Vital Proteins Review

Collagen peptides have been a staple in people’s supplement routines for years, and Vital Proteins packs them in alongside hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Can it genuinely reduce fine lines and wrinkles? Does it truly improve hair, skin, and nails? We dug through the research to find out.

What Is Collagen Peptides?

Vital Proteins offers dietary supplements in powder, capsule, and gummy forms, with powders spanning unflavored, vanilla, strawberry lemon, greens, and more. The brand also sells a collagen creamer for hot drinks, plus water, beverages, protein bars, and pre/post-workout supplements.

• Department of Dermatology: collagen peptides genuinely modulate skin function and support treatment of aging skin.
• National Library of Medicine: hyaluronic acid genuinely helps manage bodily inflammation.
• Department of Pathology: vitamin C genuinely plays a key role in stimulating collagen production.

Who Makes Vital Proteins?

Founded in 2013 by Kurt Seidensticker in Chicago, Vital Proteins built its mission around whole-food-based collagen nutrition for overall health and longevity. Seidensticker, a former NASA space exploration designer turned fiber optic network innovator, grew the company into the US’s leading collagen brand within six years, offering supplements, vitamins, and food/beverage products.

In 2020, Nestlé Health Science acquired a majority stake, finalizing full ownership by 2022. The company remains headquartered in Chicago, now led by CEO Tracey Halama (formerly Chief Revenue Officer and President), who succeeded Seidensticker.

Vital Proteins Customer Service

• Phone: (224) 544-9110, 9am-5pm weekdays
• Email: info@vitalproteins.com
• Address: 3400 Wolf Rd, Franklin Park, IL 60131

Other Vital Proteins Products

• Protein Powder: bovine collagen peptides, tapioca dextrose, cocoa powder, stevia leaf
• Protein Bar: 20g protein including collagen
• Pre: coffee fruit extract, collagen peptides, arginine nitrate, and more
• Recover: collagen peptides, L-glutamine, taurine, EAA blend
• Immune Support Gummies: vitamins D3/C, zinc, selenium, ginger
• Collagen Creamer: flavored, for hot or cold drinks

The BBB File

Vital Proteins isn’t BBB-accredited but holds an A+ rating, with 57 complaints closed over three years (10 in the past year). Customer reviews tell a different story, averaging just 1.09/5 stars across 34 reviews.

Vital Proteins’ Claims

Marketed to improve hair, skin, nail, joint, and tendon health, with the creamer specifically promising better skin elasticity and a youthful look. Pre/post-workout supplements claim long-lasting energy, functionality, and faster recovery.

Vital Proteins Ingredients

Performance Protein Powder: milk protein isolate, bovine collagen peptides.

Performance Pre: collagen peptides, BCAA blend, L-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, creatine nitrate, arginine nitrate, N-acetyl L-carnitine, AlphaSize, elevATP, caffeine.

Performance Recover: collagen peptides, L-glutamine, taurine, EAA blend.

The three headline ingredients across the line remain vitamin C, collagen peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

Do Vital Proteins Products Actually Work?

Per the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vitamin C genuinely supports cardiovascular health. Per the Department of Pathology, vitamin C genuinely stimulates collagen synthesis and may help shield skin from UV damage. Per the Journal of Cosmetics, bovine collagen peptides may genuinely improve skin hydration and elasticity. Per the Institute for Environmental Medicine, hyaluronic acid may genuinely boost skin hydration and collagen production in women. And the Department of Dermatology found genuinely significant skin improvement after 8 weeks of collagen supplementation.

Vital Proteins and Weight Loss

These products aren’t designed for weight loss directly, but they may genuinely help indirectly by supporting fullness, which can reduce binge eating. Protein broadly also genuinely supports metabolism — the pre/post-workout formulas may boost metabolic rate and support weight loss when paired with regular exercise.

Vital Proteins Side Effects

• Bloating
• Facial rashes
• Upset stomach

How to Use Vital Proteins

Easily mixed into hot or cold beverages, or stirred into puddings, soups, and dressings. Jennifer Aniston, a well-known advocate, reportedly mixes it into her morning coffee or smoothie.

Cost and Where to Buy

Available directly online, plus Costco, Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Rite Aid. A 10oz protein container runs $27, with subscription discounts available.

Vital Proteins Coupons and Discounts

The official site offers a 25% discount, free shipping, and free samples for new customers. Third-party coupon codes range 15-35%, though we can’t verify all of them.

Lawsuits and Legal Actions

In 2019, the BBB’s National Advertising Division requested Vital Proteins stop claiming its 10g “on the go” collagen sticks provided significant anti-aging and joint health benefits. The company disagreed with the request but agreed to drop the “on the go” terminology and related claims.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Gluten- and dairy-free
• Mixes easily into hot or cold foods/drinks
• Sourced from grass-fed cows
• Unflavored option available

Cons:

• Can get pricey
• Not vegan

Bottom Line on Vital Proteins

Vital Proteins offers genuinely solid gluten-free, dairy-free supplements with meaningful protein per serving, and its ingredients carry real research support for various health processes — weight loss, however, sits far down the list of genuine benefits.

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