Collagen - the buzzword in health and beauty- is often touted as a miracle ingredient for our skin, joints, and overall well-being. But have you ever wondered where this essential protein comes from and how it's made? 

In this blog post, we'll dive into the various sources of collagen - from animal-based options to plant-based alternatives - and unravel the fascinating process behind its creation.

Key Takeaways

• Collagen is primarily derived from animal-based sources such as marine, bovine, porcine, and poultry.
• Plant-based collagen alternatives do not currently exist; however, consuming specific amino acids found in plant-based foods can promote the natural production of collagen.
• Collagen supplements are made by extracting collagen proteins from animal tissues through an enzyme solution that breaks down the collagen into smaller peptides, known as hydrolysis.

Where Does Collagen Come From?

Collagen mostly comes from animal-based sources like marine, bovine, porcine, and poultry.

Sources of collagen

The primary source of collagen is derived from animal connective tissues such as meat and fish. Bovine (cow) hide produces some of the highest quality collagen, while marine (fish) scales are widely used for their rich content.

Other forms include porcine (pig) and chicken-derived collagen from various parts like bones, cartilage, blood vessels, or intestinal linings.

Animal-Based sources of collagen

Understanding the diverse animal-based sources of collagen is essential for health-conscious consumers. Here are the most common sources of collagen in supplements:

• Marine Collagen: Derived from fish, mainly freshwater fish such as Pangasius and Tilapia, marine collagen is popular due to its bioavailability and absorption effectiveness, which results in overall improved health benefits. (1)
• Bovine Collagen: Extracted from cows, bovine collagen boasts health benefits such as alleviating arthritis and promoting bone health. This collagen type often comes from cowhide, tendons, bones, and skin. (2)
• Porcine Collagen: Acquired from pigs, porcine collagen shares similar advantages with bovine collagen as it also supports joint comfort and collagen health. It's derived from pig skin, bone material, and connective tissues.
• Poultry Collagen: Sourced from chickens or other poultry animals, this form of collagen uses skin, bones, joint material, and specific organs to provide cellular energy to the body.

Informed customers should consider these animal-based sources when choosing a suitable supplement that matches their dietary preferences and ethical values. Always opt for high-quality and ethically sourced products when selecting your next collagen supplement.

Plant-Based collagen alternatives

Diving into the world of plant-based collagen alternatives, it's essential to understand that these options do not contain actual collagen. Instead, they comprise various plant-based proteins and nutrients to boost your body's natural collagen production.

Some popular sources of plant-based proteins include soy, hemp, grains, and legumes – which are known for promoting healthy skin, nails, hair, and joints.

Additionally, researchers have developed innovative methods to produce genetically modified yeast and bacteria-based collagen without relying on animal-derived substances.

Consuming nutrient-rich foods like nuts (think almonds), seeds (chia or flax), soya products (like tofu or tempeh), and beans can also play a significant role in stimulating your body's collagen powerhouse.

How Is Collagen Made?

Collagen is made through a complex process that involves collagen synthesis, extraction, and hydrolysis.

Collagen synthesis

Collagen synthesis is the process by which the body produces new collagen. It begins with transcription from DNA to messenger RNA within the fibroblast nucleus.

Then, two peptide chains are formed on ribosomes along the rough endoplasmic reticulum during collagen translation.

While our bodies naturally produce collagen, this process can slow down as we age, leading to signs of aging like wrinkles and joint pain. 

That's where dietary supplements come in - replenishing your body's supply of collagen peptides can help support healthy skin, bones, and joints. (3)

Extraction process of collagen

Collagen supplements are made by extracting collagen proteins from animal tissues. Here's how it works:

1. Animal skins, bones, tendons, and other connective tissues are collected and cleaned thoroughly.
2. The cleaned tissues are soaked in an enzyme solution that breaks the collagen into smaller peptides. This process is known as hydrolysis.
3. The resulting liquid is then filtered to remove any impurities or solid materials.
4. The liquid collagen is then dehydrated to create a powder for supplements and other products.

It's important to note that the quality of the collagen depends on the sourcing standards and processing methods used by the manufacturer. Look for brands that prioritize transparency about their ingredients and sourcing practices.

Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis is a process that breaks down collagen into smaller, more absorbable pieces called hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides.

This process involves breaking the bonds between amino acids using heat and enzymes, resulting in a powder form of collagen that can easily dissolve in liquids like water or juice. (4)

Hydrolyzed collagen benefits your skin health, joint comfort, and cellular energy.

What are the different processing methods

Collagen supplements go through different processing methods that affect their quality and bioavailability. Here are some of the most common processing methods:

• Enzymatic hydrolysis: This method uses enzymes to break down collagen molecules into smaller peptides that are easier to absorb by the body.
• Acid hydrolysis: In this method, acid breaks down collagen molecules, similar to enzymatic hydrolysis.
• Mechanical fragmentation: This method involves grinding or pressing collagen sources to extract small peptides.
• Freeze-drying: Collagen extracts can also be freeze-dried, which removes moisture while preserving their nutritional value.

