Amazing Younger Skin with Vegan Collagen Sources

Collagen is an amino acid based protein with the purest forms being made up of hydroxyproline, proline, and glycine. It is only able to be sourced from living things that have bones, connective tissue, some form of skin, and muscles. This doesn’t sound like it does much as far as ticking any Vegan collagen sources boxes go. But stick with me.

As much as you will hear that collagen only comes from animal products, this is not true. You are born with the ability to create collagen within your own body. You are not an animal product. So how do you keep more of that good thing going on for longer?

There is a plant based resource capable of providing a means to stimulate the collagen already in your body. Thus providing a kind of pathway to Vegan collagen sources. In a word; seaweed. Yes, you read right, seaweed! But not just any old type of seaweed.

With over 35,000 known species on the planet, you need to know where to look.

We’ll take a deeper dive on that in this article.

But first, why should you care? And what is collagen anyway?

What is Collagen?

Our bodies contain something called connective tissue. The connective tissues do precisely what you would expect based on the name they have been given, they are a type of tissue that ‘connects’ things.

One such example is fascia tissue, sometimes referred to as fascicle tissue. To put it simply, this is the tissue that houses bundles of muscles.

Think of it this way; there’s a whole bunch of fibres, called Myofibril, like strings, all bunched up which are formed from filaments. These make up the single muscle cells. These muscle cells are wrapped up by a layer called the Perimysium.1 2

The bundling of muscles from smaller strands into larger groups is what forms the shapes we see muscles taking. The various parts of this structure can be seen in the image below.

vegan collagen sources - diagram
Vegan Collagen Sources – Muscle and Connective Tissue Structure Diagram showing the tendon, fascia, muscle, fascicle, axon of motor neuron, blood vessels, bone, epimysium, perimysium, endomysium, muscle fibres, sarcolemma, nucleus, sarcoplasmic reticulum, myofibrils, and filaments as sectionised diagram overlaid a sketch of a male human upper left shoulder and torso

These are all held together by connective tissue, the fascia being one type of tissue. Then we get into the other areas like the cartilage, tendons, dermis, and even the tissue that you find around your nails and your hair; these are all connective types of tissue.

With seaweed providing an option in the world of stimulating Vegan collagen sources to keep this tissue strong, this is great news.

As the primary protein of all connective tissue, collagen is insoluble. This means that it cannot be diluted or break down into water. Collagen is fibrous by nature, taking on the appearance of tiny strands or threads. 3

Roughly one-third of the human body, and approximately 70% of the protein found in our skin, is made up of collagen. 4

The human body is capable of making its collagen in our younger years. Typically, this reduces dramatically once you pass the age of 30.

Our bodies start with an abundant supply of collagen when we are infants, but it’s pretty much down hill after that.

Some would say that there is increasing evidence supporting the argument that with the right nutrients our bodies can continue to create collagen long into old age. 5

Collagen is made of a hydroxyl group and acids, namely proline and glycine, which have a better chance of functioning effectively in the presence of vitamin C. There is solid proof in the fact that a vitamin C deficiency will result in collagen synthesis being impaired, among other complications. 6 7

Types of Collagen

We know of sixteen different types of collagen. However, more than 90% of the collagen in our bodies is a mixture of collagen type I, type II, or type III.

The importance of supporting Vegan collagen sources based on an understanding of how collagen plays a part in the body will become even more apparent as you consider the following collagen types.

Fun fact; the numbers given to collagen are based on their order of discovery. And the more we learn about them, the more we are finding validity in their being stimulated by plant-based compounds.

Did you know that the shape of the collagen fibrils is determined by the type of tissue it is found in?

Let’s take a closer look at some of the different types of collagen.

Collagen Type I

Collagen type I is the most abundant form of collagen found in the human body. And interestingly, in direct correlation it is in the highest concentration of proteins found in our bodies too. 8

Collagen type I is found in the:

  • Skin
  • Teeth
  • Bones
  • Tendons
  • Ligaments
  • Cartilage
  • Intervertebral (spinal) discs, and
  • Scar tissue.

