Vital Proteins' Primary Collagen Sources
Vital Proteins sources its collagen from multiple animal sources to provide different types of collagen for various health benefits. The two main sources are bovine and marine, each with specific attributes and sourcing standards.
Bovine Collagen
The bovine collagen used in many of Vital Proteins' core products, such as their popular Collagen Peptides, comes from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. This sourcing method is part of the company's commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable products. The use of cattle hides is a form of upcycling, transforming a byproduct of the meat and leather industries into a valuable nutritional supplement. Vital Proteins notes that while their cattle are predominantly raised on outdoor pastures, they cannot guarantee a 100% grass-fed diet due to potential indoor feeding during severe weather or other welfare concerns. Bovine collagen is rich in types I and III collagen, which are essential for the health of hair, skin, nails, and bones.
Marine Collagen
For those who prefer a fish-based option, Vital Proteins offers a Marine Collagen product. This is sourced from the scales of fresh, non-GMO, wild-caught white fish, typically from Alaska. This provides a pescatarian-friendly alternative that is also highly bioavailable and easily digestible. Similar to the bovine source, marine collagen supplies Types I and III collagen peptides. The use of fish scales is another example of Vital Proteins' focus on upcycling byproducts that might otherwise be discarded by the seafood industry.
Other Collagen Sources
In addition to bovine and marine, Vital Proteins offers products with other collagen sources tailored for specific needs. Their Cartilage Collagen product, for example, is composed of Type II collagen, which is the main component of cartilage and is beneficial for skeletal and joint health, particularly for active individuals. This product is often derived from poultry sources, though Vital Proteins also includes it in its offerings.
The Role of Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides
A key aspect of the collagen used by Vital Proteins is that it is hydrolyzed. This process breaks down the large protein molecules into smaller units called peptides, making them easier for the body to digest and absorb.
- The hydrolysis process begins by cleaning and soaking the animal hides in hot water.
- It proceeds with an alkaline or acid solution to extract the collagen.
- An enzymatic treatment is then applied to further break down the collagen into smaller peptides, which increases its bioavailability.
- This results in a powder that is soluble in both hot and cold liquids, making it versatile for mixing into coffee, smoothies, or other beverages.
Comparison of Vital Proteins' Collagen Sources
| Feature | Bovine Collagen | Marine Collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle | Scales of wild-caught white fish |
| Collagen Types | Primarily Type I and Type III | Primarily Type I and Type III |
| Targeted Benefits | Healthy hair, skin, nails, and bones | Healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints |
| Dietary Suitability | Paleo and Whole30 friendly | Pescatarian friendly |
| Sourcing Practice | Upcycled byproduct, from predominately pasture-raised cows | Upcycled byproduct, from wild-caught, non-GMO fish |
Choosing the Right Vital Proteins Collagen
Choosing between bovine and marine collagen depends largely on personal dietary preferences and health goals. Both types provide key amino acids that support the body's natural collagen production. The bovine source is a reliable option for broad wellness benefits, while the marine option offers a fish-based alternative with similar advantages. For targeted joint and cartilage support, the Type II collagen product is the most appropriate choice. Consumers can find detailed information on the specific collagen types and sources on Vital Proteins' product labels and website.
For a deeper dive into the science behind their products, an authoritative source is the company's official blog vitalproteins.com blog on collagen types.
Conclusion
In summary, Vital Proteins utilizes high-quality, responsibly sourced collagen from both bovine and marine sources. The bovine collagen is derived from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, and the marine collagen from the scales of wild-caught white fish. Both are hydrolyzed to create bioavailable peptides containing Type I and Type III collagen, with specialized products also offering Type II for specific joint benefits. This variety allows consumers to choose a product that best fits their dietary needs and wellness objectives.
