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You don’t have to look very far to find all sorts of claims about collagen and its miraculous anti-ageing properties, with marine and bovine-based products being particularly popular with celebrities and influencers. And increasingly, there are plant-based alternatives coming onto the market too, so us vegans aren’t being left out. But does vegan collagen work? And what’s it made from? Well, I took advantage of an amazing opportunity to talk to Dr Ioannis Liakas, the Medical Director of Vie Aesthetics and an expert in ageing, and was able to ask him all the questions that have been raised by readers of my blogs on this topic. So if you’d like to find out what his thoughts are on vegan collagen, read on…
*This article has been sponsored by Arella*
My experience of vegan collagen
But first, what’s my experience of taking vegan collagen?
Well, as someone who is now the ‘other’ side of 60, I thought back to all the things I should have been doing in my 30s, 40s and 50s to combat the ageing process. Sadly, I realised I hadn’t done any of them! So in the last couple of years, I’ve been playing catch up and embarked on a programme of personal regeneration – well, weight training at the gym actually – and also dabbled in taking vegan collagen (I use Arella’s liquid supplement), although probably not as regularly as I should.
When I have taken it though, it has been for 2-3 months at a time and I’ve always felt like I could see (and feel) improvements in my skin, hair, and general health. In particular, I have consistently experienced a huge reduction in my rosacea symptoms when taking it which you can read about in my Arella vegan liquid collagen review. But does vegan collagen work, or is that all pure coincidence? Perhaps even a placebo effect?
The thing is, I can read all the information on a brand’s website and whilst it can sound very convincing, I really only have their word for it! I mean, is it really more bio-available because it’s in liquid form? And is it really as good as animal-based versions? You won’t be surprised to hear that I didn’t know the answers. But fortunately, I’ve just managed to ask someone that does, and as it turns out, I’m not just imagining things. It seems that vegan collagen really can work, but it’s important to find the right product.
Vegan Mum’s interview with expert Dr Ioannis Liakas
Dr Liakas is the Medical Director of Vie Aesthetics, and an expert in the study of ageing and older adults (you can read his full bio here). I had rather a long list of questions for him, but he was very patient and answered them all very comprehensively, and in terms that even I could understand! I hope you find it as helpful as I have.
Vegan Mum (VM): What does collagen do?
Dr Liakas (Dr L): Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. Found almost everywhere, it takes on many vital roles:
- in skin, it supports the formation of fibroblasts (cells that secrete collagen proteins) in the dermis, helping new cells grow while also replacing dead skin cells
- the robust, triple helix form enables collagen to give structure and firmness to our skin, as well as helping to hydrate it
- it plays an important part in bone density and strength, as well as supporting muscle mass
- it also keeps our connective tissues flexible – helping to maintain healthy and strong joints – and contributes to hair health and nail growth
Why do I need to supplement it?
Dr L: By the time we reach the age of around 30, our natural collagen production starts to slowly decline and our existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate. This fall in collagen can start to impact the strength of our bones and muscles, and we may experience more joint pain and gastrointestinal issues. Collagen loss can even affect our arteries as we age, with “arteriosclerosis” (the stiffening of the arteries) leading to high blood pressure and its potential damage to many body systems.
When it comes to our skin, the loss of collagen is both visible and invisible. We lose firmness, plumpness and skin elasticity, leading to sagging and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fewer new skin cells are made, while the drop in hydration from collagen can leave our skin looking less youthful and duller. Because skin can be an indicator of our general health, the effects of reduced collagen output can leave us looking and feeling older than we actually are, potentially impacting our mental health and wellbeing.
Does vegan collagen exist?
Dr L: Yes!
What is it made from?
Dr L: VeCollal® is a vegan, plant-based and ethically sustainable product that generates collagen synthesis. It’s not technically collagen – at least not in the same way as animal and marine collagen. Instead, it’s a biomimetic alternative which means that it mimics the chain of amino acids your body naturally uses to produce collagen. 90% of your collagen is type 1, and that’s the type that Arella provides, although not many other vegan collagen products do.
Does vegan collagen work?
Dr L: There is much debate around the efficacy of plant-based collagen, but there are plenty of merits to taking plant-based and vegan supplements regardless of whether you follow a vegan diet. The specific ingredient I’ve mentioned identically mimics human type 1 and effectively boosts the body’s own collagen production naturally.
Is it as good as animal and marine-based products?
Dr L: The ingredient I’ve referred to uses cutting-edge technology to decipher the exact amino acids that create human collagen, known as a biometric profile. This makes it identical to type 1 collagen in humans, which is unavailable in animal collagen. It also provides amino acids directly to the body, skipping the digestion process. Plant-based collagen is also sustainable, and lacks toxins and other heavy metals that marine and bovine supplements can be contaminated with. It is often more palatable than animal-derived collagens too, which can have a distinct taste and odour. We find that taste is hugely influential for our clients when following a regular supplement programme (VM: Sounds like it’s actually better to me!)
Are collagen peptides and hydrolysed collagen different from collagen supplements?
Dr L: Hydrolysed collagen and peptides are essentially the same thing. As mentioned large molecules of (animal) collagen cannot be ingested and as a result they need to be cut to smaller pieces, in order for our digestive system to absorb them. The mechanism by which collagen is cut to smaller parts is called “hydrolysis”. Hydrolysis breaks down the large collagen molecule to smaller pieces. These are amino acids and peptides.
Even marine and animal collagen is not administered in whole molecules, as our gastrointestinal system cannot absorb such large molecules. Therefore the usual collagen for consumption is offering the “building blocks of collagen”. This is exactly what products like Arella do.
Is liquid collagen better than powder?
Dr L: Arella Collagen for example comes in liquid form, which better enhances its biocompatibility with human tissue.
