Collagen, often referred to as the body's ‘glue’, plays a fundamental role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of various tissues, including skin, bones, and joints.
As a result, the global collagen market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by consumer interest in products that promote youthful skin and overall wellbeing. However, traditional collagen supplements derived from animal sources – although proven to be effective – pose ethical and sustainability challenges, prompting the search for viable alternatives.
While animal collagen supplements have gained popularity for their proven benefits, they are predominantly sourced from animal-derived sources such as cow hides, fish scales, chicken sternum or similar animal by-products. This reliance on animal products raises ethical concerns related to animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The growing consumer demand for collagen is also challenging the supply chain with increasing voices to reduce cattle and fish production.
Additionally, traditional collagen supplements may not be suitable for individuals following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, limiting their accessibility and market appeal. In response to this demand, VeCollal® emerges as a pioneering solution, offering a vegan-friendly alternative supported by scientific research and innovation.
Understanding collagen and its importance
Before delving into VeCollal®'s innovative approach, it's essential to understand the significance of collagen in the human body. Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, constituting a significant portion of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and skin.
It provides structural support, elasticity, and strength to these tissues, contributing to their overall health and function. With age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to common signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint stiffness.
There are 28 different types of collagen, with Type 1 being the most abundant as it makes up 90% of the body’s collagen. Type 1 provides structure to the skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Type 2 collagen is found in elastic cartilage, which provides joint support.
The vegan alternative to collagen
VeCollal® represents innovation in the field of collagen supplementation, offering a vegan-friendly, highly effective alternative that addresses the limitations of traditional animal-derived collagen.
Developed through advanced biomimetic technology, it mimics the amino acid profile and function of human collagen types, providing an effective and sustainable solution for individuals seeking to support their skin, joints, and overall wellbeing.
The biomimetic amino acid profile supplies perfect building blocks for targeted collagen tissue, but VeCollal® also targets gene expression through the use of carefully selected ‘inductors’ – herbal extracts that stimulate collagen production.
The use of these inductors mimics the functioning of animal collagen peptides in the human body, replacing the peptides signalling function by vegan herbal extracts, as illustrated in the video below.
VeCollal® is not considered a genetically engineered novel food, and is commercially available in various territories worldwide, such as the US, EU, UK, Australia, Middle East and India. Various formats are available, including powders, liquids, gels, tablets and effervescent tablets.
Scientific backing and clinical trials
The development of VeCollal® is grounded in rigorous scientific research and clinical trials, providing substantial evidence of its efficacy and benefits.
The combined efforts of Dr Josue Jimenez Vazquez, biomaterials expert, and the research capabilities of TCI Biotech produced the VeCollal® range that is deeply rooted in science and brings scientific validation to a market often flooded with dubious products that excel in marketing but have little science behind them.
After several human pilot trials, a peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled and a randomized clinical trial including 90 subjects was recently published in the Journal of Functional Foods.1 The study showed significant improvements in all aspects of skin appearance, from collagen density over hydration, pores and elasticity to wrinkles, demonstrating VeCollal®'s positive effects on human skin physiology and its ability to promote skin health and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and visible signs of aging, thereby showcasing its potential as a valuable addition to skincare regimens.
Unmatched wrinkle reduction
One of the most remarkable findings from the peer-reviewed clinical trial is VeCollal®'s ability to reduce wrinkles by 32.9% within just eight weeks, with a daily dosage of only 5g. This significant reduction in wrinkle severity surpasses the outcomes observed in comparable studies involving traditional animal-derived collagen supplements.
The rapid and noticeable improvements in skin texture and appearance demonstrate its effectiveness in addressing common signs of aging, and established VeCollal® as a top performing cosmeceutical across the board.
In a comparison with 15 published studies, VeCollal® was top-of-class after four weeks for the reduction of wrinkles, giving consumers a fast visible result, likely due to the small molecule size of VeCollal®, ensuring rapid absorption and results.
Innovations in joint and bone health
Building upon its success in skincare, VeCollal® has expanded its product line to include VeCollal® Type 2, specifically formulated to support joint and bone health. Preliminary clinical trials have shown extremely promising results, indicating VeCollal® Type 2's potential to alleviate joint pain and improve mobility in individuals with conditions such as arthritis. This expansion underscores VeCollal®'s versatility and commitment to addressing diverse health needs.
Sustainability and ethics
In addition to its efficacy, VeCollal® prioritizes sustainability and ethical sourcing throughout its production process. By utilizing plant-based ingredients and minimizing environmental impact, it offers a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional collagen supplements. The carbon footprint is only 15% of that of bovine collagen, using materials such as sugar cane to ferment the necessary amino acids. Furthermore, its vegan-friendly formulation aligns with ethical and religious considerations, making it accessible to a broader audience of conscientious consumers.
Role of Artificial Intelligence
VeCollal® leverages cutting-edge technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to optimize its formulation and enhance its effectiveness. By identifying specific genes involved in collagen production, VeCollal® ensures that its products stimulate natural collagen synthesis, resulting in more significant and long-lasting benefits for users. This integration of AI exemplifies its commitment to innovation and staying at the forefront of scientific advancements in skincare and wellness.
AI is also used to suggest additional actives in VeCollal® formulations to target specific desired outcomes, such as acne reduction.
A sustainable and effective collagen supplement
VeCollal® represents a paradigm shift in the collagen supplement industry, offering a sustainable, effective, and ethically-sourced alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. Supported by scientific research and clinical evidence, its ability to promote skin health, reduce wrinkles, and support joint function highlights its potential as a game-changer in the field of nutraceuticals.
Furthermore, its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing underscores VeCollal®'s dedication to promote holistic wellbeing while minimizing its environmental footprint. As consumer preferences continue to evolve towards more ethical and sustainable choices, VeCollal® stands poised to lead the way, setting new standards for excellence in collagen supplementation.
Are you interested in learning more about the science behind VeCollal®? Download the whitepaper here or email info@vecollal.eu.
References
1. Lin, Y-K.; Liang, C-H.; Yung-Hsiang Lin, Y-H.; et al. (2024). Oral supplementation of vegan collagen biomimetic has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 112.
Additional references
1. VeCollal®. VeCollal Biomimetics.
2. TCI Group. Group Beauty & Wellness Contract Manufacturer.