Vital Proteins Professional is the latest line of collagen products from Vital Proteins.
A team of nutrition experts developed these cutting-edge supplements.
Each product offers tailored benefits for healthy aging. Below is my dietitian’s perspective on these new collagen peptides!
Collagen Explained
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Collagen is in your muscles, bone, hair, and ligaments. When it comes to your skin, collagen provides its structure and elasticity.
There are 16 types of this collagen peptide, however, most collagen is type I, II, or III. Type I builds skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
While Type II helps to make cartilage, the main type of connective tissue seen throughout the body. Finally, Type III aids in the creation of muscles and blood vessels.
Aging & Collagen
Aging causes collagen breakdown. You can see evidence of collagen breakdown in your wrinkles and fine lines.
These hallmarks of aging also demonstrate our inability to replenish collagen.
Collagen breakdown doesn’t just impact your skin. Loss of collagen weakens bones, making you more susceptible to breaks and fractures.
In addition, the cartilage in your joints decreases, and your muscles lose strength with the loss of collagen.
Benefits of Collagen Supplements
There is promising research on the benefits of collagen supplements.
A 2021 grouped analysis of studies showed favorable results of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation compared with placebo in terms of improved skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles.
A Review of the Effects of Collagen Treatment in Clinical Studies in 2021, deemed collagen as one of the most important supplements for aging people.
Additional advantages of collagen supplements found in this review included relieving joint pain, preventing bone loss, boosting muscle mass, and treating disease.
Diseases with potential benefits from collagen include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and GERD (better known as reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
Colostrum is another supplement that is gaining popularity. Check out this Age-Defying Dietitian blog post “Colostrum vs Collagen: Which is Better?“
Risks Associated with Collagen Supplements
Collagen has many benefits but does come with some risks. Those most susceptible are individuals with food allergies, specifically seafood, and gelatin.
Collagen supplements come from 2 sources, marine, and bovine. Marine collagen is from the skin of fish, while bovine collagen comes mainly from cows.
It is always recommended to consult with your physician prior to using collagen supplements, along with any other dietary supplements.
Vital Proteins Professional Products
This new line of collagen supplements offers three different Bioactive Collagen Complexes with targeted benefits. Each product is odorless and flavorless and dissolves in cold and hot liquids.
Keep in mind the statements below have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This is true for all dietary supplements.
1. Daily Foundational Support
Vital Proteins says this daily collagen supplement promotes skin, bone, and joint health. Daily Foundational Support is made with bovine collagen peptides.
Daily Foundational Support is different from traditional collagen supplements. It contains bioactive collagen peptides developed by nutrition experts at Vital Proteins (VERISOL®, FORTIBONE®, and FORTIGEL®).
It also provides PureWay-C™ Liposomal Vitamin C which Vital Proteins says supports collagen synthesis across tissues.
Potential Benefits of Daily Foundational Support
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Boosts skin elasticity
- Improves nail growth
- Increases hair thickness
- Increases bone mineral density and Collagen formation
- Helps maintain optimal joint mobility
- Promotes collagen synthesis
The Age-Defying Dietitian’s Review of “Daily Foundational Support”
I have been using Foundational Support in place of my usual collagen supplement, Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides.
One difference I notice is the Foundational Support is more difficult to mix than the traditional peptides. However, it is not significant and does not impact the taste of my morning tea. A little more mixing and it dissolves into the water without much difficulty.
In regards to results, I notice an improvement in my knees. Years of marathon running have left me with arthritic knees. Since starting this new Collagen supplement, I am able to do more of the high-impact exercises in my high-intensity interval training classes.
My husband says my knees do not “crackle and pop” as much when I climb stairs. Perhaps one day I can sneak up on him!
As far as my skin, I would say this is more difficult to assess. One noticeable change is my skin appears more hydrated.
Like everyone, I am aging every day. Having the skin of a 20-year-old is not my expectation, however, I hope to maintain some of my skin’s elasticity and see fewer wrinkles.
Based on the research available, I am committed to my daily Collagen Supplement!
2. Skin Hydration & Antioxidant Support
This daily supplement claims to feature a combination of clinically-backed ingredients that promote optimal skin health. It is made from bovine collagen peptides.
It dissolves in liquid, however, it does result in a light pink color when added to clear liquids. The product’s Natural Tomato Lycopene is what contributes to the pink color.
Skin Hydration & Antioxidant Support is different from collagen peptides. It contains VERISOL®, a bioactive collagen peptide developed by Vital Proteins.
