As of right now, there is no known source of plant-based collagen (read: vegan collagen). Because there's no plant-based collagen, collagen builders are starting to pop up everywhere. But what is a collagen builder and how does it compare to actual collagen?
Collagen Builder vs Collagen
First things first, collagen builders do not contain collagen. These products target vegan individuals who want to experience the benefits of collagen without ingesting collagen.
A refresher: our collagen is sourced from bovine hide and scales from fish. (Again, no plant-based collagen source currently exists).
Collagen is made up of building blocks called amino acids, which are properly structured with the help of vitamin C. When the body makes collagen, it joins amino acids (like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline from our Vital Proteins® Collagen Peptides) with vitamin C, which adds a hydroxyl group (oxygen and hydrogen) to the amino acids, allowing the acids to turn into a well-formed, strong helix shape.
Essentially, vitamin C helps contribute to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
However, as we age, our bodies may no longer absorb nutrients as well or synthesise them as efficiently. To ensure the body has enough of the ingredients required for collagen production, it’s important to supplement with collagen and the necessary amino acids.
Those following a plant-based diet may help support collagen production by consuming collagen-boosting nutrients with a collagen builder that contains the necessary nutrients to support collagen production.
Collagen builders contain nutrients that support collagen production, but don't actually contain collagen. Collagen is special because it contains an abundance of the three amino acids that you won't find in meaningful amounts in many other foods (glycine, proline and hydroxyproline).
Collagen as a protein contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. Collagen has skin beauty properties too and promotes overall glowing appearance.
Why Is Collagen So Important?
While collagen builders help the body to produce the vital protein, collagen is directly absorbed by the body with every scoop, stir, and sip.
When collagen is digested, the peptides are attracted to cells that synthesise collagen in the human body, fibroblasts, and are the most common cells of connective tissues in the skin.
Vital Proteins has an expansive line of products that seeks to fulfil users' functional needs. We recommend using our hydrolysed Collagen Peptides for first-time users as it's easily our most versatile product. It's flavourless, odourless, and dissolves in hot and cold liquids.
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