The latest beauty and vitamin fad is collagen – seen everywhere from bone broths to dietary powders.
But is the latest wellness fad coming at a cost?
Collagen, an ingredient in some of the most popular health supplements, has been garnering global recognition in recent years. However, a new investigation conducted by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism found its sourcing to be linked to illegal deforestation as well as the invasion of Indigenous lands. According to the report, tens of thousands of cattle have been raised on farms that are damaging tropical forests in order to produce the viral supplement.
Demand for collagen continues to skyrocket. Why?
What is collagen and why is it so popular in the beauty industry?
Collagen is a protein naturally produced in our bodies but can also be extracted from fish, pigs and cattle. Some of its benefits include skin elasticity, hydration, firmness and smoothness.
Over time, however, our bodies naturally produce less collagen during the aging process, which is why people often turn to collagen supplements in the form of capsules, gummies, liquids or powders.
Research has supported its benefits on skin elasticity and moisture as well as joint health, but Dr. Michael Daignault, a board-certified ER doctor in Los Angeles, previously explained to USA TODAY that these studies tend to be “funded by industries that stand to benefit from the research.” Additionally, collagen powders, which are considered to be dietary supplements, are not FDA approved.
How is collagen production linked to deforestation?
Collagen is booming in popularity, but a new investigation published Tuesday found that major companies, such as Vital Proteins and Darling Ingredients, are sourcing collagen from Brazilian cattle farms linked to deforestation and the displacement of Indigenous communities. It is unclear how much of this deforestation is linked to Vital Proteins or Darling Ingredients.
Since the investigation, Vital Proteins owner Nestlé said in a statement to USA TODAY that “the allegations raised are not in line with its commitment to responsible sourcing” and confirmed that “collagen from the BluBrasil tannery will no longer enter its supply chain.” It added that it is taking steps to ensure its products are deforestation-free by 2025. Darling Ingredients also said the company and its subsidiary Rousselot will “monitor their suppliers and remove those that don’t meet responsible sourcing criteria” in a statement to USA TODAY.
“We stand by our commitment to sourcing raw materials responsibly and sustainably,” it added.
The report also found that the production of collagen has impacted Indigenous communities in Brazil.
“Cattle farming and the production of collagen is intrinsically linked to tropical forest loss and the displacement of Indigenous communities, yet the companies profiting from it are left to operate virtually unchecked,” said Elisângela Mendonça, reporter at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.
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