Age is the name of a silent battle going on inside our bodies. The collagen front is one of the most significant parts of this battle. Your body quickly loses collagen as you get older, threatening the suppleness of your skin, the strength of your joints, and the vitality of your internal organs.
The body stores collagen reserves for emergencies. When we lose weight, experience stress, fall ill, or sustain an injury, the body uses those reserves to heal. In this challenging situation, however, we can use hydrolyzed collagen to compensate for these losses.
In this article, we've explored the differences between hydrolyzed and regular collagen, addressing the specific benefits this powerful supplement offers for skin health, joint support, and overall well-being. Additionally, we'll provide guidance on selecting the right product for your needs and discuss how to seamlessly integrate hydrolyzed collagen into your diet or wellness regimen, ensuring you maximize its potential and navigate the path to revitalizing your health.
What is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen that has been broken down into smaller pieces and transformed into an absorbable state by the intestines. It can be produced in gel, powder, or liquid form following the procedure. Hydroxylation also allows for the production of every type of collagen, including Type-, Type-2, Type-3, hydrolyzed bovine collagen, and every other type of collagen.
The collagen synthesis consists of 3 stages. The processes are as follows:
1. Heating of the Collagen:
Heating initiates the hydrolyzing process, transforming collagen into a gel-like consistency. The temperatures and durations necessary for this procedure fluctuate based on the specific type of collagen. Type-2 collagen necessitates comparatively elevated temperatures, whereas Type-1 and Type-3 collagen require lower temperatures and periods. When collagen is heated, a process known as denaturation occurs, causing the peptide bonds in the protein to disintegrate.
2. Hydrolysis Process:
Hydrolysis is the process by which collagen peptides are broken into smaller fragments. Here are 2 distinct strategies that can be used.
Acidic Hydrolysis: Acidic hydrolysis is the process of breaking down collagen peptides using hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid.
Enzymic Hydrolysis: Enzymic hydrolysis is a method in which enzymes such as pepsin, trypsin, and alkaline proteases are used to break down collagen peptides. Enzymatic hydrolysis takes longer and costs more than acetic hydrolysis because it is a biological process.\
3. Processing and Purification Phase:
Acids or enzymes break down hydrolyzed collagen peptides, dissolve them, balance their pH, and filter or centrifuge out any non-soluble contaminants. Purification techniques like ultrafiltration and dialysis can remove ions and small molecules. The next step is to concentrate and dry the collagen solution by vacuum evaporation or freeze drying, also known as lyophilization. Depending on its use, the finished product might take on a variety of forms during drying, including hydrolyzed collagen powder, granules, pills, or liquid.
Collagen hydrolyzed begins to react quickly, according to the Journal of Clinical Medicine[1]. The study concluded that hydrolyzed collagen has the following effects on the human organism: The findings reveal that after 1 week of use for skin hydration and 8 weeks for skin elasticity and face configuration, the collagen peptides showed noticeable results.
4. Regular Collagen vs. Hydrolyzed Collagen: Key Differences
Hydrolyzed collagen offers different benefits than regular collagen. Although both types of collagen are produced from the same sources, the intestines absorb hydrolyzed collagen more readily.
Hydrolyzed collagen is made by breaking down collagen peptides with enzymes or acids and heat. Compared to unprocessed collagen peptides vs hydrolyzed collagen is more quickly absorbed by the intestines. This offers varied benefits. On the other hand, the standard collagen supplements can help digest food. However, these types may be digested more easily in smaller amounts on an empty stomach. Standard collagen can improve joint function, especially when used for joints.
Due to its rapid digestion and larger dosage, hydrolyzed collagen is easier to include in daily life. Hydrolyzed collagen works well in soft tissues like skin for immediate results. The table below details the differences between hydrolyzed collagen vs collagen peptides.
| Feature | Hydrolyzed Collagen | Regular Collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Structure | Smaller peptides (broken down by enzymes or acids) | Larger protein molecules |
| Absorption Rate | Faster absorption due to smaller size | Slower absorption compared to hydrolyzed collagen |
| Digestion | Easily digested by the body | May require more time to digest, especially when consumed in larger quantities |
| Usage | Can be added to various foods and beverages, suitable for daily supplementation | Often used in cooking and culinary applications |
| Ideal Use Cases | Skin health, hair, nails, overall well-being, quick results | Joint health, gut health, gradual improvements |
| Benefits | Improved skin elasticity, reduced wrinkles, enhanced nail strength, supports muscle recovery | May support joint lubrication and gut health, and provide a steady supply of amino acids |
| Considerations | May be more expensive, potential for allergies | May require more preparation time and may not be as versatile |
How to Choose the Best Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplement?
Here are the 4 considerations that should guide your selection of a hydrolyzed collagen supplement.
Ingredient
Collagen is usually of bovine, porcine, chicken, fish, or plant origin. Fish-derived collagen is the most recommended type for skin health. When choosing a hydrolyzed collagen supplement, products with no or as few additives (such as colorants, artificial flavors, and preservatives) should be preferred. In the case of marine collagen, you should prefer collagen peptides derived from wild-caught fish, which are considered safer and more natural than collagen derived from farmed fish. Similarly, if you are going to use collagen from chicken or beef, go with the kind that was raised in the wild.
