Overall, while traditional collagen supplements are not vegan, there are effective alternatives for those following a vegan lifestyle. By understanding the difference between animal-derived collagen and plant-based collagen boosters, consumers can make informed choices that align with their health and ethical values. Dissolvable strips like Diso Collagen offer a viable solution so that you can enjoy the benefits of collagen support without the use of animal products.