In addition, it provides Holimel® Melon Juice Concentrate, LycoBeads®Natural Tomato Lycopene, LA1 probiotic, hyaluronic acid, and PureWay-C™ Liposomal Vitamin C.
Potential Benefits of “Skin Hydration & Antioxidant Support”
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Boosts skin elasticity
- Hair and nail support
- Enhances skin resilience to environmental stressors
- Boosts antioxidant expression
- Supports skin hydration
- Promotes collagen synthesis
The Age-Defying Dietitian’s Review of “Skin Hydration & Antioxidant Support”
I finished up my container of “Daily Foundational Support”, and am now using the “Skin Hydration & Antioxidant Support“. I am noticing similar benefits to the Daily Foundational Support.
When it comes to my skin, I notice I am happier with its general appearance. As mentioned above, I am not expecting to have my 20-something skin, but there is a subtle improvement.
My knees continue to be a little quieter. My husband and I started a Couch to 5k running program in early January. I notice my knees feel better than in previous attempts at resuming running.
In regards to the product itself, I liked the “Daily Foundational Support” better. The “Skin Hydration & Antioxidant Support” is much more difficult to blend. I also notice a slight change in the flavor of my morning tea.
This product contains those tiny brown flecks you sometimes see in protein powders. According to Vital Proteins, these brown flecks are a result of the product’s high-quality Vitamin C which can change color over time.
Different batches of the product will vary in regards to when these brown flecks appear, and shouldn’t change the taste or effectiveness per Vital Proteins.
Unless I notice a marked difference in my skin, I will be shifting back to the “Daily Foundational Support”.
3. Bone and Joint Support
The third and final Vital Proteins Professional product claims to promote optimal bone and joint health. Bone and Joint Support is made from bovine collagen peptides.
It is different from collagen peptides in that Bone and Joint Support contains bioactive collagen peptides (FORTIBONE® and FORTIGEL®). These peptides were designed to target bone and cartilage.
Potential Benefits of Bone and Joint Support
- Increases bone mineral density and collagen formation
- Maintains optimal joint mobility
- Supports synthesis of hyaluronic acid (a fluid found in joints that provides cushion & lubrication)
- Promotes collagen synthesis
Vital Proteins Professional in your Diet
The following are ways to incorporate collagen peptides into your diet. Adding the powder to liquids is your easiest option.
You can also get creative and add collagen peptides to different foods or recipes.
Food & Drink Collagen Pairings
- Add to water (it is flavorless & odorless)
- Mix in with your morning coffee or tea
- Blend into smoothies and shakes
- Mix into oatmeal and yogurt
Check out The Age-Defying Dietitian’s Collagen Peptides Recipes – Tropical Microgreens Smoothie with Collagen and Anti-Aging Drink with Peanut Butter & Bananas.
How to Purchase Vital Proteins Professional
You can currently purchase Vital Proteins Professional products through the Vital Proteins website.
Cost Comparison of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Cost is an important factor when adding a supplement to your wellness routine.
These products work best when taken consistently. Vital Proteins recommends daily use to support continued benefits from its products.
Vital Proteins Professional is slightly more expensive than their traditional collagen peptides. However, the additional benefits may outweigh the added cost.
A subscribe and save option is available. It offers 25% off your first order, 15% off each order after, and free shipping.
Takeaways
Collagen declines with age. The breakdown of collagen causes fine lines and wrinkles, bone loss, muscle weakening, and decreased joint cartilage.
The research findings are promising when it comes to the benefits of collagen supplementation and aging.
Vital Proteins Professional offers three enhanced collagen supplements that may provide additional health benefits beyond traditional collagen peptides.
The statements related to the benefits of Vital Proteins Professional have not been evaluated by the FDA. This is true with all dietary supplements.
The best practice is to talk to your physician before adding any dietary supplement to your wellness routine.
Check out this previous Age-Defying Dietitian blog post – Top Anti-Aging Supplements for more supplements that support healthy aging!
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Kathryn is a Registered Dietitian and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is also certified through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Weight Management. She has 20+ years of nutrition experience working in a variety of healthcare settings. Her passion is to provide evidence-based nutrition information that supports vitality and longevity!
I have not seen anywhere where it tells you what a daily dose is?
Hi Lora, a typical dose or serving size provides 20 grams of collagen. For most vital proteins collagen products this is 1 scoop per day.