Transparency
All components of a collagen supplement, including its production methods and sources, must be clearly identified. The production process should be transparent, and the information on the product label must be clear. Quality products come from brands that adhere to high production standards and implement strict quality control procedures. Be mindful of labels and any warnings regarding additives used in the production process, and ensure that the product is pure.
Certification
To check whether the product comes from a trusted brand and meets the manufacturing process standards, you need to examine the certifications. If the product has certifications such as ISO, the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), and the College of American Pathologists (CAP), this indicates the quality and reliability of the product.
Peptide Concentration
When selecting a hydrolyzed collagen supplement, one crucial factor to consider is the peptide concentration. Peptides are the smaller chains of amino acids that are derived from collagen, and their concentration can significantly impact the effectiveness of the supplement.
A higher peptide concentration often indicates a more potent product, which may lead to better absorption and enhanced benefits for skin elasticity, joint health, and overall vitality. It's essential to look for products that provide clear information about their peptide content, often measured in grams per serving. The dosage significantly impacts the efficacy of collagen supplements. The dosage may vary from product to product and should be indicated on the product label. It is best to look for products that recommend a daily dosage of 5-10 grams.
Additionally, consider the sources of collagen, as those derived from grass-fed bovine or wild-caught marine sources may offer superior bioavailability and quality. Balancing peptide concentration with other aspects like purity and source will help you choose a supplement that best meets your health goals.
What are the Benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen?
There is a vast array of applications for hydrolyzed collagen due to its rapid action. The ability of the intestine to quickly absorb this form of collagen is its main benefit. These hydrolyzed collagen supplements can effectively and quickly restore collagen in any place that needs it. Hydrolyzed collagen has several advantages, and it could take a lot more than this article to cover them all. For the simple reason that hydrolyzed collagen is helpful in nearly every area of the body. In this regard, hydrolyzed collagen shines in areas where you desire immediate improvements.
Here are the 5 most important hydrolyzed collagen benefits:
Eliminating Skin Issues:
Hydrolyzed collagen satisfies the skin's collagen requirements while also maintaining the skin's ideal moisture balance, resulting in moist and soft skin. 120 healthy women administered hydrolyzed collagen, which effectively reduced the appearance of wrinkles after only 8 weeks of use, according to the Journal of Medicine [3].
Joint Disorders:
Hydrolyzed collagen from poultry is often used to treat joint pain and improve the joints healths of athletes. It is often combined with Type-2 collagen supplements.
Coping with Stress:
When we are stressed or fatigued, our bodies consume the most amino acid, glycine. In such challenging situations, our bodies rely on collagen storage for glycine. We can swiftly replenish this loss with hydrolyzed collagen.
Sleep Irregularities:
Sleep disorders can also result from a collagen deficit. To solve this problem, you should regularly take a type-1 hydrolyzed collagen supplement before bed.
Bowel Problems:
Hydrolyzed collagen can strengthen the intestines. Those with leaky gut issues might greatly benefit from taking collagen supplements.
These are not the only benefits of hydrolyzed collagen. Supplements can help inhibit hydrogen peroxide and prevent hair graying. They can also help you feel less worn out and more energized. Furthermore, utilizing hydrolyzed collagen during weight loss can help avoid potential complications. Hydrolyzed collagen is also effective in disorders that cause heart troubles, such as mdar set, in the healing process. Patients also report the effect of a hydrolyzed collagen-based supplement on wound healing.
What are the Sources of Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Animal sources, such as poultry cattle, generate hydrolyzed collagen, just like conventional collagen. However, as the hydrolysis process requires heat treatment, the stability values of the generated collagen could vary. Now we see that collagen from chicken and cow, among other animals, has relatively higher stability values than marine collagen, which is lower.
What is The Recommended Daily Dosage of Hydrolyzed Collagen?
The bare minimum amount of daily dosage of collagen is 2.2.5 grams per day. But this is the typical amount we lose every day. This is the very minimum required to halt the present collagen loss. To get the most out of collagen supplements, experts recommend taking 15 grams per day. On the other hand, athletes should consume a collagen supplement that contains twenty grams of the substance.
Consuming collagen in small amounts does not pose any risk to healthy individuals. Your intestines will expel any collagen they cannot absorb.
It is worth looking at the results that other customers have gotten from the collagen supplement you are thinking of purchasing to ensure that it is effective and safe to use. In any case, bear in mind that collagen typically takes three months to begin showing effects on skin and soft tissues. For joint problems, the results of collagen treatment might not be noticeable for up to a year. The collagen brand may not be right for you if you do not observe improvements within this time frame. On the other hand, to find the best collagen supplement for your needs, you should examine its individual components.
SOURCES
[1,2,3] Demir-Dora, D.; Ozsoy, U.; Yildirim, Y.; Yilmaz, O.; Aytac, P.; Yilmaz, B.; Dogan Kurtoglu, E.; Akman, A.; Tezman, S.; Inaloz, H.S.; et al. The Efficacy and Safety of CollaSel Pro® Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptide Supplementation without Addons in Improving Skin Health in Adult Females: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study Using Biophysical and Skin Imaging Techniques. J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 5370.
