what is gelatin made out of

Gelatin is a flavorless, colorless, jelly-like substance that is commonly used as a thickening and gelling agent in soups, broths, sauces, gummy candies, marshmallows, cosmetics, and medications. It is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. Gelatin is usually obtained from cows or pigs, but it can also be made from fish by-products. During the process of hydrolysis, some of the bonds between and within component proteins are broken down, and the resulting product is gelatin. Gelatin is not vegan or vegetarian, but there are vegan and vegetarian substitutes available in some areas.