Collagen type I also makes up as much as 85% of the dry mass of our tendons, with the remaining 15% being made up of collagen type III and proteoglycans (decorin and aggrecan). 9

As we are born with varying levels of collagen type I and collagen type III, it is not surprising to learn that these are often found together. These are the most notable collagen types in our tissue.

Collagen Type II

Think of collagen type II as being a strong supporting framework. This type of collagen provides a form of tensile strengthening to both Articular Cartilage and Hyaline Cartilage. 10

These types of cartilage play key roles in the body and can be found in:

Articular CartilageHyaline Cartilage
Supportive tissues in the earsCovering the articular surfaces of bones in synovial joints
Supportive tissues in the noseFound in the ventral ends of ribs
Supportive tissues in the tracheaFound on the articulating surfaces of bones
Supportive tissues in the larynxFound in the temporary embryonic skeleton
Supportive tissues in the smaller respiratory tubesFound in the eyes

Collagen type II is also very effective at dealing with joint pain that is experienced as a result of age and deterioration through wear and tear. Helping to rebuild damaged structures, is often a reliable source of reducing associated pain through healing.

Collagen Type III

Collagen Type III is typically found where there is collagen type I. This can be found within tissue linings like the walls of the intestines, the walls of blood vessels, and in your muscles as shown in the image above (Connective Tissue Covering Skeletal Muscle).

The worrying thing for some people is the risk of rupturing blood vessels. This is possible where there is a deficiency in collagen type III. Elastin also plays a key part in maintaining health in this area. 11

Turning to supporting Vegan collagen sources through whole foods such as seaweed can help in the even distribution of both collagen and elastin in suitable ratios. Where these are imbalanced there can be complications over time. 12

Collagen Type IV

Critical to the structure of the basal lamina, collagen type IV helps through healthy cell development. It supports the formation of a fluid with gelatinous characteristics that is secreted by epithelial cells. 13

So, what is an epithelial cell?

An epithelial cell is a cell that is found on the outer layer of your organs. In fact, the outer surface of your skin is made up from epithelial cells. This is why it is known as the epithelium. Beneath the epithelial cells, which form a layer, is the dermis. 14 15

This is a type of tissue that acts by design to cushion any organ it is found to surround. It is the basal lamina that sits between these two layers. This is responsible for providing padding to the epithelial layer. This padding is necessary to support blood vessel and nerve functions.

Collagen Type V

Collagen type V is typically not very well understood. As a part of the Fibrillar Collagen group, it is normally found to operate in connection with collagen type I and collagen type III. 16

Collagen type V can be found within the matrix of tissues such as:

  • Bone
  • Between muscle tissue (interstitial)
  • Hepatic tissue (liver)
  • Lung tissue, and
  • Placenta.

Collagen Type X

Collagen type X is key to the formation of strong bones. It also is necessary for healthy cartilage structure. This is key to the healing of broken and fractured bones. 17

Collagen type X is also found in vertebrae, ribs, and the growth plates of fetuses and juveniles.

There is still consistent research being undertaken to better understand the precise mechanisms behind collagen type X.

Collagen Supporting Sources; Plant Based vs Animal Based

So you’ve already read the bad news; there’s no unlimited collagen supply if you don’t give your body what it needs. And, as we get older the concentration of collagen naturally reduces.

This results in fine lines and wrinkles becoming more apparent.

As the market consists of animal based collagen supplements that actually contain collagen, what is there to do?

Thankfully it’s not all bad news; there is an option for supporting your Vegan collagen source which will help you if you don’t want collagen sourced from animals.

Like a superhero, seaweed is the superfood that is the top choice for boosting and supporting Vegan collagen sources. And it is so versatile too!

Remember, these Vegan collagen sources are those that you are born with. The magic is inside you!

You may have seen all sorts of collagen powders and supplements on the internet, but as a Vegan looking for plant based wholefood option to support collagen production, you just can’t beat seaweed. Particularly Sea Moss.

