It’s come to light that many collagen supplement companies - how do we put this? Lie. They pack their products with fillers, additives, and ingredients without scientific evidence to support their claims. As more companies are exposed, you realise you have no idea where they’re getting their collagen, let alone whether the product actually works.
But that doesn’t mean collagen supplements don’t have their place - there are plenty that work wonders to support your body. The only struggle is knowing how to separate the good supplements from the dud ones. The best way to figure out if you’re taking a worthwhile supplement is to know where your collagen supplement comes from.
In this article, we’re sharing where supplement companies get their collagen and whether an animal or vegan collagen supplement is better. We’re also letting you in on the sparkling ‘extras’ in Arella Beauty’s Collagen Supplement that takes results from, ‘It’s okay,’ to ‘Wow, my skin is glowing.’
What is collagen, and why do you need it?
Collagen makes up 30% of your body’s protein, and it’s the ‘glue’ that holds everything together, giving your cells strength, elasticity and structure. When you don’t have enough collagen, parts of your body become weak and loose.
One of the first visible signs of collagen loss is your skin. You may notice pronounced fine lines, wrinkles or expression lines. This is because the skin doesn’t have the elasticity to return to its original shape after it’s been moving (such as when you smile, frown or squint).
Your hair can start thinning as you lack the collagen resources to build strong hair strands, and your nails might become brittle or flakey.
Read more: Does Vegan Collagen Help Hair Growth?
Collagen doesn’t only affect your outside appearance. A lack of the protein weakens muscles and tendons, causing aches and pains in your joints. Your gut lining thins, making you more sensitive to particular foods or increasing digestive issues. Your artery walls lose their framework, causing circulation to slow and putting pressure on the heart.
Read more: What Happens When You Take Collagen for Heart Health.
Why do you need a collagen supplement?
Collagen naturally decreases from age 25 and falls more rapidly the older you get. A collagen supplement replenishes lost collagen, easing joint pain, nurturing gut health, and rejuvenating skin.
How does your body make collagen?
Your body makes collagen by combining amino acids such as hydroxyproline, glycine and proline with vitamin C. It also requires minerals such as copper and zinc. The protein is ‘built’ or synthesised in cells called fibroblasts before being transported to the areas of your body that need it.
The different types of collagen
There are many different types of collagen (around 28), but your body needs 3 main types.
- Type 1 collagen - Type 1 collagen makes up most of your collagen supply and is necessary for healthy skin, hair, nails, teeth, bones, tendons and ligaments. This is the type of collagen that most collagen supplements focus on.
- Type 2 collagen - You need type 2 collagen for gut health and the cartilage in your bones.
- Type 3 collagen - This type of collagen maintains essential organs, like the heart, keeps arteries strong, and builds muscle.
Read more: 5 Different Types of Collagen You Need to Know.
Where do animal collagen supplements come from?
The most common collagen supplements come from animals or marine life, specifically fish and cows. You typically get animal collagen as a powder or capsule, but there are some that come in liquid form.
Bovine collagen
Bovine collagen is a type of cow used for the majority of animal collagen supplements. The cows are bred in Brazillian rainforests, and their hides, tendons, bones, and ligaments are ground up to make collagen supplements.
Marine collagen
Marine collagen, also known as collagen peptide, is made from crushed fish scales and bones. These parts of the fish are then packed into a supplement, ready for consumption.
Where do vegans get collagen from?
If you’re vegan, you can easily get collagen from foods rich in collagen-building amino acids, such as nuts, legumes and seeds. Citrus fruits and berries are also great for building collagen as they’re abundant in vitamin C. But you don’t have to be vegan to take a vegan collagen supplement.
Read more: 5 Vegan Collagen-Rich Foods to Hack Your Hormones.
Is animal collagen better than vegan collagen?
You're consuming ' premade ' collagen when you take an animal collagen supplement. That means you’re eating the collagen that has already been synthesised and transported to tendons, ligaments and skin within the cow or fish.
However, animal collagen isn’t identical to human collagen, so your body cannot fully absorb an animal collagen supplement. Bovine and marine collagen are also detrimental to the environment. Unfortunately, animal collagen causes mass deforestation and impacts animal welfare.
Vegan collagen provides the amino acids, vitamins and minerals your body needs to make human collagen. It’s the difference between eating a takeout or making a meal from scratch.
Arella’s collagen supplement contains the world’s first vegan collagen alternative
Arella Beauty’s collagen supplement contains VeCollal®, a scientifically engineered plant-based collagen for botanical beauty. It uses precise amino acids, vitamin C, and other crucial minerals to produce collagen that is identical to human collagen. That means more benefits and better results.
Read more: VeCollal® Vegan Collagen: What is it and how does it work?
Collagen infused with enriching ingredients to restore health and well-being
We wanted our collagen supplement to make you sparkle from the inside out. So, for optimal results, we’ve formulated a liquid vegan supplement with additional ingredients to make you glow.
- Panax Ginseng - A healing anti-inflammatory for boosted blood flow, energy enhancement and serene skin.
Read more: The Truth About Ginseng For Your Skin.
- Biotin - Boosts hair growth for silky, strong locks and nurtures healthy nails.
- Hyaluronic Acid - Ultra-hydrating qualities for radiant skin and smooth-moving joints.
- Retinol (Vitamin A) - Increases skin cell turnover and lowers oil production for a luminous complexion.
Read more: 5 Reasons Why You Need Retinol in Liquid Collagen.
- Vitamin C - A vital component of collagen abundant in antioxidants for gut health, circulation and a natural glow.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) - Balances the nervous system to calm the mind and lower fatigue.
Embrace plant-powered collagen with Arella Beauty
Our Liquid Vegan Collagen Supplement uses 100% plant-based and sustainably sourced ingredients, so you know where your collagen is coming from. No nasty additives, no unnecessary fillers and no unwanted surprises. Just pure beauty and wellness with Arella Beauty. Try our award-winning collagen supplement today.
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Written by Emma Carey for Arella Beauty.
Emma is a holistic beauty and wellness writer. She has three years of experience in the well-being industry and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and Wellness. Check out her portfolio and follow her on Instagram.