What is the function of collagen in skin?
Dr L: The impact of collagen on the appearance of our skin cannot be underestimated. We know that, as we get older, the natural collagen that our bodies produce begins to slow down, causing our skin to visibly sag and wrinkle. An effective way to counteract these changes is by using collagen supplements such as Arella which works by helping to increase our natural collagen production. If taken regularly, this can lead to improvements in our skin’s hydration, elasticity and firmness, resulting in an overall more youthful look.
Is collagen good for rosacea?
Dr L: We have more collagen in our bodies than any other protein, and in addition to reinvigorating the look and feel of our skin, it creates a wealth of other benefits including reducing the effects of conditions such as rosacea. The supplement works very well alongside skincare treatments and protocols as well, adding to their results and longevity.
What about collagen and gut health?
Dr L: Research shows us that collagen plays a vital role in aiding gut health, which can have a huge impact on the way our bodies feel and function. Amino acids are a key component of collagen, as they work to heal the gut by fortifying its lining and interior walls, thus improving the digestive system overall. Thanks to advancements in gut health research, we now know more about the gut-brain connection, with studies showing that women are disproportionately affected by disorders of gut-brain interaction including symptoms such as bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, irregular bowel movements, and acid reflux. I would certainly recommend a vegan collagen supplement in these instances.
Is collagen good for men too?
Dr L: There is a common misconception that the many benefits provided by collagen supplements can only be enjoyed by women. The reality, however, is that collagen has significant advantages for men, particularly relating to muscle mass and injury recovery. Our bodies create more collagen than any other protein, meaning it plays a major part in the building of our muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as our skin and bones. When taken regularly, liquid collagen supplements can also help to ease joint pain and body aches which is helpful for those who exercise regularly. As we get older the natural collagen that our bodies produce begins to slow down, so supplements can be a great addition to a man’s fitness regime.
Are all vegan collagens the same?
Dr L: One of the things that makes Arella Collagen stand out from other collagen supplements is its powerful blend of ingredients which offer innumerable health benefits when taken regularly. As well as being made with VeCollal®, which is the world’s first plant-based collagen alternative that identically mimics human type 1 collagen, this liquid formula includes a blend of Panax ginseng, retinol, vegan D3, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Each ingredient helps to enhance the efficacy of the product, which has been backed by peer-reviewed studies. Proven health benefits include firmer and smoother skin, improved joint and bone health, and advanced hair and nail growth. I highly recommend the inclusion of Arella Collagen as part of a healthy and balanced wellbeing lifestyle.
Do collagen booster supplements work?
Dr L: A collagen booster will give you part of the amino acids that form collagen, usually mixed with a cocktail of vitamins, whereas Arella’s liquid supplement for example gives the full spectrum of amino acids that are essential for the formation of whole collagen molecules in the human body.
What are the side effects of taking vegan collagen?
Dr L: There have been very few side effects from people taking collagen, although supplementation is not suitable for pregnant women.
How can I boost my own collagen production without supplements?
Dr L: We are all encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet and there are lots of foods we can eat to boost our collagen levels. They include bone broth, skin-on chicken, skin-on fish, organ meats like liver, oily fish and egg whites (VM: not for me thanks!). You can also give your natural production a boost by eating foods with vitamins and minerals that are the building blocks of collagen, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, beans, nuts and whole grains.
I would like to extend my thanks to Dr Ioannis Liakas, the Medical Director of Vie Aesthetics for being so generous with his time for this article.
Is vegan collagen effective? My verdict
Well, the first thing to say is that I feel so much more knowledgeable than I did before! But I also feel much more confident about whether or not I should be taking collagen at all and if I do, what sort of supplement I should go for.
Based on all the information that Dr Liakas has provided, I really believe now that the benefits I’ve seen when using Arella’s liquid collagen are real and not imagined, despite my rather inconsistent use! And it sounds to me like some vegan collagen products are not only just as good as animal and marine-based products, but actually better – partly because the VeCollal® contained in certain supplements is closer to human collagen and used more easily by the body, and also because it doesn’t carry the risk of contaminants that some animal and marine-based products too. There are just so many good reasons for being vegan aren’t there?
So in conclusion, does vegan collagen work? Given my experience of using vegan collagen before and the benefits I’ve seen from doing so, together with the evidence and advice given by Dr Liakas, I think it does. So, I’m off to set up my subscription because I fully intend to make this a regular feature of my life from now on! And having used the product before, I would definitely recommend Arella’s supplement because it’s competitively priced, tastes good, I find the gel sachets very convenient, and I love the fact that it’s woman-owned. Not only that, I can help you out with a 10% discount off your first order too – see below for details.
Use 10% Arella Discount Code WELCOME10 at checkout
Bios
Dr Ioannis Liakas
Dr Ioannis Liakas is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP), Honorary Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary Medical School, a Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, and medical advisor to Arella. An international speaker and expert in gerontology (the study of ageing and older adults), he has worked as a practitioner in the NHS and private aesthetic medicine for more than 20 years. He is the Medical Director at Vie Aesthetics, which has clinics spanning from Harley Street to Germany, where he trains and mentors highly skilled medical practitioners to ensure consistent quality of care across the business.
About Arella
Founded in 2022 by Laura Capewell, Arella is an award-winning British supplements brand specialising in plant-based supplements designed to support holistic health and wellbeing.
Arella’s commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and scientific innovation is evident across its entire product line. As a proud member of the Vegan Society, a GenM partner, and a supporter of the Buy Women Built community, Arella continues to champion women with effective, eco-friendly wellness solutions that nourish both body and mind from within.
More vegan collagen articles
I hope you have found this article on Does Vegan Collagen Work as useful as I did when writing it! If you would like to see some of my reviews on vegan collagen products, I have listed some below:
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