Collagen is a protein found naturally in animal flesh, like meat and fish, which contains connective tissue. Although some people might think of vegan collagen, there's currently no such thing. All collagen sources are animal-based.
Where collagen comes from:
- Bovine (cow): A common source, collagen is often extracted from the hide, tendons, and bones of cows.
- Porcine (pig): Another frequent source of collagen.
- Marine (fish): Collagen extracted from fish is becoming increasingly popular.
Why sourcing matters:
- Quality and purity: The quality of the collagen can vary depending on the source and how it's processed.
- Ethical considerations: Some people prefer to choose collagen sources that are ethically sourced, meaning the animals were raised humanely and the process was environmentally friendly.
- Allergens: People with allergies to certain animals need to be mindful of the source of their collagen supplements.
