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Collagen is a structural protein that makes up about 30% of all proteins in the human body. It acts as the “scaffold” that supports the skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. Over time — and due to factors such as stress, sun exposure, or diet — the body’s natural collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, joint stiffness, and loss of skin elasticity.
Many people are now taking care of themselves by adding foods or supplements rich in collagen to their daily routine. A higher intake of collagen is often associated with benefits such as firmer skin, flexible joints, and shinier hair. In addition to the many available formats of traditional collagen, we also want to talk about vegan collagen and its unique features — so you can decide which option best suits your needs.
Traditional Collagen
Traditional collagen is derived from animal tissues (mainly from the skin, bones, or cartilage of cows, pigs, or fish). There are several types of collagen, with the most common being:
- Type I: found in skin, tendons, and bones. It’s the most common type used to improve skin firmness.
- Type II: found in cartilage and supports joint health.
- Type III: complements Type I and contributes to tissue elasticity.
The benefits of these collagens can vary depending on their source and extraction quality, so it’s important to look for hydrolyzed collagen from sustainable sources. When consumed directly, collagen can be absorbed more efficiently by the body, though it should always be combined with a balanced diet.
Vegan “Collagen”
The name can be a bit misleading, as collagen itself only comes from animal sources. In reality, vegan collagen does not contain collagen per se — instead, it’s made up of a combination of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that help your body naturally produce its own collagen.
Its effectiveness develops more gradually, meaning its benefits are seen over the long term as your body generates collagen naturally. Some of its main advantages include a higher intake of antioxidants that combat cellular aging, better digestive tolerance, and a 100% plant-based and sustainable origin.
Time to Make a Choice
Traditional collagen is more efficient in supplying collagen directly to the body, offering faster visible results. However, its absorption should be supported by a diet rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and amino acids. Vegan collagen, on the other hand, provides these essential nutrients to help your body produce collagen on its own — promoting a more natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach.
The differences between both types are not as significant as they may seem. Both traditional and vegan collagen aim to boost your body’s collagen levels and can do so effectively. While traditional collagen may provide quicker results, this largely depends on your diet and individual absorption capacity. Therefore, both options offer similar benefits.
Ultimately, both choices are completely valid and effective. The right one for you will depend on your values, your body, and your lifestyle. Whether you choose traditional or vegan collagen, consistency is the real key to experiencing long-term benefits in your body.