You are the Source of Vegan Collagen

Seeing how there are so many different types of collagen it becomes a little easier to understand how it plays such an important part in maintaining good health. Finding a reliable support for collagen for Vegans is no longer an ethical dilemma.

Our Sea Moss is packed with collagen supporting power and an abundance of minerals that help to contribute to a healthier life. A life that you would most likely want to be well lived.

Collagen Supporting Foods

Making Sea Moss a part of your routine is a great start. You’ll get so much more from this powerhouse with the right kinds of other foods, such as:

  • Citrus fruits
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Green vegetables
  • Brown rice, and
  • Legumes

Understandably, it can be difficult to consistently consume the full range of foods needed to maintain optimal health. Particularly in a society where convenience is given more mainstream stage time than healthy choices.

As Vegan collagen sources are becoming a more sought-after option, this is progressively being solved. However, some of the solutions aren’t quite on point.

For example, can supplements and creams build collagen on their own? No, they need certain other things to help them be effective.

What Else Does Collagen Require?

It is possible to boost your body’s ability to produce and absorb collagen.

Even with how effective collagen can be, it isn’t capable of starting from nothing. Collagen requires specific precursors in specific amounts to get the best out of it. 18

These include:

  • Vitamin C – this aids the manufacturing and absorption of collagen within the body
  • Silicon – helps with synthesizing collagen through the activation of enzymes which are associated with the creation of collagen
  • Copper – which is required to enhance collagen and elastin production; this is key to regenerating fibers with elastic characteristics in the skin
  • Antioxidants – flavonoids and anthocyanins help with the protection of connective tissue and cell structure from damaging free radicals 19
  • Zinc – much like copper in the function associated with collagen this mineral helps with maximizing the function of collagen
  • Chromium – necessary for the prevention of collagen degradation and breakdown
  • Omega 3 – required to regulate the production of collagen including effective collagen distribution
  • Lysine – helps manufacture healthy collagen
  • Proline – needed to maintain the stability of collagen, and
  • Sulfur – which plays a major role in providing support for the synthesizing and structure of collagen

Where can you get all of these minerals? There’s no need to turn to multivitamin supplements; you’ll find these packaged in a range of accessible organic fruits and vegetables!

If organic fruits and vegetables aren’t accessible, you might want to take a look at Shilajit for some essential minerals.

No Vitamin C Equals No Collagen

Right up the top of the list above was vitamin C. This is critical to collagen production. A lack of vitamin C can result in a range of health complications. 20

Often unknown by many, this can directly impact bone health due to collagen assimilation being inhibited. Given that we can’t produce vitamin C on our own, a steady, reliable source is needed.

There is enough vitamin C in an organically grown orange to meet the average daily needs of an adult. As vitamin C is surrounded by natural sugars, fibre, and a host of minerals, the body can direct it to where it needs to be. 21

As scary as it sounds, the body virtually begins to fall apart as the existing collagen breaks down and is not replaced.

We often attribute healthy bones to the level of calcium in our diet. Collagen’s role, not so much. Emerging research is showing that collagen is just as, if not more important for bone health than calcium. And consequently, a healthy supply of supporting vitamins too. 22

Combining Sea Moss with a healthy source of vitamin C will help what is the best of Vegan collagen sources work its natural magic for you.

A quick note on combining Vitamin C with other minerals and sources of minerals, do not use Shilajit and anything containing ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) together.

Supporting Vegan Collagen Sources with Sea Moss

So now we can get into the nuts and bolts of this. Believe it, this amazing source of collagen support is a real thing! And what’s best in my opinion is that it is not animal based.

If you’re a Vegan veteran, you’ll know that when you have seen collagen on an ingredients list it has always been a red flag. With every report on collagen up until recent times being one that spells out the animal sources, non-vegan was the subsequent category.

And then there’s the marine collagen discussion…

Scary fact; did you know that the majority of marine collagen sources are from fish (guts, bones, scales, etc.)?

