VITAL PROTEINS

Introduction

Vital Proteins was founded by Kurt Seidensticker in 2013, driven by his personal quest for better health and wellness through nutrition. Inspired by the power of collagen and its potential benefits, he aimed to create products that would help people enhance their overall well-being. The brand has grown significantly since its inception and has established a strong presence in the health and wellness sector, attracting a loyal customer base that includes fitness enthusiasts and those simply looking to improve their dietary intake.

The philosophy of Vital Proteins centers around promoting a holistic approach to health by incorporating natural ingredients and focusing on the body’s needs. The brand emphasizes the importance of quality, sourcing its collagen products from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides, and marine sources, ensuring that consumers receive a high-quality protein that aligns with their lifestyle choices. This commitment to quality and transparency resonates with customers seeking integrity in their health products.

What makes Vital Proteins stand out in the crowded wellness market is its dedication to innovation and accessibility. By offering a diverse range of products that cater to varying dietary preferences and lifestyles, the brand appeals to a wide audience. From collagen peptides to beauty products infused with collagen, the brand recognizes the importance of versatile nutrition. Its products not only support joint and skin health but also contribute to an overall sense of vitality, making it a go-to brand for many.

Signature Products

Vital Proteins offers a range of products that showcase their commitment to quality and wellness, helping define the brand's identity through effective and accessible nutrition options.

• Collagen Peptides : A versatile, flavorless powder that supports hair, skin, nails, and joint health, easily dissolvable in hot or cold beverages.
• Beauty Collagen : A blend of collagen and biotin designed to enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and overall beauty from within.
• Matcha Collagen : Combines the benefits of collagen with matcha’s antioxidant properties, promoting energy and wellness.
• Beef Gelatin : A pure protein source derived from grass-fed cattle, ideal for recipes, snacks, and maintaining healthy joints.
• Marine Collagen : Sourced from wild-caught fish, this product supports skin and hair health while providing a sustainable alternative.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Vital Proteins

• Hyaluronic Acid : This ingredient is a naturally occurring substance in the body known for its hydrating properties. It is commonly used in skincare and health products to help maintain moisture and improve skin elasticity. Vital Proteins incorporates it into their formulations to support skin hydration and overall skin health.
• Vanilla : This ingredient is a popular flavoring extracted from vanilla beans. It adds a pleasant taste and aroma to products. Vital Proteins uses vanilla in their protein powders and other supplements to enhance flavor, making it more enjoyable for consumers.
• Coconut : This ingredient comes from the fruit of the coconut palm tree and is known for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. Vital Proteins incorporates coconut into some of their products for its unique taste profile and to provide healthy fats that support overall well-being.
• Coffee : Coffee is a widely consumed beverage known for its stimulating properties due to caffeine. Vital Proteins uses coffee in their products to offer an energy boost and to appeal to coffee lovers, enhancing the flavor while providing the added benefits of caffeine.
• Gelatin : Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen and is commonly used in food products for its gelling properties. Vital Proteins utilizes gelatin in their formulations to support joint health and provide a source of collagen, which is beneficial for skin, hair, and nail health.
• Lemon : This ingredient is a citrus fruit known for its refreshing flavor and high vitamin C content. Vital Proteins incorporates lemon in some of their products to provide a zesty taste and to add nutritional benefits, including antioxidant properties.
• Milk : Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid produced by mammals, known for its calcium and protein content. Vital Proteins includes milk in certain formulations to enhance the creamy texture and to provide additional protein and essential nutrients for health benefits.
• L-theanine : This ingredient is an amino acid commonly found in tea leaves and is known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness. Vital Proteins uses l-theanine in some of their products to help support focus and calmness, making it a suitable addition for those seeking mental clarity.
• Salt : Salt is a mineral that is essential for various bodily functions, including hydration and nerve function. Vital Proteins includes salt in certain formulations to enhance flavor and balance electrolytes, contributing to overall health and taste.
• Stevia : Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It is used as a sugar substitute for those looking to reduce sugar intake. Vital Proteins incorporates stevia to provide sweetness in their products without the added calories of traditional sugars, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Vital Proteins

There are multiple sustainability and environmental issues related to the production and supply chain of these ingredients that need to be taken into consideration for improved sustainable practices and reduced environmental impact.

Biodiversity Loss:

The production of hyaluronic acid often involves the use of microorganisms like bacteria, which are cultured in controlled environments. Intensive farming and industrial biotechnology practices can lead to a reduction in local biodiversity. For example, the over-reliance on monoculture in agricultural areas dedicated to specialized crops diminishes habitat varieties, impacting the species that rely on these ecosystems.

Chemical Pollution:

In the production of hyaluronic acid, chemical solvents and other reagents may be necessary to extract and purify the acid. This can introduce pollutants into waterways and soil if waste management systems are inadequate. An illustrative case involved a biotech lab in Asia, where improper disposal led to chemical seepage into a nearby river, impacting aquatic life.

Deforestation:

Vanilla and coffee production often contribute to deforestation, as forests are cleared to make way for plantations. In Madagascar, a significant producer of vanilla, illegal logging has led to the destruction of critical rainforest regions, threatening both local communities and species. Similarly, coffee plantations in the Amazon have been linked to significant deforestation efforts that impact global carbon regulation and biodiversity.

Poor Labor Practices:

Workers involved in vanilla farming often face unsafe working conditions and unfair wages. In Madagascar, reports have surfaced about child labor and wage exploitation within the vanilla sector, pointing to a need for improved labor rights and protection policies in agricultural sectors.

High Water Usage:

Coconut cultivation often requires substantial amounts of water, particularly in drought-prone areas. For instance, the expansion of coconut farms in Indonesia has resulted in strained local water resources, affecting both community access to potable water and ecological water balance.

Pesticide Usage:

Coffee and lemon farming heavily rely on pesticides to ensure crop yields, which can lead to ecosystem imbalances and health issues for nearby communities. In Colombia, coffee plantations have been cited for pesticide runoff entering water streams, causing biodiversity loss and health concerns among villagers.

Soil Degradation:

Intensive farming practices for lemons can lead to soil depletion and erosion. In Spain, extensive citrus cultivation has resulted in significant soil erosion, which impacts agricultural viability and ecological health by limiting soil's ability to retain nutrients and support plant life.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

The milk industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from livestock digestion. The production and transport of dairy are noted for their high carbon footprints, as observed in New Zealand, where national methane emissions are primarily attributed to dairy farming.

Animal Welfare Concerns:

The production of gelatin involves using animal by-products like skin and bones. Animal welfare concerns arise in how these animals are raised and processed. Instances from various abattoirs have shown inadequate living conditions and inhumane treatment during slaughter, highlighting a need for more humane practices.

Energy-Intensive Processing:

L-theanine synthesis, used for its calming properties, often involves high-energy chemical processes. Sustainable chemistry practices are crucial to mitigating these energy demands which are necessary for large-scale production in facilities around the world, including Japan.

Habitat Disruption:

Salt mining, particularly through traditional methods or evaporating seawater, can lead to the disruption of local habitats. In parts of India, traditional salt flats are being converted into ecological reserves due to their impact on migratory birds and local vegetation.

Monoculture Farming:

The farming of stevia plants in some regions has led to monocultural practices, which can deplete soil nutrients over time and increase susceptibility to pests and diseases. Paraguayan farmers have noted that extensive stevia cultivation requires significant rotation to prevent long-term soil degradation.