Are you looking for a plant-based alternative to animal collagen? Ekopura Vegan Collagen Support is a plant-based powder containing three ingredients: VeCollal, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. In this article, we explain what collagen is, where animal-derived collagen usually comes from, and why people following a plant-based lifestyle are looking for an alternative.
Vegan collagen: what is collagen and where does it usually come from?
Collagen is a structural protein produced by your body. It is an important component of connective tissue such as skin, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, and one of the most abundant proteins in the body.
There are different types of collagen. Type 1 is the most common type found in the skin. Collagen found in supplements is almost always derived from animal sources: from the hides and bones of cattle, or from fish by-products (fish collagen). It is therefore not a plant-based ingredient. As you get older, your body gradually produces less collagen. This is a normal biological process. If you’d like to know more about protein in your diet, read about how much protein you need each day.
Why are people looking for a plant-based alternative to animal collagen?
The reason is simple: traditional collagen supplements are of animal origin, derived from bovine or fish connective tissue. People who follow a plant-based diet therefore cannot use these products.
For people following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, this presents a practical problem. A plant-based alternative is formulated without any animal-derived ingredients, ensuring it fits within a plant-based diet. Ekopura Vegan Collagen Support has been developed with this in mind.
What is in Ekopura Vegan Collagen Support?
Ekopura Vegan Collagen Support is a powder containing three ingredients: VeCollal, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. It contains no animal-derived ingredients and no unnecessary additives.
- VeCollal : a plant-based ingredient composed of amino acids, including glycine and proline, which are also found in type 1 collagen.
- Hyaluronic acid : a substance that occurs naturally in the human body.
- Vitamin C : contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
The idea behind this formulation is straightforward: a short, clear list of ingredients so you can see exactly what’s in it. That way, you know what you’re taking, without any fillers or unnecessary ingredients. The full nutritional information is available on the product page.
What role does vitamin C play in collagen?
Your body produces its own collagen. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
This is an EU-approved claim for the nutrient vitamin C, and it is the reason why vitamin C has been added to this powder. Vitamin C is a vitamin that your body cannot produce on its own, so you obtain it from your diet or from a supplement. There is a second approved claim that is relevant. Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Important to note: these two benefits relate to vitamin C as a nutrient, not to collagen as an ingredient. Collagen itself, whether animal- or plant-based, has no authorised health claim. In fact, only the vitamin C claims above apply, and that’s why vitamin C is included in the formula.
Plant-based versus animal-based: what’s the difference?
The key difference lies in the raw material. Ekopura Vegan Collagen Support is plant-based and contains no animal-derived raw materials, whereas animal collagen is extracted from bovine or fish connective tissue.
In essence, it comes down to the difference in source material: plant-based rather than animal-based. For those who wish to avoid animal-based ingredients, a plant-based powder fits within their diet, whereas an animal-based collagen supplement does not.
What should you look out for in a plant-based collagen powder?
Short answer: check the list of ingredients and the source of the raw material. A plant-based powder contains no bovine or fish collagen.
- Check that the product is plant-based and contains no animal-derived ingredients.
- Check whether it contains vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
- Opt for a short, transparent list of ingredients without unnecessary additives, so you know exactly what you’re consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, including in the skin, joints and connective tissue. As a molecule, it is known for its ability to bind water, and you’ll also find it in cosmetics and skincare products. In this powder, it is one of the three ingredients, alongside VeCollal and vitamin C.
Does Ekopura Vegan Collagen Support contain any animal-derived ingredients?
No. The powder is entirely plant-based and contains three ingredients: VeCollal, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. It does not contain any bovine or fish collagen.
Is vegan collagen the same as animal collagen?
No. It is not animal collagen, but a plant-based powder. VeCollal is composed of amino acids that are also found in collagen, and vitamin C has been added. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
Can I also take vitamin C on its own?
Yes, you can. If you wish to supplement your vitamin C intake, you might consider our separate Organic Vitamin C, made from acerola. Please ensure you stick to the recommended daily intake.
How do you use Vegan Collagen Support?
Dissolve one serving of the powder in water or add it to a smoothie, for example. The recommended serving size and full instructions for use are on the packaging and on the product page.
In a nutshell
Are you looking for a plant-based alternative to animal collagen? Check out Ekopura Vegan Collagen Support: a powder containing three ingredients (VeCollal, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C) with no animal-derived ingredients. On the product page, you’ll find the full list of ingredients and nutritional values, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