What is worrying is that fish farmed for ‘marine collagen’ produce higher amounts of collagen when they are starved than when they are given enough food to grow and live a long life! I’ll let you join the dots on that one. 23

But now there is a saving grace in using sustainably farmed Sea Moss. Supporting Vegan collagen sources are now 100% plant-based! I can say that ‘hand on heart’ has visited places where Sea Moss grows in multiple countries.

Taking time to explore different places and speak with the Growers, I’ve learned a lot on my journey.

So, now you can get excited about collagen-supporting solutions being back into your life knowing that you are not harm. More than that, you can rest assured that you are contributing to a sustainable venture when you buy Sea Moss that is responsibly cultivated, and not wildcrafted.

If you’re not persuaded by Vegan values, that’s OK. The science behind collagen stimulation coming from seaweed shows that it is much more practical for the human body to assimilate than consuming animal-based collagen sources.

Sea Moss naturally contains a substance called hyaluronic acid. It is great at helping to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and demolish fine lines, all while aiding the regeneration of cells. 24

The holy grail of younger looking skin can be attained through the topical application of Sea Moss Gel, and making Sea Moss a part of your daily diet.

Sea Moss gel is able to be absorbed by the skin easily, and it works fast! I’ve personally experienced the power of Sea Moss myself, and have since become more than an advocate for Sea Moss, along with other species of seaweed.

But it’s not just collagen support that Sea Moss offers. There is an abundance of minerals that are beneficial to good health.

Are you curious about how Sea Moss can provide benefits? We’ve put together a list of our top 10 benefits of Sea Moss.

As a topical application you may even find Sea Moss Gel surprises you. Find this image on Instagram.

Alternative Vegan Collagen Sources; Spirulina

So, maybe the thought of seaweed isn’t ticking the boxes for you.

That’s OK.

But did you know that when it is prepared correctly that Sea Moss has virtually no smell or taste? If that’s still too much of a stretch for you, then you could try Spirulina.

Spirulina has become a very popular health supplement in the last decade or so. It is a blue-green algae which does put it in the seaweed category, but that’s not the primary connection that a lot of people make when they think of Spirulina.

Spirulina contains a lot of iron, and having as little as one teaspoon of Spirulina in your meal will help you to get more proline and more glycine than you can find in a large sized egg.

Being rated as one of the most nutrient-dense food sources available, Spirulina is also a very powerful source of protein suitable for Vegans.

Easy to use, all you need to do is add a spoon of Spirulina to your juice or smoothie to support the collagen levels in your body each day. Vegan collagen sources just got seriously unlocked!

