The key difference between vitamin E and collagen is that vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, while collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body.
Vitamin E and collagen are two substances that are excessively used in combination for advanced skincare and cosmetic purposes. Vitamin E is a micronutrient. It has antioxidant properties. It is important for vision, reproduction, and health of the blood, brain, and skin. On the other hand, collagen is a macronutrient. People use collagen supplements to improve skin health, relieve joint pain, prevent bone loss, boost muscle mass, promote heart health, maintain proper hair and nails, gut health, brain health, and weight loss.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Vitamin E
3. What is Collagen
4. Similarities – Vitamin E and Collagen
5. Vitamin E vs Collagen in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Vitamin E vs Collagen
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from free radicals. Free radicals are produced when the human body breaks down food or when exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals play a big role in heart diseases, cancer, and other diseases. It is mainly found in food items, including vegetable oils, cereals, meats, poultry, eggs, and fruits. The other food items rich in vitamin E include canola oil, olive oil, margarine, almonds, peanuts, meats, dairy, and leafy greens. The recommended daily intake for vitamin E in adults includes 15 mg per day. Vitamin E is a nutrient that is important for vision, reproduction, and health of the blood, brain, and skin.
Figure 01: Vitamin E
Moreover, vitamin E deficiency can cause nerve pain (neuropathy). Furthermore, vitamin E therapy is suggested for Alzheimer’s disease and liver diseases. However, taking vitamin E may increase the disease progression of prostate cancer. Vitamin E is also not a good therapy for preeclampsia. The side effects of taking vitamin E may include nausea, diarrhea, intestinal cramps, fatigue, weakness, headache, blurred vision, rash, gonadal dysfunction, and increased concentration of creatine in the urine.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is a main structural protein in the extracellular matrix found in the body’s various connective tissues. Collagen accounts for 25 % to 35 % of the whole body protein content, making it the most abundant protein. Structurally, it is a triple helix of the fibril. Collagen is excessively found in the bone, tendon, cartilage, corneas, blood vessels, gut, invertebrate disc, and dentin in the teeth. Research studies state that 2.5 g to 15 g of collagen per day should be taken to enjoy its health benefits. Moreover, bone broth, eggs, meat, fish, and consuming Spirulina may improve the collagen amount in the body.
Figure 02: Collagen
Collagen may be supplemented to improve skin health, relieve joint pain, prevent bone loss, boost muscle mass, promote heart health, maintain proper hair and nails, gut health, brain health, and weight loss. Furthermore, collagen supplements may lead to mild side effects such as bloating, heartburn, and a feeling of fullness.
What are the Similarities Between Vitamin E and Collagen?
- Vitamin E and collagen are two substances that are excessively used in combination for advanced skincare and cosmetic purposes.
- Both substances are organic compounds.
- They are used as medicines to treat human diseases.
- Both substances can be boosted in the body by consuming specific foods.
- They have side effects.
What is the Difference Between Vitamin E and Collagen?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, while collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Thus, this is the key difference between vitamin E and collagen. Furthermore, the recommended daily intake for vitamin E is 15 milligrams per day, while the recommended daily intake for collagen is 2.5 to 15 grams per day.
The below infographic presents the differences between vitamin E and collagen in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Vitamin E vs Collagen
Vitamin E and collagen are two micro and macronutrients that are excessively used in the human body. In combination with each other, these substances are used for advanced skincare and cosmetic purposes. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. In contrast, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. So, this is the key difference between vitamin E and collagen.
Reference:
1. “Vitamin E: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.” WebMD.
2. Kubala, Jillian. “Collagen: Benefits, Side Effects, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Vitamin E” By Oregon State University (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr
2. “1bkv collagen 02” By © Nevit Dilmen (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia