Understanding Halal Dietary Laws
In Islam, 'halal' refers to what is permissible, while 'haram' signifies what is forbidden. These principles extend to food and drink, with meat being particularly regulated based on the method of slaughter. Pork is always considered haram. For collagen supplements, the halal status is determined by the source animal and the processing methods.
Absolute Collagen and its Source
Absolute Collagen uses marine collagen derived from fish. Fish are generally considered halal in Islamic dietary laws, making marine collagen a common choice for those seeking halal supplements. Specifically, Absolute Collagen's marine collagen comes from tilapia and pangasius fish. The company states that the fish used are farmed for human consumption, and the collagen is a byproduct, aiming to reduce waste.
Is Absolute Collagen Certified Halal?
Several sources indicate that Absolute Collagen's marine collagen supplement is halal certified. The company's ingredient lists for their mango and mandarin, and raspberry flavored liquid collagen products mention hydrolyzed fish collagen and list them as halal certified.
Ingredients and Potential Concerns
While the marine collagen source is generally permissible, it's important to consider other ingredients. Absolute Collagen products contain natural flavorings. Some Absolute Collagen flavorings contain a minute amount of alcohol, which may make them unsuitable for those following a strict halal diet. However, other flavor options or unflavored versions may be available. It is always recommended to check the specific product label and the manufacturer's website for detailed ingredient information and halal certification.
Types of Collagen and Halal Considerations
Not all collagen types are universally halal. The source is the primary factor.
| Collagen Type | Source | Halal Status Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Collagen | Fish | Generally halal, check for haram additives and processing. |
| Bovine Collagen | Cow hide, bones | Halal only if from halal-slaughtered cattle and processed according to Islamic guidelines. |
| Porcine Collagen | Pig skin, bones | Always haram. |
| Chicken Collagen | Chicken bones | Halal only if from halal-slaughtered chicken. |
| Plant-Based Collagen | Yeast, algae, plants | Generally considered halal as they are not animal-derived. |
To ensure a collagen supplement is halal, look for clear halal certification logos from recognized bodies. Transparency in sourcing and manufacturing is also a good indicator. Avoid products with unclear sources, unspecified hydrolyzed collagen, or those containing gelatin which is often pork-derived.
Conclusion
Absolute Collagen's marine collagen supplement is presented as halal certified. Its sourcing from fish aligns with general Islamic dietary guidelines regarding seafood. However, the presence of even minute amounts of alcohol in certain flavorings means that consumers following a strict halal diet should carefully check the ingredients of the specific Absolute Collagen product they choose or opt for unflavored versions if available. For any doubts, consulting with an Islamic scholar or a halal certification authority is recommended.
