Though it might sound like a contradiction, vegan collagen is actually possible. It’s just a little complicated. Before we dive into that, though, let’s look at what collagen is.
Collagen peptides are a protein found in hair, skin, nails, bones, and ligaments. Collagen has some essential functions, including providing structure for your skin, strengthening your bones, and padding your joints.
Your body naturally produces collagen, but that production slows with age. To combat that, you can ingest collagen and make up for that slowed production. Ingesting collagen has been shown to improve skin elasticity, tone, and texture, hair strength, and joint health.
Traditional collagen supplements are sourced from fish and cattle. You can also find collagen in the food that you eat, but it is more bioavailable (meaning that the body easily absorbs it) in collagen supplements.
Real vegan collagen doesn’t exist in the mainstream beauty supplement industry yet, but it is possible! Scientists have discovered that collagen can be created in a lab using genetically modified yeast and bacteria. The bacteria P. pastoris is the most commonly used to create high-quality collagen.
Healthline explains it like this: “To produce collagen, four human genes that code for collagen are added to the genetic structure of the microbes. Once the genes are in place, the yeast or bacteria then start to produce building blocks of human collagen.”
Benefits of Vegan Collagen
1. It’s Vegan-Friendly
Vegans haven’t been able to enjoy all the benefits of collagen supplements, as they are derived from animals. Vegans shouldn’t be excluded from all of the incredible benefits.
2. Lower Risk of Allergies
There is some concern that diseases can be transmitted through animal-sourced collagen. With lab-created collagen, you don’t need to worry about that. It is lab-created and controlled, so there is a lower chance of disease transmission.
3. Animals Aren’t Harmed
The very best benefit is that no animals are harmed! This type of collagen is derived from genetically modified yeast and bacteria, so no animals are harmed or even needed in its production.
Is Vegan Collagen Available Yet?
Vegan collagen is not sold in stores and is not available for purchase as a ready-to-eat supplement. If you search for it online, you’ll find a lot of plant-based supplements that claim to boost your body’s natural collagen production. Those aren’t the same as real lab-created bacteria-based collagen.
Keep your eye out to see if a true vegan supplement comes out! In the meantime, you can fill all of your collagen needs with traditional collagen supplements. Ideal Collagen is a high-quality collagen supplement that contains 10g of hydrolyzed collagen. It’s not a vegan supplement, but it will help you with your hair, skin, and nails.