In the quest for youthful skin, stronger joints, and overall health, collagen supplements have surged in popularity. Among the array of options, one common question emerges: Which animal has the best collagen? Let’s explore the science behind collagen absorption and why the premise itself might be flawed.

The Collagen Craze

Collagen is a structural protein that’s pivotal in maintaining the integrity of our skin, bones, and connective tissues. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production declines but its also due to eating browned meat, sugar, smoking and sun exposure, leading to common signs of aging such as wrinkles, skin sagging and joint pains. This has led to the booming popularity of collagen supplements, typically sourced from animals like cows (bovine), pigs (porcine), chickens, or fish (marine collagen) specifically from their skin and bones.

chicken beef and fish

The Source Debate

The debate over which animal source is best for collagen typically centers around absorption rates and bioavailability:

  • Bovine collagen is praised for its high levels of types I and III collagen, which are ideal for skin and bone health.
  • Marine collagen is favored for being lighter and easier to absorb, making it supposedly superior for skin hydration and elasticity.
  • Porcine collagen is often highlighted for its similarity to human collagen in terms of composition.

Despite these distinctions, the critical question remains: Can humans directly absorb and utilize these animal-sourced collagens?

Collagen Absorption

The Science of Collagen Absorption

Contrary to marketing claims, when you consume collagen from any animal source, it doesn’t directly integrate into your body’s collagen stores. Here’s what actually happens:

  • Digestion Process: Collagen proteins are broken down into peptides and amino acids through digestion.
  • Absorption: These peptides and amino acids are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • Utilization: Once absorbed, your body utilizes these amino acids based on its needs, which may not necessarily be for forming new collagen where you might expect, like in your wrinkles or joints.

Scientific studies suggest that while the ingestion of collagen peptides can provide amino acids necessary for collagen production, they do not directly translate into increased collagen in the body. This process is influenced by factors like age, what you eat, and overall health.

Boon Collagen Reviver Smoothie

Boon Collagen Reviver Smoothie, its pink color shows the active carotenoids.

Why Plant-Based Solutions Are More Effective

Given the indirect role that animal collagen plays in boosting collagen levels, a more effective approach might be to support the body’s own collagen production naturally. This is where plant-based alternatives and nutrients come into play. Unlike animal-derived products, plant-based options provide the nutrients directly involved in collagen synthesis.

Boosting Your Own Collagen Production

The good news is that you can support your body’s collagen production naturally. Here’s how:

  1. Vitamin C:This essential nutrient is crucial for collagen synthesis. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli and potatoes are great sources.
  2. Copper: Small amounts of this mineral, found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains, can help maintain healthy collagen levels.
  3. Proline and Glycine: These amino acids, found in protein-rich foods like beans, legumes, and other plant-based proteins, are building blocks for collagen.
  4. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure and Smoking: Both can degrade collagen faster, so protecting yourself from UV rays and avoiding tobacco can help preserve collagen.
  5. Avoid eating browned meat: Barbequed meat creates AGE’s or advanced glycation end products which interfere with collagen production and cause wrinkles in the face.

Why Boon Collagen Reviver Drink Can Help

Rather than relying on processed and hyped animal products, Boon Collagen Reviver provides plant-based nutrients called carotenoids that are fundamental for boosting collagen production. Inspired by nature, and following the wisdom that where animals derive their strength from plants-we must too, this drink follows the same principle but without the animal or fish middleman and all its deforestation and pollution. Here’s what this delicious Berry Lemonade flavored drink can do for you:

  1. Supports robust collagen.
  2. Can help support skin firmness.
  3. Can help diminish visible signs of aging.
  4. Can help keep skin clear.
  5. Can help strengthen fragile skin.
  6. Energizes the cells for luminous skin tone.
  7. Acts as an inner eco shield.  (protect skin from elements, wind, sun)

The nutrients in Boon Collagen Reviver are bioavailable, meaning they’re ready for your body to use. These powerful, plant-derived ingredients not only help boost your natural collagen production but also accumulate under the skin, providing long-term benefits and protection.

So in the end, none of the animal sources of collagen are effective and consumers who resist the massive marketing these businesses pour into animal collagen powders the science shows that they don’t work, cause harm to animals and waste your money.

Reference:

  • Shigemura, Y., Kubomura, D., Sato, Y., & Sato, K. (2014). Dose-dependent changes in the levels of free and peptide forms of hydroxyproline in human plasma after collagen hydrolysate ingestion. Food Chemistry, 159, 328-332. Link to study