Vital Proteins: Understanding the Brand and Products
Vital Proteins is a leading brand in the wellness industry, widely recognized for its high-quality collagen supplements. Their products are designed to replenish the body's natural collagen, a protein that declines with age and environmental factors. By providing collagen peptides—a hydrolyzed, or broken-down, form of collagen—the supplements are more easily digested and absorbed by the body.
The brand offers a variety of products, with the most popular being their different collagen peptide powders. The choice between them largely depends on your dietary preferences, health goals, and desired formulation. The main differences lie in the source of the collagen, the types of collagen included, and whether additional ingredients are present.
Comparing Core Vital Proteins Products
Original Collagen Peptides
This is the brand's flagship product, a bestseller for its simplicity and versatility. It is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide, making it rich in Type I and Type III collagen.
- Benefits: Supports healthy hair, skin, nails, and joints.
- Formulation: Consists of a single ingredient: bovine collagen peptides.
- Usage: The unflavored powder dissolves easily in both hot and cold liquids, making it ideal for mixing into coffee, smoothies, or water.
Collagen Peptides Advanced (with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C)
This enhanced version of the original takes the benefits a step further. It contains the same bovine-sourced collagen peptides but with the addition of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
- Benefits: Supports skin hydration and elasticity, while vitamin C boosts the body's natural collagen production.
- Formulation: Combines bovine collagen peptides with skin-quenching hyaluronic acid and immune-boosting vitamin C.
- Consideration: Ideal for those whose primary goal is to maximize skin health and hydration.
Marine Collagen Peptides
For pescatarians or those who prefer a fish-based source, Vital Proteins offers Marine Collagen Peptides. This product is sourced from wild-caught cod, providing predominantly Type I collagen.
- Benefits: Primarily targets skin health and elasticity.
- Formulation: Sourced from sustainably harvested fish skin and/or scales.
- Consideration: While it's equally bioavailable, the standard Marine Collagen has slightly less collagen per serving compared to the bovine version.
Decoding Your Choices: Bovine vs. Marine
When faced with the bovine versus marine option, your dietary needs and specific health goals are the most important deciding factors. Both provide hydrolyzed collagen peptides that your body can use effectively, but there are subtle differences in their amino acid profiles and primary collagen types.
- Bovine Collagen: Sourced from cow hides, this option is typically a rich source of both Type I and Type III collagen. Type I is the most abundant in the human body, providing structure to skin, bones, and ligaments. Type III is often found alongside Type I in connective tissues, playing a role in skin and muscle health. This is often considered the best choice for broad-spectrum support covering skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.
- Marine Collagen: Sourced from fish, marine collagen is primarily composed of Type I collagen. Some evidence suggests marine collagen may be more readily absorbed due to its smaller molecular weight. For those whose main focus is skin health, marine collagen can be a top choice due to its near-identical chemical makeup to the collagen found in skin. It's also the clear choice for pescatarians.
Peptides vs. Bone Broth: A Nutritional Comparison
It's important to distinguish Vital Proteins collagen peptides from traditional bone broth, which is another popular source of collagen.
- Processing and Nutrition: Vital Proteins peptides are a highly processed, hydrolyzed form of collagen that offers a concentrated dose of protein without other nutrients. Bone broth, made by simmering animal bones, contains not only collagen but also a broader range of nutrients like glucosamine, minerals, and other amino acids in a whole-food form.
- Convenience: Peptides are convenient, flavorless powders that mix easily into almost any liquid. Bone broth, whether homemade or from a carton, has a distinct savory flavor that limits its use to certain recipes like soups and stews.
- Cost: Peptides are generally more cost-effective per gram of collagen compared to bone broth.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for a targeted, convenient supplement versus a more holistic, whole-food approach.
Comparison of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
| Feature | Original Collagen Peptides | Collagen Peptides Advanced | Marine Collagen Peptides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine | Grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine | Wild-caught fish (cod) |
| Collagen Types | Type I & Type III | Type I & Type III | Primarily Type I |
| Added Ingredients | None | Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C | None |
| Primary Goal | All-around support (hair, skin, nails, joints, bones) | Maximum skin hydration and rejuvenation | Targeted skin health, pescatarian-friendly |
| Key Benefit | Broad-spectrum support | Enhanced skin elasticity and hydration | High bioavailability, skin focus |
| Dietary | Paleo-friendly, Whole30 approved | Paleo-friendly, Whole30 approved | Pescatarian-friendly |
Key Factors When Choosing a Collagen Supplement
Beyond just the source, a few key factors should guide your decision-making process:
- Third-Party Certification: Look for third-party certifications like NSF Certified for Sport or IGEN certified to ensure the product has been tested for banned substances and heavy metals. Vital Proteins products often carry these certifications.
- Added Nutrients: If your main goal is skin health, a formula with added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, like the Advanced version, can be more effective. Vitamin C is essential for the body's own collagen synthesis.
- Form and Mixability: All Vital Proteins peptides are hydrolyzed for excellent solubility. The unflavored varieties are highly versatile, but flavored options are also available if you prefer to mask any potential taste.
- Sourcing Quality: Vital Proteins emphasizes sustainable sourcing, from grass-fed bovine to wild-caught fish, which ensures higher quality ingredients and is a more ethical choice.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Fit
So, which is the best Vital Proteins collagen peptides? The answer truly depends on you. For the individual seeking all-purpose support for hair, skin, nails, and joints, the Original Collagen Peptides are a reliable, versatile, and high-quality choice. If your primary focus is on maximizing skin hydration and elasticity, the Collagen Peptides Advanced formula, with its added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, offers a targeted boost. For those who follow a pescatarian diet or have a specific focus on skin, Marine Collagen Peptides are the ideal solution due to their source and high Type I collagen content.
Regardless of your choice, opting for a high-quality, third-party-tested product like those from Vital Proteins ensures you are investing in a supplement that is both safe and effective for your wellness journey. Always consider your personal health objectives and dietary needs to select the best product for you.
