A Commitment to Sourcing and Sustainability
Ancient + Brave is a mission-driven wellness brand focused on sustainability, transparency, and ethical sourcing. They are a Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral, and part of the 1% for the Planet initiative. This commitment extends to their specific sourcing of both bovine and marine collagen.
The Origin of True Collagen: Grass-Fed European Cows
True Collagen from Ancient + Brave comes from grass-fed bovine hides within the European Union. The hides are a sustainable byproduct of the beef industry. Sourcing from the EU ensures adherence to strict animal welfare standards and reduces transport impact. The cattle are raised naturally on grass, without routine antibiotics, chemicals, or GMOs. This results in a high-quality, hydrolyzed Type I collagen peptide powder.
The Importance of Hydrolysis
Collagen is hydrolyzed to break down large molecules into smaller peptides for better absorption. This process allows for efficient delivery to areas like skin, bones, and connective tissues, supporting natural collagen renewal.
The Origin of Wild Collagen: Sustainably Sourced Wild Fish
Wild Collagen is sourced sustainably from the skin of wild-caught North Atlantic white fish, such as Alaskan Pollock. Sourcing is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to ensure sustainable fishing practices. This guarantees wild-caught fish, free from hormones and antibiotics, while sustaining resources. The fish skin is also a natural byproduct, contributing to a circular economy. This yields a highly bioavailable Type I marine collagen peptide.
The Brave Standard: Purity, Potency, and Traceability
Ancient + Brave's "Brave Standard" includes independent third-party lab analysis for each batch to ensure purity, potency, and safety. This process confirms the product is free from contaminants and accurately labeled, maintaining traceability from source to consumer.
Comparison: Bovine vs. Marine Collagen Sources
| Feature | True Collagen (Bovine) | Wild Collagen (Marine) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | 100% Grass-fed bovine hides from the EU | 100% Wild-caught North Atlantic white fish skin |
| Sourcing Ethics | Uses a beef industry byproduct, adheres to EU animal welfare standards | Uses a fish industry byproduct, MSC certified for sustainability |
| Collagen Types | Type I (primarily) | Type I (primarily) |
| Bioavailability | High, hydrolyzed peptides for efficient absorption | Very high, smaller peptides potentially offer faster absorption |
| Environmental Impact | Sustainable use of byproduct, lower carbon footprint from EU sourcing | Highly sustainable use of byproduct, lower carbon emissions compared to red meat |
| Dietary Suitability | Not for vegetarians, pescatarians, or vegans | Suitable for pescatarians, not for vegans or those with fish allergies |
| Typical Benefits | Supports skin, gut, joints, and bone health | Supports skin elasticity, hair, nails, and joints |
Ethical and Environmental Stewardship
Ancient + Brave's ethical commitment includes being a B Corp, balancing profit and purpose with high social and environmental standards. Climate Neutral status shows their dedication to measuring, reducing, and offsetting their carbon footprint. They also donate to environmental charities through 1% for the Planet. These certifications assure consumers of the brand's responsible practices.
Conclusion
Ancient and Brave's collagen sourcing reflects a commitment to quality and ethics. Both grass-fed bovine from Europe and sustainably harvested marine collagen from the North Atlantic are transparently sourced. They are hydrolyzed for optimal bioavailability, supporting skin, joint, and overall wellness. The choice depends on dietary preference, with both options upholding the company's sustainability mission. Read more about the sourcing practices directly from Ancient + Brave.
