Traditional collagen supplements have been available for many years, with marine and bovine collagen among the most common options.
However, due to concerns about their environmental impact and potential toxins, they’re not the best solution for everyone.
VeCollal® takes a different approach. Rather than providing animal-derived collagen peptides, it uses a patented amino acid complex that precisely matches the amino acid profile of human Type I collagen.
At first glance, both approaches appear to have the same goal: supporting the body's collagen levels. However, the way they do this is very different.
Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision about which option best aligns with your dietary preferences, ethical values, and wellness goals.
Understanding Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It acts as a key structural component of the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
Scientists have identified at least 28 different types of collagen, but Type I collagen is by far the most abundant. It accounts for around 90% of the collagen found throughout the body and plays a particularly important role in the skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissues.
As we age, our natural collagen production begins to decline. Environmental factors such as UV exposure, smoking, stress, poor sleep, and nutrition can also influence collagen production.
This is one reason collagen supplements have become a daily part of so many people’s routines.
What Are Traditional Collagen Supplements Made From?
Traditional collagen supplements are typically sourced from animals. The most common forms include:
These supplements usually contain collagen peptides, which are smaller fragments of collagen protein created through a process called hydrolysis.
Once consumed, collagen peptides are broken down further during digestion into amino acids and smaller peptide chains before being absorbed and used by the body.
While marine and bovine collagen contain many of the amino acids found in human collagen, neither provides an identical match to the amino acid profile of human Type I collagen.
What Is VeCollal®?
VeCollal® is a patented vegan collagen amino acid complex developed using bioinformatics and collagen research.
Rather than sourcing collagen from animals, VeCollal® provides a carefully formulated blend of amino acids developed to mirror the composition of the body's most abundant collagen type.
Instead of providing animal-derived collagen peptides, VeCollal® supplies the precise amino acid building blocks associated with human Type I collagen in the same proportions found naturally within the body.
The result is an environmentally friendly, completely vegan alternative developed specifically to replicate the amino acid composition of human Type I collagen.
VeCollal® vs Collagen: The Key Differences
The biggest difference between VeCollal® and traditional collagen lies in what they contain.
Traditional collagen supplements provide collagen peptides sourced from animals such as fish or cattle. VeCollal®, on the other hand, contains a biomimetic amino acid complex developed around the composition of human Type I collagen.
This means the comparison is not simply a case of vegan versus non-vegan.
It is also a comparison between animal-derived collagen sources that are similar to human collagen and a biomimetic amino acid complex specifically designed around the composition of human Type I collagen.
Why Being Identical to Human Type I Collagen Matters
This is where VeCollal® stands apart from traditional collagen supplements.
Human Type I collagen has a unique amino acid composition. While marine and bovine collagen contain many of the same amino acids, they do not provide an identical amino acid profile.
VeCollal® was developed to address this challenge. Using bioinformatics, researchers analysed the amino acid composition of human Type I collagen and created an amino acid blend that identically matches this profile.
This biomimetic approach means VeCollal® provides the same amino acids in the same proportions found in the body's most abundant collagen type.
Another important distinction is the inclusion of L-tryptophan.
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid found in human Type I collagen but absent from traditional marine and bovine collagen supplements.
By incorporating L-tryptophan into its formulation, VeCollal® is able to achieve a profile that more closely reflects human Type I collagen than traditional animal-derived collagen sources.
VeCollal® vs Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is often promoted as a premium collagen source and is commonly derived from fish skin, scales, and connective tissues.
It is popular among consumers looking for an alternative to bovine collagen, but it remains an animal-derived ingredient and is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Some consumers also have concerns about the potential for contaminants, including heavy metals, in marine-derived products, as well as the impact on the environment.
Marine collagen contains many amino acids associated with collagen production, but its amino acid composition differs from that of human Type I collagen.
VeCollal® offers a completely vegan alternative designed around the amino acid composition found in human Type I collagen.
For people who avoid fish products, have dietary restrictions, or are looking for a plant-based option, this represents a significant difference.
VeCollal® vs Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen - one of the most widely used collagen ingredients in the supplement industry - is sourced from cattle, making it unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Unfortunately, its rise in popularity has also been directly linked to increased deforestation.
Like marine collagen, it contains collagen peptides and amino acids associated with collagen production, but it is not identical to human Type I collagen.
VeCollal® instead focuses on amino acid composition rather than animal-derived collagen peptides.
Its biomimetic profile was specifically developed to mirror the amino acid composition of human Type I collagen while remaining entirely animal and cruelty-free.
Supporting the Body's Natural Collagen Production
Collagen production is a complex biological process that requires the body to have access to the right nutrients.
Amino acids provide the foundation for collagen synthesis, while other nutrients also play important supporting roles.
Vitamin C is particularly important because it contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, teeth, and gums.
This is why Arella's Vegan Liquid Collagen combines VeCollal® with Vitamin C, alongside carefully selected ingredients including Centella Asiatica and Panax Ginseng.
Together, these ingredients have been chosen to support the body's natural collagen production processes as part of a broader wellness routine.
Why Arella Uses VeCollal®
At Arella, we are committed to combining innovation with evidence-based ingredients.
VeCollal® stood out because it offers a genuinely different approach to collagen support.
Rather than relying on animal-derived collagen peptides, it takes a biomimetic approach based on the composition of human Type I collagen.
This allows us to offer a collagen solution that is suitable for vegans and vegetarians while embracing the latest developments in collagen science.
For those looking for a plant-based collagen option that goes beyond simply replacing animal ingredients, VeCollal® represents an exciting step forward.
You can shop our plant-based collagen here, read more about the science behind our supplements or take a look at our commitment to sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VeCollal® collagen?
VeCollal® is not animal-derived collagen. It is a vegan amino acid complex designed to identically match the amino acid profile of human Type I collagen.
Is VeCollal® vegan?
Yes. VeCollal® is completely vegan and contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Is VeCollal® the same as marine collagen?
No. Marine collagen is sourced from fish and contains collagen peptides. VeCollal® is a vegan amino acid complex designed to identically match the amino acid profile of human Type I collagen.
Is VeCollal® the same as bovine collagen?
No. Bovine collagen is sourced from cattle and contains animal-derived collagen peptides. VeCollal® is entirely animal-free and uses a biomimetic amino acid approach.
