The rising popularity of plant-based lifestyles has influenced various industries, including dietary supplements. This shift has prompted plant-based competitors to traditional collagen supplements, which are derived from animal sources like cow, pigs, chickens and fish.
In response, a new category has emerged on the market: Vegan collagen. But what exactly is vegan collagen, how is it made, and how effective is it in comparison to its animal-derived counterpart?
Understanding Vegan Collagen. It’s Just An Expensive Protein That You Already Get From Your Diet
Plants do not contain collagen, so there is no such thing as vegan collagen! It is a made-up marketing concept.
Vegan collagen is marketed as a plant-based alternative to traditional collagen supplements which does save animal lives. However, it’s crucial to note that most vegan collagen products do not contain collagen, which is a protein inherently derived from animal skin and bones. Instead, these products are formulated from blends of various plant-derived ingredients, often amino acids, that are intended to support the body’s natural collagen production. Vegan collagen supplements are essentially just expensive amino acids.
The core components of these supplements are amino acids such as proline, glycine, lysine, and hydroxyproline, which are the building blocks of collagen in the human body. While amino acids are essential for many bodily functions, including the synthesis of proteins like collagen, they are readily available from a variety of plant-based foods such as:
- Quinoa: A complete protein source that contains all nine essential amino acids.
- Legumes: Include beans, lentils, and chickpeas, which are excellent sources of lysine and other amino acids.
- Vegetables: Certain veggies, especially those rich in Vitamin C like bell peppers and leafy greens, can boost collagen production by supporting the linking of amino acids to form collagen.
- Tofu and Soy Products: High in lysine and a good source of protein.
- Nuts and Seeds: Particularly rich in proline.
While vegan collagen supplements do provide amino acids, they essentially offer the same benefits that a well-balanced, plant-based diet would. This means that for those already consuming a diverse range of plant proteins, additional supplementation is not necessary.
Are Vegan Collagen Supplements Effective?
The effectiveness of vegan collagen supplements depends largely on the additional nutrients they provide that directly contribute to collagen synthesis. Amino acids alone from these supplements might not be more beneficial than those from a regular diet, but when combined with other supportive nutrients, they can help maintain the body’s collagen at healthy levels. Thus, the key to effectiveness lies in the formulation and how these ingredients support overall collagen production. If the vegan collagen supplement is mainly made of amino acids, you’re basically paying for an expensive protein powder.
There are some products marketed as vegan collagen which are lab made to be identical to our own human collagen. But does this makes sense to eat? Why would we want to ingest human-identical proteins?
What’s a Vegan Collagen Supplement That Can Work?
If you’re looking for a vegan option that truly works to enhance your body’s collagen production, Boon Collagen Reviver is the answer. Unlike typical vegan collagen supplements, Boon Collagen Reviver does not attempt to supply the building blocks of collagen which you already get in abundance in your diet. It’s formulated with specific nutrients known to directly influence collagen synthesis with a double benefit to support overall skin, bone, and joint health.
- Targeted Nutrient Blend: It contains D-ribose, L-carnitine, and CoQ10, which are critical for energy production and cellular health, facilitating the conditions necessary for effective collagen production.
- Astaxanthin: This bright red carotenoid is known for its extremely potent antioxidant properties, being 6000 times stronger than Vitamin C. Astaxanthin helps protect skin against oxidative stress, which can damage collagen and lead to premature aging. Astaxanthin helps to maintain the structural integrity of collagen, supporting the skin’s ability to remain firm and youthful.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is crucial in the synthesis of collagen. Its antioxidant properties also help protect skin cells from oxidative stress, thereby reducing the degradation of existing collagen. Vitamin C ensures that the skin remains firm, healthy, and resilient against aging.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This naturally occurring molecule is found in the body’s connective tissues, primarily the skin. It is renowned for its ability to retain moisture—up to 1,000 times its weight in water—making it a vital ingredient for maintaining skin hydration and volume. By promoting a well-hydrated environment, it helps ensure that the collagen fibers are properly supported and can retain their flexibility and strength.
Adding Boon Collagen Reviver to your daily regimen is simple. This delicious berry lemonade powder not only tastes great but also mixes easily with water or your favorite smoothie, making it a convenient addition to your daily routine. Just one serving a day can help protect your body’s own robust collagen production, leading to visible benefits such as smoother skin, less fine lines and wrinkles and an inner glow. It’s also a good idea to avoid meat, fish, cheese and milk products which are highly acidic and inflammatory and thus collagen degraders.
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