What is hydrolyzed collagen?

Hydrolyzed collagen is the form of collagen you encounter most often in supplements. In powders and capsules, you'll see terms like collagen peptides, collagen hydrolysate, or brand names like Peptan and Solugel. They almost always refer to the same form.

In this article, we'll go through what hydrolyzed collagen is exactly, how it's made, and where the different forms in the collagen collection come from.

What is the difference between collagen and hydrolyzed collagen?

The difference between collagen and hydrolyzed collagen lies in the size of the protein chains. Native collagen, as it naturally occurs in animal tissues, consists of long, twisted protein chains. These are not very soluble in water and are difficult to digest in supplement form.

In hydrolyzed collagen, these long chains have already been largely broken down into shorter pieces, the so-called collagen peptides. This makes the powder dissolve well and your body absorb it more easily.

Why is hydrolyzed collagen better absorbed?

Hydrolyzed collagen is better absorbed because the peptides are smaller and therefore require less pre-processing in your digestive system. With normal proteins, including native collagen, your body must first largely break down the long chains into shorter peptides and amino acids before they can be absorbed through the intestinal wall.

With hydrolyzed collagen, a large part of that work has already been done in the production process. Solubility also plays a role. Shorter peptides dissolve more easily in water, which means hydrolyzed collagen mixes well in water, coffee, tea, and smoothies without lumps or a visible film.

Research suggests that collagen peptides can be found in the blood after ingestion, indicating that they are well absorbed from the gut. Individual results vary.

What sources does hydrolyzed collagen come from?

Hydrolyzed collagen is primarily extracted from the skin, bones, and tendons of cattle and fish, and sometimes from pigs or chickens. Each source has its own characteristics in terms of amino acid composition and application.

Bovine collagen is the most common variant on the European market. For premium brands, the raw material comes from grass-fed cattle from certified chains, without hormones and antibiotics.

Fish collagen, also called marine collagen, is extracted from the skin and bones of fish such as cod and tilapia. It has a slightly different amino acid ratio and a more neutral taste profile, which makes it suitable for both hot and cold drinks.

View the hydrolyzed collagen collection at BeatsWell

The hydrolyzed collagen collection at BeatsWell consists of carefully selected brands that are transparent about their source, origin, and production process. You will find both bovine collagen and marine collagen, in neutral powders and in variants with added vitamin C.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with questions about your health.