9 Best Vegan Collagen Supplements UK 2022 | Swisse, Sunwarrior and More

Collagen is a protein found throughout the body that plays a very important part in maintaining our hair, skin, muscles, joints and bones. 

Many people choose to take collagen supplements for anti-ageing purposes, as well as to improve their general health and reduce recovery time. As collagen can be broken down and reabsorbed, it's thought that taking these supplements will increase the levels present in our bodies.

However, most of the products on the market contain collagen derived from animals and fish, making them unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. Instead, vegan supplements contain plant-based vitamins and minerals that promote the natural production of collagen within our cells.

We're here to help you choose a vegan collagen supplement that works for your lifestyle and needs. From the types of plant-based collagen available online to the method by which they should be taken, read on for our top tips!

Want to try incorporating a vegan collagen supplement into your daily routine but not sure where to start? Here are some of the key plant-based ingredients to look for and their main properties.

Vitamin C might just be the most important ingredient to look for when choosing a vegan collagen supplement! It promotes the production of collagen and protects your skin from UV damage. Although your body already produces it naturally, a supplement can really help to boost the levels.

If you're looking to encourage your skin to heal after an injury or improve the appearance of acne lesions and scars, seek out supplements that contain zinc. Zinc is mostly present in the outer layer of our skin and keeps cell walls stable as they divide — so it's a vital part of the healing process.

Even if your supplement doesn't explicitly state vitamin C or zinc on the ingredients list, these elements may be present in the form of concentrated fruits and vegetables included in the product. These include citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach and other dark, leafy greens.

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that can be a valuable addition to your supplement, even though it doesn't contain collagen. This is because it's rich in nutrients uch as vitamins A and K, copper and iron. 

If you're looking to improve your recovery time from sports and decrease muscle fatigue, opt for a vegan collagen supplement with added spirulina. Oxidative damage is one of the factors that contributes to us feeling tired and achy after working out, so spirulina's antioxidant properties will keep you going for longer!

Amino acids are vital for maintaining many processes within the body; for example, they're needed to build proteins and synthesise hormones. There are various different types of helpful amino acids, but glycine, lysine and proline are the three most important ones for collagen production.

These three amino acids work in a similar way to collagen, as they're thought to aid in cultivating and sustaining healthy connective tissue. Luckily, they can be derived from plant-based sources such as legumes, seeds and nuts, so are often added to vegan supplements.

As with any dietary supplement, you won't be able to see the benefits of a vegan collagen product if you aren't consistent with taking it. That's why it's important to find the type of supplement that works for you, so that it'll be easy to fit into your daily routine.

It's common to find vegan collagen sold in powder form — this is not only the most cost-effective option but also the most readily absorbed type of collagen. If you find it difficult to swallow capsules, you might prefer powder as it can be added to food and drinks. Similarly, collagen-containing liquids and gels are an easy addition to smoothies, juices or your morning coffee.

On the other hand, capsules are by far the most convenient type of collagen as no preparation is needed. They're mess-free and can be taken on the go or while travelling, as long as you have a bottle of water to hand. However, you may want to check the recommended dosage and number of capsules per pack to ensure that they're good value for money.

Lastly, collagen gummies are a fun alternative to pills and capsules. Since gummies can be chewed rather than swallowed, they may be better for those with digestive issues as they're easier for the stomach to break down. Plus, they tend to come in tasty fruit flavours!

Now that you know more about the various types of collagen-boosting supplements available, it's time for our ranking of the best vegan products in the UK. Whether you're looking to improve sports recovery or maintain youthful skin, there's something out there for you!

It's never a bad idea to start thinking about your health, so why not check out our other supplement recommendations? We've done all the research for you — you can simply read our reviews and decide which product sounds right for your lifestyle.

If you've been wanting to try vegan collagen, we hope this article has helped you to decide which one to go for. For the best results, make sure you take your supplements alongside a balanced plant-based diet and always consult your GP if you have any queries or concerns. Thanks for reading!