Vegan’s collagen: Everything about the natural collagen powder

To answer the question asked directly: Strictly speaking, there is no vegan collagen. Collagen is produced by the human body and is found in skin and cartilage. Likewise in the body of animals. So animal sources are needed to get collagen (hydrolysate).

Nutritionist Julia Sausmikt from the NRW consumer center star This explains: “Collagen is a structural protein, i.e. a protein that occurs in different variants in the body, depending on whether it is collagen in the skin, cartilage or in other tissues.” 28 types of collagen are differentiated biochemically. The human skin mainly consists of type I collagen, cartilage of type II contains.

Collagen molecules mainly consist of the amino acids Prolin and Glycin. These are produced by the body itself and actually do not have to be fed. However, due to age, collagen structures are reduced and the layers of the skin can lose stability. Therefore, products such as collagen powder and collagen creams are supposed to compensate for the less and less collagen.

According to the Sausmikt, it is not that simple. Because whether the body produces complex collagens from the additional collagen hydrolysate and places in the right place is not guaranteed. There are an improvement in the depth of wrinkles and skin elasticity by regularly taking collagen (hydrolysate). According to the expert, it is questionable that such changes are really recognizable. Collagen creams also do not penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and can only contribute to improved skin elasticity very limitedly. They mostly contain zinc and vitamin C. the latter plays a role in the stability of collagen molecules.

Since collagen is of human or animal origin, it is obtained from slaughterhouse waste, such as the skin or bones of pigs and cattle. In the so-called hydrolysis, the collagen is then broken down into smaller fragments, the collagen peptides. There are also collagen powder to buy with additives from poultry and fish remains.

“Products called vegan usually contain a mix of amino acids glycine, prolin, hydroxyproline and L-lysine and no collagen,” clarifies the expert. According to manufacturers, this “replica” should have a similar effect and corresponding nutritional supplements should be able to do the skin, hair and nails well.

The following also applies here: Corresponding representative studies that confirm the effectiveness of such means are rare. Ingredients such as vitamin C or zinc can be helpful and have positive effects, but they can also be absorbed through food. If you still want to feed the amino acids and vitamins and believe in the effect, you can use the following vegan collagen powder, for example.

There are some preparations on the market that are advertised as a vegan collagen and have a similar effect as collagen powder and are said to be able to boost collagen production. Three frequently recommended funds are the following.

The According to the manufacturer, has the amino acid profile of animal collagen and also includes nutrients such as plant extracts, vitamin C for the skin and copper for connective tissue. It is also advertised as a high -fiber and low -calorie protein source. It comes from without adding sugar.

The With hyaluronic acid, another herbal alternative to collagen hydrolysate is. It comes with 13 amino acids and vitamin C. It is also tasteless and can be stirred into the morning coffee as well as collagen powder.

Not called a vegan collagen, but called “vegan collagen training support” . For example, it includes Hyaluron, Q10, Biotin and Vitamin C and, as the name suggests, should help the body to produce collagen.

Side effects are not known for most preparations. However, nutritionist Julia Sausmikat says that consumers should be careful with added substances such as Nicotinamid or Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3). If the absorption is too high, intolerance reactions such as facial reductions and hot flashes can be triggered. Products should not have more than four milligrams of nicotinic acid, 160 milligrams of Nicotinamide or 4.4 milligrams inosithexanicotinate (inositolniacinat) per daily dose. In addition, dietary supplements with collagen can sometimes contain recording amplifiers such as Piperin, an extract made of black pepper. No more than two milligrams of this may be absorbed.

Vegans and vegans can also use foods that can be good for body and skin. For example, the following foods are rich in amino acids such as hydroxyproline, antioxidants such as vitamin C, zinc and copper: legumes, nuts, soy products, oatmeal, quinoa, berries, citrus fruits, paprika, broccoli, green leaf vegetables, carrots or tomatoes.

Julia Sausmikat’s conclusion is that dietary supplements with (vegan) collagen powder cannot stop the skin aging. Sun protection, waiver of nicotine and healthy lifestyle are the best way to keep skin and body healthy and vital.