Choosing a high-quality and effectively processed collagen supplement is crucial for optimal results. Look for products that use sustainable sourcing practices, clear labeling, and third-party certifications.

Avoid supplements with added sugars, fillers, or additives that may affect bioavailability and overall quality.

Factors Affecting Collagen Quality

The quality of collagen supplements can be affected by various factors, including sourcing standards, processing methods, and environmental and animal welfare impact.

Sourcing standards

It's essential to pay attention to where your collagen comes from. Look for products that use bovine hides or fish scales as their source of collagen.

Additionally, look for companies prioritizing ethical sourcing standards, such as transparency about their supply chains and commitment to environmental sustainability.

This will give you peace of mind knowing that the product you're consuming is good for your health and aligns with your values.

Processing methods

Processing methods are crucial in determining the quality of collagen supplements. Here are some of the standard processing methods used to create collagen supplements:

1. Extraction Process - Collagen from animal-based sources is typically extracted from bones, tendons, skin, or hides. Plant-based collagens can be extracted from algae or yeast.
2. Hydrolysis - The process of hydrolysis is used to break down larger collagen molecules into smaller pieces called peptides. This increases their bioavailability and makes them easier to absorb.
3. High-Pressure Processing (HPP) - HPP is a non-thermal processing method that uses high pressure to preserve the nutrients and flavor of the collagen while killing harmful bacteria.
4. Enzymatic Hydrolysis - Enzymatic hydrolysis uses specific enzymes to target certain bonds in the collagen molecule, breaking it down into smaller peptides.
5. Acid Extraction - Acid extraction uses acid solutions to break down the collagen protein into smaller peptides for supplement use.
6. Thermal Processing Methods - Thermal processing involves heating and drying materials to extract collagen protein from animal sources.

Environmental And Animal Welfare Impact

The sourcing and processing of collagen can significantly impact the environment and animal welfare. One of the primary concerns with animal-based collagen is unsustainable farming practices, inhumane slaughter, and overall animal welfare.

Many companies are now focusing on sustainable sourcing standards for their products to address these issues. 

This includes using hides or bones from animals raised humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics.

Remember to be mindful of the ethical implications of purchasing collagen supplements and choose products from companies prioritize transparency and sustainability in their production methods.

Conclusion: 

Now you know where collagen comes from and how it is made. The sources of collagen include animal-based products like marine, bovine, porcine, and poultry, as well as plant-based alternatives.

When choosing a collagen product: consider sourcing standards, processing methods, environmental impact, and animal welfare for quality assurance.

The bottom line? 

Choosing an ethically sourced collagen supplement produced with transparency in mind pays off.

Rejuvenate your skin, hair, and nails with our Wild Collagen Peptides Powder! Give it a try for a natural beauty boost!

FAQ

What is collagen, and where does it come from?

Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in the structure of our skin, bones, tendons, and other connective tissues. It is derived from various animal sources such as cows, pigs, chickens, and fish, specifically their skin, bones, and cartilage.

How is collagen made?

Collagen is naturally produced within the body through a process known as biosynthesis, with different cells producing different types of collagen based on their functional requirements. For the production of supplements like pills or powders, collagen is typically extracted from animal hides, bones, or tendons using enzymes. These enzymes break down the tissue into amino acid chains, which are then purified before being sold.

Is all collagen created equal?

No, there are many different types and species-specific forms of collagen, each with unique physical properties suited to particular applications. The quality of collagen can be influenced by several factors, including the source material used for extraction, the processing methods utilized during production, and whether natural or artificial additives are incorporated post-extraction.

What are some benefits of consuming Collagen Supplements?

Collagen supplements have been shown to improve overall skin health and have positive effects on hair, nails, and joints while reducing inflammation and pain levels throughout the body. However, further research is required regarding any long-term consequences or concerns associated with dosing, especially at higher levels beyond what might be considered standard recommended doses.

Can collagen be vegan?

While collagen is typically derived from animal sources, there are vegan alternatives available. These products use a combination of plant-based ingredients to stimulate the body's natural collagen production.

What are the best sources of collagen?

The best sources of collagen are typically animal products rich in connective tissue, such as bone broth and certain cuts of meat. However, collagen can also be obtained through supplementation.

Related Studies

1. Marine Collagen: Derived from fish, mainly freshwater fish such as Pangasius and Tilapia, marine collagen is popular due to its bioavailability and absorption effectiveness, which results in overall improved health benefits.
2. Bovine Collagen: Extracted from cows, bovine collagen boasts health benefits such as alleviating arthritis and promoting bone health.
3. While our bodies naturally produce collagen, this process can slow down as we age, leading to signs of aging like wrinkles and joint pain. That's where dietary supplements come in - replenishing your body's supply of collagen peptides can help support healthy skin, bones, and joints.
4. Hydrolysis is a process that breaks down collagen into smaller, more absorbable pieces called hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides. This process involves breaking the bonds between amino acids using heat and enzymes, resulting in a powder form of collagen that can easily dissolve in liquids like water or juice.