Vital Proteins Collagen Overview

There has been so much buzz about collagen! It improves hair, skin, and nails. It's great for your joints. It can improve organ health. And the list goes on!

​There are so many different collagen options, it's hard to know where to begin. In this blog we will explore Vital Protein's collagen options to help you make an informed choice. Hint: you're not going to choose a wrong Vital Proteins collagen.

Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids that is the foundation for our hair, skin, nails, ligaments, organs, bones, connective tissues, and tendons. Collagen is the reason we can use our joints to move and stretch. It's also the reason for strong hair, skin, and nails that don't break and peel. Unfortunately, the older we get the less we make. In fact, after age 25 we can start to see a decrease in collagen production. When we start to develop sagging skin, fine lines, weak nails, and thinning hair it is often because we are losing collagen.  There are also conditions that affect collagen production. Supplementing with it can be helpful for everyone, however, because it's a critical building block for our bodies!

There are different types of collagen, and they each come with their own benefits. Let's explore:

Type I: This is in the blue canister, Collagen Peptides and in the light blue Marine Collagen canister. This is the most prevalent type in our bodies, and the most benificial for hair, skin, and nails. It is found in skin, tendons, capillaries, veins, bones, and organs. In a supplement it comes from the skin of an animal, in this case from cows. Click on the chart below to view a larger version. Vital Proteins explains how they make it. ​

Type II: This is cartilage tissue, with a different structure than the other types. It's essential for your joints. If you have weak or painful joints, are very active, or simply just rely on your joints this could be very helpful! This type is sold as capsules, and is not paired with the other types. Choose this type if your joints are your primary concern. 

Type III: This type is often paired with type I because they're found together in the body. It comes from rectangular fibers, such as in bone marrow. It makes up muscles, organs, arteries, and some connective tissues. It is found in both their Collagen Peptides as well as their Marine Collagen.

Marine Collagen: This also contains types I and III, and the main difference is that it is made from fish scales. This is suitable for a pescatarian diet. It is also more water soluble, meaning it mixes in your drink a little better!

​Gelatin vs Collagen Peptides? Both are great for hair, skin, nails, and joints! Both are great sources of collagen, but their structure is different and are used differently.  Collagen Peptides dissolves in either hot or cold liquids, making it really easy to work with. It is faster digesting. It cannot become sticky like gelatin, and is best stirred into your drink. Gelatin is sticky and has the ability to turn into a solid jiggly substance (like Jell-O) that you can eat instead of just drink. Gelatin is slower digesting and coats the small intestine, which is beneficial for people with sensitive guts. 

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To sum it up...
You're not going to go wrong with whichever type you choose. 

While the different types do have different benefits, your body will break the different types of collagen down into the amino acids needed to be the building blocks for your body.

Your choice should be based on your lifestyle. 

Collagen Peptides and Marine Collagen are the best sellers, and are best for busy people who want to consume the collagen easily. 

Beef Gelatin is better for those with gut complaints, or want to eat their collagen. Have you tried making homemade gelatin desert? 

Cartilage Collagen is best for those who need joint support. 

And then there are those who might prefer one of Vital Proteins' mixes! We have their Get Up and Glow blend, which contains collagen, caffeine, probiotics, and vitamin C for a beautiful skin-healthy start to your day. We also offer their Collagen Creamer to stir into your coffee or tea, which includes silica for more hair, skin, and nail support!

Author: Sarah Langer