Our bodies work to naturally produce collagen by combining amino acids from protein-rich foods and essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, Copper and Zinc. However, our body’s collagen production and structural integrity naturally declines as we age, so incorporating more collagen into our diets to maintain strong bones, joints and radiant skin really is a no-brainer.
Within this blog post, we take a deep-dive into all-things collagen, including comparing different types of collagen and exploring how best to incorporate more of this powerful protein into your daily routine.
What is collagen?
Collagen is one of the most prominent proteins in the body and works to form a scaffold-like structure, designed to support the body and provide both strength and elasticity to your skin. There are around 16 different variations of collagen found in the body, but the four main types are as follows:
- Type I: This type of collagen accounts for around 90% of your body’s naturally-occurring collagen. Type I works to provide structure to skin, bones, connective tissues and teeth.
- Type II: Type II is made up of more loosely packed fibres, which is why this type of collagen is found in elastic cartilage and works to cushion joints and provide skin elasticity.
- Type III: This type of collagen helps to support the structure and function of both muscles, organs and arteries.
- Type IV: Type IV helps with filtration and is commonly found within layers of skin, as it helps to draw out impurities.
Making up a third of all protein in the body, this collection of naturally-occurring collagens are commonly known as ‘endogenous collagen’. Endogenous collagen protein is synthesized by the body naturally - whereas ‘exogenous’ collagen, is the synthetic collagen which comes from an external source, which is more than likely in the form of collagen powders, supplements or collagen-infused skincare.
Endogenous collagen is responsible for a number of important functions in the body, but our levels naturally start to breakdown and deplete as we age, which is why many of us look to replace these levels of collagen with synthetic ‘exogenous’ collagen. Incorporating collagen supplements into your regular daily routine works to support declining collagen areas, guide tissue regeneration, revive dry, ageing skin and many other diverse functions.
What are the different types of collagen supplements made of?
Synthetic collagen comes from several different animal sources, either through purified collagen supplements or by consuming collagen-containing foods, such as bone broth or fish skin. This is mainly because plants are incapable of producing collagen. There are, however, a number of good-quality plant-based collagen supplements and powders that are uniquely formulated for those following a vegan diet.
Let’s take a closer look at the three main types of collagen supplements, including vegan-friendly alternatives:
Marine collagen:
Marine collagen is a type I collagen - which is made up of collagen peptides that are derived from fish and marine life. This type of collagen has a long list of benefits and is namely the most environmentally-conscious, sustainable collagen supplement as it is typically made using parts of the fish that are thrown away. Marine collagen also has the most efficient level of absorption, so if you’re looking for an effective collagen supplement with effective results, this may be the right collagen for you.
One of our favourite marine collagens is Vital Proteins Marine Collagen. Made using the scales of fresh, non-GMO, wild-caught fish, this bioavailable collagen supplement helps to promote youthful skin, healthier hair and joint and bone health. Soluble in both hot or cold liquids, Vital Proteins Marine Collagen is virtually tasteless, meaning you’re able to add it to your morning coffee, smoothie, or even lunchtime stews and soups without altering the taste. As this supplement is highly bioavailable, it’s also quickly digested and absorbed by the body, meaning you won’t have to wait long before you can start to reap the benefits.
Bovine collagen:
Bovine collagen is a blend of both type I and type II collagen and is a naturally-occurring protein that is found in the tissue, bones, cartilage and hides of cows. The collagen derived from cows and animal proteins is most similar to the collagen we have in our own bodies, which makes it favourable amongst those looking for supplements.
Good quality collagen supplements should be transparent about the sources from which the main ingredients are derived and this is something you should look out for when purchasing animal-derived collagen, as many collagens you see in stores are made from cowhides.
Planet Organic’s Organic Bone Broth is crafted from the highest quality organic, grass-fed cattle in Scandinavia. Each slowly simmered to release all the powerful primal nutrients and dehydrated in its purest form to create a nutrient-rich broth, this collagen broth provides a unique nutritional profile to support overall body health. Containing collagen protein, glucosamine, hyaluronic and an abundance of minerals - this easy to ingest bone broth can be used as a nutritious base for your favourite recipes.
Vegan collagen:
Collagen has no vegan or vegetarian alternative, as plants lack the ability to produce their own collagen. However, there are a number of plant-based, vegan-friendly alternatives that are designed to aid the body’s natural production of collagen, rather than ingesting collagen through animal proteins.
Ancient + Brave’s Naked Collagyn, is a blend of collagen-specific amino acids (the acids that help your body create collagen), skin supportive nutrients and plant proteins. It’s cleverly formulated to match the amino acid profiles of bovine collagen, to offer the same amount of benefits, without the need for any animal byproducts.
This innovative vegan-friendly collagyn blend is the very first in the UK to provide five collagen specific amino acids for those following a plant-based diet, as well as including a number of fermented ingredients and essential vitamins and minerals that are often lacking in a plant-based diet. The Naked Collagyn blend in particular, helps support collagen formation, boost metabolism and supports the immune system with the addition of glucosamine sulphate, which is particularly useful to implement into a busy, active lifestyle. Simply mix 10g of the Ancient + Brave formula and create a paste, to then top up with hot water, or plant-based milk of your choice.
Discover our full range of Collagen Supplements and Powders at Planet Organic
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