What Amino Acids Are in Vital Protein Collagen?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, constituting roughly 30% of its total protein content. Vital Protein Collagen provides a specific profile of amino acids essential for promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails, unlike a complete protein source.

Quick Summary

Vital Protein Collagen is rich in the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are crucial for the body's connective tissues. It is considered an incomplete protein, as it naturally lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan.

Key Points

Specific Amino Acid Profile: Vital Proteins Collagen is exceptionally rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are the primary building blocks of the body's natural collagen.
Incomplete Protein: Unlike whey, Vital Proteins Collagen is an incomplete protein because it naturally lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan.
Hydrolyzed for Absorption: The collagen peptides in Vital Proteins are hydrolyzed, a process that breaks down the protein into smaller, more bioavailable peptides for better digestion and absorption.
Supports Connective Tissue: The unique blend of amino acids, particularly the high levels of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, supports the health of skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.
Provides Non-Essential Aminos: The supplement provides many non-essential amino acids that are crucial for bodily functions, even though the body can produce them on its own.
Complements a Balanced Diet: Because it is not a complete protein, Vital Proteins Collagen is best used to supplement and enhance a balanced diet, rather than acting as the sole protein source.

Understanding the Amino Acid Profile of Vital Proteins Collagen

Vital Proteins Collagen, a popular supplement, provides a specific and beneficial amino acid profile that supports the body's connective tissues. While often compared to other protein supplements like whey, its amino acid composition is uniquely suited to its purpose. The supplement is primarily made of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, which are broken down for easier absorption. A typical serving includes a high concentration of non-essential and conditionally essential amino acids, with a distinct emphasis on glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

The Key Amino Acids: Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline

Glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline form the core of collagen's triple helix structure. This unique molecular arrangement is what gives collagen its incredible strength and elasticity. Glycine is the most abundant amino acid in collagen, occupying nearly every third position in the protein's polypeptide chains and allowing for the tight coiling of the triple helix. Proline, and its modified derivative hydroxyproline, play a crucial role in stabilizing this structure. Without these specific amino acids, the formation of stable collagen fibers would be impossible, highlighting their importance in connective tissue health.

The Role of Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids are broadly categorized into essential and non-essential types. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet, whereas non-essential ones can be synthesized internally. Vital Proteins Collagen is technically an 'incomplete' protein because it lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan. However, it contains significant amounts of eight other essential amino acids, along with all eleven non-essential ones. This combination provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce its own collagen, support protein synthesis, and maintain good health.

Essential Amino Acids Present: Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, and Valine.
Non-Essential Amino Acids Present: Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Proline, Serine, Tyrosine, Hydroxylysine, and Hydroxyproline.

Comparing Vital Proteins Collagen with Other Protein Sources

Collagen's amino acid profile differs significantly from other popular protein sources. For instance, whey protein is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids and a higher concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) important for muscle building. Collagen, by contrast, is not primarily for muscle synthesis but rather for structural support. This difference explains why a supplement like Vital Proteins Collagen is best used to complement a balanced diet, not to replace other protein sources entirely.

The Benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides

Vital Proteins uses hydrolyzed collagen, meaning the protein has been broken down into smaller peptides. This process, known as hydrolysis, makes the protein more bioavailable, allowing the body to digest and absorb the amino acids more easily. This rapid absorption is key to providing the body with the necessary building blocks for collagen production efficiently.

Table: Amino Acid Composition Comparison (Typical Values)


Amino Acid	Vital Proteins Collagen (mg per serving)	Whey Protein (Comparative)	Primary Function in Collagen Synthesis
Glycine	~3,719	~22.2 g per 100 g protein	Crucial for forming the tight triple helix structure.
Proline	~2,076	Low	Stabilizes the triple helix structure.
Hydroxyproline	~2,058	Not present	Unique to collagen, stabilizes the structure.
Alanine	~1,462	Moderate	Supports connective tissue formation.
Arginine	~1,517	Moderate	Precursor for nitric oxide, aids wound healing.
Tryptophan	0	Present	Required for complete protein status.

How to Incorporate Vital Proteins Collagen into Your Routine

Incorporating Vital Proteins Collagen is straightforward due to its hydrolyzed form. It can be easily dissolved in both hot and cold liquids without altering the flavor significantly. Common applications include mixing it into coffee, smoothies, or water. For optimal absorption and to support natural collagen production, some experts suggest taking it with a source of vitamin C.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vital Proteins Collagen contains a rich profile of amino acids, especially glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are foundational for the body's connective tissues. While it's an incomplete protein, lacking tryptophan, its unique composition makes it a powerful supplement for supporting joint health, skin elasticity, and the strength of hair and nails. As we age, supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen provides the necessary building blocks to combat the natural decline in our body's collagen production, making it a valuable addition to a wellness routine. For more information, you can visit the Vital Proteins website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Vital Proteins Collagen is an incomplete protein because it is missing the essential amino acid tryptophan. It contains the other eight essential amino acids.

The most abundant amino acid in collagen is glycine. Its small size allows it to fit into the tight structure of the collagen triple helix, which is essential for its stability.

Hydroxyproline is a derivative amino acid almost exclusively found in collagen. It helps stabilize the triple-helix structure, giving collagen its strength.

Yes, Vital Proteins uses hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides. This means the protein is broken down into smaller, more easily digestible peptides, increasing its bioavailability.

Collagen is an incomplete protein focused on structural support, rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Whey is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids and higher levels of BCAAs for muscle growth.

Vitamin C is a cofactor for collagen synthesis, so taking it with collagen can help maximize the body's ability to produce its own collagen. Many Vital Proteins products already contain added vitamin C.

The collagen in many of Vital Proteins' products is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine hide, while their marine collagen is sourced from fish.