Collagen peptides are easily digestible , cold-soluble and highly bioactive form of collagen. 

Although Collagen Peptides are not exactly the same as gelatin, both are Proteins , originate from collagen and are made of amino acids. To understand better what exactly collagen peptides are we will first start by explaining what collagen is and how collagen peptides differ from native collagen. 

• What is collagen?
• What are collagen peptides?

• What are the functional differences between gelatin , collagen, and collagen peptides?

What is collagen ? Collagen is basically a cement that holds it all together.

Collagen Peptides protein I Collagen peptides hydrolyzed protein 

Collagen is the body’s most important building block and it makes up approximately Thirty Percent of the proteins in our bodies. Collagen is everywhere in our body . Collagen is the key structural protein that ensures the cohesion, elasticity & regeneration of all our connective tissues, including skin, tendons, Cartilage , ligaments, and bones. In essence, collagen is strong , flexible and is the ‘glue’ that holds everything together.Collagen strengthens various body structures as well the integrity of our skin. Collagen is even a major component of our hair and nails.

Collagen Peptides Types I Types of collagen - There are many different types of collagen in our body, but  Eighty - Ninety percent of them belong to Type I, II or Type III Collagen , with the majority being Collagen Type 1 . 

Type 1 collagen fibrils have enormous tensile strength. This means these can be stretched without being broken.

Different cells in our body tissues are responsible for collagen production . The cells use specific amino acids & peptides as building blocks for the production of the large collagen helix structure. This is then organized into the strong fibers that provide structural tissue support, flexibility and the ability to withstand forces. 

Role of collagen in the body (distribution of collagen by weight ratio of dry mass)

As we age, our bodies naturally begin to produce less collagen, and the 1st signs of aging start to occur. From around the age of Thirty and accelerating in our Fourty’s , loss of collagen affects all the connective tissues. Here’s how :

Skin : As cells of the skin become less active, the collagen network that provides skin firmness and structure breaks down. Our skin becomes thinner and dehydrated , while wrinkles , lines and deep furrows start to appear. 

Bones : Turnover of Bone becomes imbalanced, with bone loss exceeding bone formation. This causes our bones to become more breakable &  fragile. 

Joints : Lower levels of collagen & other matrix components caused by aging can lead to loss of cartilage & joint function. This results in discomfort of the Joints .

Muscles : A gradual loss of muscle mass and strength of muscles caused by aging can affect our gait , balance, & overall mobility.

Aging is a natural process, but extrinsic factors – such as Ultra Violet rays , pollution or lifestyle choices – can accelerate the process and lead to premature signs of aging. 

What are collagen peptides ? 

Collagen Peptides are also commonly known as Hydrolyzed Collagen or Collagen Hydrolysate or Collagen Peptides Hydrolyzed . They are small bioactive peptides obtained by Collagen’s enzymatically hydrolysis , in other words, the breaking down of the molecular bonds between individual collagen strands to peptides. Hydrolysis reduces collagen protein fibrils of about 300 – 400kDa(kilodaltons) into smaller peptides with a molecular weight of lower than 5000Da (daltons) . 

The easily digestible and much smaller collagen peptides are produced by controlled enzymatic hydrolysis. 

What are the functional differences between gelatin , collagen, and collagen peptide ?

Gelatin is obtained by partial hydrolysis of collagen. This process of partial Hydrolysis occurs when collagen triple helices are broken down to the point where they are pulled apart into individual strands. 

Gelatin will only dissolve in hot water, & it will jellify when cooled (this gelatin is the same as you would get in the bone broth prepare at home). Because of its gelling, foaming, emulsifying and binding functionalities, gelatin is often used in culinary applications, such as, jellies, sauce,  gummy candies , thickeners etc. Gelatin also has an irreplaceable role in pharmaceutical applications, where it is often used as excipient for making hard and soft capsules. Gelatin has a molecular weight of 50kDa ( kilo daltons) .

Those individual strands of protein are broken down into small peptides of amino acids , when gelatin is hydrolyzed even further . 

Collagen peptides are Cold water soluble , highly digestible & ready to be absorbed by our bodies. 

Studies shows that over  Ninety Percent of the peptides we consume are digested & absorbed within a few hours after usage . This rapid absorption confirms an effective delivery of the essential peptides & amino acids to their site of action in our bodies. 

Collagen is a natural and ingredient available in different grades. Collagen can be found in foods, gelatin based desserts or bone broth . Its solubility, absorption and digestibility levels vary from 1  grade to another.

Native collagen is composed of large triple helix chains of amino acids and give strength to our body structure . It is not soluble. 

Typical applications of Native Collagen include collagen casings, sponges for burns/wounds, medical materials, etc. The molecular weight of native collagen is around 300 - 400kDa ( Kilodaltons) .

Collagen Peptides hydrolyzed or Collagen peptides are highly bioavailable. They act as building blocks, renewing bodily tissues, such as bones , skin and joints. It has been proposed that they may act as a messenger to the cells & trigger the synthesis and reorganization of new collagen fibers, thereby supporting our  structure of the tissues.  

Numerous scientific studies shows health benefits of collagen peptides’. Key benefit areas  include healthy aging, bone and joint health, skin beauty and sports nutrition . They are soluble in cold water and highly bioavailable and bioactive. This makes them a better option for beverages , functional foods & dietary health supplements than gelatin. They have a molecular weight of less than 5000Da (Daltons) .

The solubility, absorption & digestibility vary among different grades of collagen

 

As a bioactive protein, Collagen Peptide is highly digestible & bioavailable. It is neutral in taste &  odor and can be easily incorporated into different applications – from drinks and functional foods , such as powder drinks or nutritional bars , to dietary health supplements with little requirement for any additional reformulation of product .

Discover Health benefits of Collagen peptides I Collagen peptides benefits 

Collagen Peptides for healthy lifestyle.

Healthy aging  : Collagen peptides for aging : Staying healthy & mobile. Collagen Peptides promoting mobility, helping healthy agers to maintain physical well-being and stay active.
Bone and Joint health : Collagen Peptides for joints : Ensuring optimum bone and joint health for an active lifestyle.
Skin beauty : Collagen peptides for skin  - Fighting against visible signs of aging.Reversing skin aging by improving collagen structure from within.
Sports nutrition : Collagen peptides for sports : Enhancing athletic performance.  Collagen Peptides keeping connective tissue healthy - the key to move freely and efficiently and help prevent injuries

Click here to buy best Collagen peptides supplements I Collagen peptides for skin elasticity I Collagen peptides for joints