Is Collagen Halal?

The short answer

Collagen is a protein found in animal skin, bones and connective tissue. Like gelatin, its source decides whether it is halal. Marine collagen is halal, bovine collagen is halal only if the animal was slaughtered the zabiha way, and porcine collagen is haram.

Where does collagen come from, and which kinds are halal?

Why are most collagen supplements a problem?

Porcine collagen, from pigs, is the cheapest and most widely used kind in the supplement industry. Most bovine collagen in Western countries also comes from ordinary slaughterhouses that do not slaughter the zabiha way. So most collagen supplements in the United States and the UK are not halal unless they are specifically certified.

How can you check a collagen supplement?

• Marine collagen is the safe default.
• Halal-certified bovine collagen from zabiha cattle does exist, so look for the halal symbol.
• "Collagen peptides" with no source named is doubtful, because it often comes from pigs or from cattle that were not slaughtered the zabiha way.

What are the halal alternatives?

You can choose marine collagen or halal-certified bovine collagen. Another option is plant-based "collagen support" products. These are not collagen themselves, but they contain nutrients that help the body make its own collagen.

Common questions

Is collagen halal?

It depends on the source. Marine collagen is halal, bovine collagen is halal only if the cattle were slaughtered the zabiha way, and porcine collagen is haram.

Is marine collagen halal?

Yes. Collagen from fish is halal by default, which makes it the safest choice.

Is bovine collagen halal?

Only if the cattle were slaughtered the zabiha way and the collagen is certified. Most bovine collagen in Western countries is not.

How do I know my collagen's source?

The label should say marine, bovine or porcine. If it does not, or if it just says "collagen peptides," treat it as doubtful and look for halal certification.