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Benefits of Collagen for Vegetarians, Plus a Revolutionary New Supplement

By Rachel Link, RD, MS

April 11, 2022

Collagen is not found in many food sources that are widely consumed today.  Therefore most folks, especially vegetarians and vegans who avoid eating animal products, don't get enough collagen in their diets.

If you eat a plant-based diet, but have heard all about the many benefits of collagen for your skin, gut, joints and hair, you’re probably interested in finding a vegetarian collagen source. But does such a thing exist? 

Can collagen be plant-based? And if so, where does it come from and how can it contribute to your overall health?

Let’s look more closely at how our new Vegetarian Collagen Peptides products are made, plus how you can add collagen to a plant-based diet to improve joint comfort, skin elasticity, promote healthy hair growth, and more.

Can Collagen Be Vegan? No — But Vegetarian? Yes!

Is there a vegetarian source of collagen? Not exactly, considering that collagen is a protein found exclusively in animals and humans.

But while it’s not possible to make an entirely vegan collagen, vegetarian-friendly collagen is a real thing … and yes it works!

For example, Ancient Nutrition’s Vegetarian Collagen Peptides Powder is made with clinically studied fermented eggshell membrane collagen. 

Unlike our other collagen products, it’s made without traditional bovine, chicken or marine collagen sources. In other words, it’s free from all chicken, beef or fish collagen.

Is vegetarian collagen as effective? Yes; just like other collagen protein products, clinically studied fermented eggshell membrane collagen can lead to benefits including firmer-looking skin, strong nails, thick hair with less breakage, and flexible joints, and digestive support.

In fact, the proprietary fermented eggshell membrane collagen that we use is backed by human clinical studies showing it provides real results.

Collagen Booster vs. Real Collagen

You may have seen “collagen booster” supplements hitting store shelves recently. While collagen boosting ingredients, such as protein and vitamin C, can be beneficial in many ways, these are not the same thing as actual collagen..

Collagen boosters are nutrients that naturally support your body’s collagen production. Still, collagen boosters don’t provide real collagen protein, which is made up of a unique combination of amino acids that have certain bodywide benefits.

Vegetarian Collagen Peptides is a collagen supplement, not a collagen booster. That means it provides actual collagen from fermented eggshell membrane collagen. 

Collagen Benefits for Vegetarians

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for about 30 percent of all the protein in your joints, ligaments, tendons, skin, gut lining and other tissues. It’s present in even higher amounts in some connective tissues, as well as skin and hair, which is how it helps support a healthy appearance, plus mobility and joint comfort.

What types of results can you expect when you consume vegetarian collagen peptides on a daily basis? 

Benefits of adding more of this collagen to your diet, whether you’re a vegetarian or not, include:

• Support for healthy hair, skin, and joints and gut function.

• Promotion of hair thickness and growth.

• Improvements in appearance of crow’s feet, skin appearance and skin health.

• Improvements in skin firmness and elasticity.

• Reduced joint discomfort and stiffness.

• Reduced cartilage breakdown and support for healthy cartilage maintenance.

• Reduced knee stiffness, discomfort and improved function after 30 days of use.

• Increased flexibility.

• Help with exercise recovery.

Best Vegetarian Collagen Supplement

Which collagen is best for vegetarians? The truth is, up until now, vegetarian collagen has been very hard to come by. But Ancient Nutrition has created a first-of-its-kind formula featuring clinically studied fermented eggshell membrane collagen, plus prebiotic fiber and probiotics for extra digestive support.

Our Vegetarian Collagen Peptides Powder features a proprietary fermented collagen ingredient backed by human clinical studies, proven to provide real results as early as week one.  

The collagen found in this formula is sourced exclusively from eggshell membranes derived from sustainably raised chickens in the U.S. The collagen is also fermented to create a hydrolyzed product that is easier for the body to absorb and utilize.

Each serving of our Vegetarian Collagen Peptides also includes 2 billion CFU* of an SBO probiotic strain called Bacillus coagulans, which provides support for a healthy gut, digestive function, healthy bowel transit time and healthy gut flora. Additionally, the prebiotic fiber known as acacia is added to help probiotics thrive in the gut.

How do you use vegetarian collagen peptides?

Our collagen peptides are easy to absorb and simple to incorporate into your daily routine. Depending on your preference, you can consume Vegetarian Collagen Peptides in either powder or tablet form. 

If using collagen powder, adults mix 1 scoop with 12 ounces of water or another beverage such as almond milk. It easily blends into liquids and recipes including coffee, smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes or other baked goods. Another convenient option is for adults to take one Vegetarian Collagen Peptides tablet daily with water.

For even more full body benefits, consider pairing our Vegetarian Collagen Peptides with our Plant Protein+ supplements, which feature protein from a blend of organic seeds and botanicals, plus energizing adaptogens. Together, these ingredients help curb stress-induced cravings, promote healthy body composition and fat metabolism, and increase muscle recovery.

Of course, you should always consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any new dietary or lifestyle regimen, including dietary supplementation. Likewise, you should always red and follow label directions for use. 

*at time of manufacture