References

  1. “Structural and Functional Organization of Skeletal Muscle” – K. M Baldwin, 21 October 2013 [ScienceDirect] [Archive] ↩︎
  2. “Physiology of the Fascia from the Clinical Point of View” – T. Luomala, M. Pihlman, 19 May 2017 [ScienceDirect] [Archive] ↩︎
  3. “The Physical and Biochemical Properties of the Extracellular Matrix Regulate Cell Fate” – J. M. Muncie, V. M. Weaver, 21 March 2018 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  4. “Brocklehurst’s Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology (SEVENTH EDITION)” – E. C. Veysey, A. Y. Finlay, 27 December 2010 [ScienceDirect] [Archive] ↩︎
  5. “Wound healing properties of Eucheuma cottonii extracts in Sprague-Dawley rats ” – S. G. Fard, R. T. R. Tan, A. A. Mohammed, G. Y. Meng, S. K. S. Muhamad, K. A. AL-Jashamy, S. Mohamed, 20 January 2011 [Academic Journals] [Archive] ↩︎
  6. “The Roles of the Amino and Hydroxyl Groups of Collagen in its Reactions with Formaldehyde, Tannic Acid and Quinone” – R. W. Green, 1 June 1953 [Journal of the American Chemical Society] [Archive] ↩︎
  7. “Understanding the Role of Stereoelectronic Effects in Determining Collagen Stability. 2. A Quantum Mechanical/Molecular Mechanical Study of (Proline-Proline-Glycine)n Polypeptides” – R. Improta, F. Mele, O. Crescenzi, C. Benzi, V. Barone, 1 June 1953 [Journal of the American Chemical Society] [Archive] ↩︎
  8. “Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins and Elastin (Second Edition)” – K. Henriksen, M. A. Karsdal, 31 May 2019 [Science Direct] [Archive] ↩︎
  9. “Collagen structure of tendon relates to function” – M. Franchi, A. Trirè, M. Quaranta, E. Orsini, V. Ottani, 30 March 2007 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  10. “Distributions of Types I, II and III Collagen by Region in the Human Supraspinatus Tendon” – M. R. Buckley, E. Evans, L. N. Satchel, P. E. Matuszewski, Y. L. Chen, D. M. Elliott, L. J. Soslowsky, G. R. Dodge, 23 July 2018 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  11. “Type III collagen is crucial for collagen I fibrillogenesis and for normal cardiovascular development” – X. Liu, H. Wu, M. Byrne, S. Krane, R. Jaenisch, 24 December 1996 [PNAS] [Archive] ↩︎
  12. “Blood flow interplays with elastin: collagen and MMP: TIMP ratios to maintain healthy vascular structure and function” – P. Basu, U. Sen, N. Tyagi, S. C. Tyagi, 15 April 2010 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  13. “Basal Lamina Overview and Function” – P. Mccaw, T. Lepore, 30 April 2022 [Study.com] [Archive] ↩︎
  14. “Epithelial Cells” – Arizona State University School of Life Sciences, 16 February 2011 [Arizona State University] [Archive] ↩︎
  15. “Epithelial Tissue – What Is It, Where It’s Found, and More” – C. Tarantino, last checked 23 November 2022 [Osmosis from Elsevier] [Archive] ↩︎
  16. “Collagens – structure, function, and biosynthesis” – K. Gelsea, E. Po¨schlb, T. Aigner, 20 January 2003 [ScienceDirect] [Archive] ↩︎
  17. “The role of type X collagen in facilitating and regulating endochondral ossification of articular cartilage” – G. Shen, 8 February 2005 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  18. “Proline Precursors and Collagen Synthesis: Biochemical Challenges of Nutrient Supplementation and Wound Healing” – V. L. Albaugh, K. Mukherjee, A. Barbul, 4 October 2017 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  19. “Flavonoids” – Oregon State University, last checked 23 November 2022 [Oregon State University] [Archive] ↩︎
  20. “Vitamin C and Skin Health” – Oregon State University, last checked 23 November 2022 [Oregon State University] [Archive] ↩︎
  21. “The Nutrition Source – Vitamin C” – School of Public Health, March 2020 [Harvard TH Chan] [Archive] ↩︎
  22. “Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women – A Randomized Controlled Study” – D. König, S. Oesser, S. Scharla D. Zdzieblik, A. Gollhofer, 16 January 2018 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  23. “Marine Origin Collagens and Its Potential Applications” – T. H. Silva, J. Moreira-Silva, A. L. P. Marques, A. Domingues, Y. Bayon, R. L. Reis, 5 December 2014 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  24. “Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects” – S. N. A. Bukhari, N. L. Roswandi, M. Waqas, H. Habib, F. Hussain, S. Khan, M. Sohail, N. A. Ramil, H. E. Thu 7, Z. Hussain, December 2018 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎

Last Updated on 3 weeks by D&C Editorial Team

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About the Author

Matthew has been on an active journey towards living a healthy life from a young age. Influenced by his Grandmother, a practicing Naturopath who served her community from the 1940's to the 1980's, his views on living holistically were shaped from a young age. Growing up in different parts of Australia, his connection with the Ocean and a passion for sustainability comes through in everything he does and shares.

"I'm not a Doctor, and I don't play one on the Internet." - me

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