Collagen has been a popular supplement in the health and wellness space for many years. Collagen has been linked to several benefits including improving the health of skin, joints, hair, and nails. Some sources even suggest that collagen can improve gut health as well.
However, terms like “collagen peptides” and “hydrolyzed collagen” are often used interchangeably. This leaves many consumers wondering about the difference between these two types of collagen, or if in fact they’re the same thing.
This article explores the science of collagen and explains if there is a difference between collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most commonly found structural protein in the human body. This protein helps provide structure and strength the many tissues throughout the body.
Role of Collagen in the Body
Collagen helps to support the structure of skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Thanks to collagen, our skin can stay elastic and hydrated. Collagen supports health joints and also strengthens hair and nails – largely why it’s been touted as a beauty supplement.
Natural Sources of Collagen in Food and Supplements
Collagen is found naturally in various foods such as in bone broth, eggs, fish, meat, and dairy products.
The body also produces collagen on its own, but the extent at which we do so lessens with age. To help support the body’s natural decline in collagen production, many people choose to supplement with collagen in addition to relying on dietary sources (1).
There are various collagen supplements on the market and it’s important to choose a high quality option that will deliver great results.
What Are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen peptides is a form of collagen that has been broken down into its most basic parts, or peptides. When collagen undergoes an enzymatic process called hydrolysis, it’s then broken down into smaller pieces called peptides.
These peptides can be more easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
Collagen peptides can come from any type of collagen whether it be from cows, fish, or chicken skin.
Key Benefits of Collagen Peptides for Health
There are a few main benefits of taking collagen peptides.
Perhaps the most notable benefit of taking collagen is to support skin health. Collagen supplements can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, boost skin elasticity, and help the skin appear more vibrant and hydrated, with a youthful glow (2).
Many people also take collagen supplements to support the health of their joints. Collagen supplements can improve cartilage and cushioning in joints and can therefore ease joint pain.
Plus, because collagen is a main structural protein in the body, it can help make hair and nails both stronger and shinier.
What Is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen is actually no different than collagen peptides. In fact, hydrolyzed collagen is just another term for collagen peptides.
It refers to collagen that has undergone hydrolysis, which means it has been broken down into smaller, more easily digested peptides.
Hydrolyzed collagen has been completely broken down making it totally soluble in water, just like collagen peptides.
Are Collagen Peptides and Hydrolyzed Collagen the Same?
As explained in the above section, collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen are the same thing.
The two terms are used interchangeably because they do in fact refer to the same product. Collagen broken down into smaller, more bioavailable peptides is referred to as either collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen.
It can sometimes be confusing when looking for a collagen supplement to take as some brands may call their product “collagen peptides” while another might refer to their collagen as “hydrolyzed collagen”. However, don’t be confused as this is simply a preference with branding and product labeling.
On a scientific level, both forms of collagen are actually the same thing and will provide the same benefit. This type of collagen is quickly absorbed by the body and will easily dissolve in liquids.
Benefits of Using Collagen Peptides or Hydrolyzed Collagen
There are several benefits of collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen.
Support for Skin Elasticity and Anti-Aging
Regularly incorporating collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen as part of your wellness routine helps to restore skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote a youthful glow.
Joint Health and Mobility
Taking collagen supplements has also been shown to reduce joint pain and may even help improve mobility by supporting cartilage repair (3).
Enhanced Digestion and Absorption
Because these forms of collagen are broken down and easily absorbed, it’s an easy supplement for digestion with minimal to no digestive side effects.
Some research suggests that taking collagen can strengthen and repair the intestinal lining, in turn reducing intestinal inflammation and potentially improving gut health.
Key Takeaways
Collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen are in fact the same product. Both terms refer to a form of collagen that is broken down into peptides, making it easy to digest and absorb.
Collagen supplements offer various health benefits including for the skin, hair, nails, joints, and gut. Incorporating collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen into your daily routine can be a way to boost your health and wellness.
While some products are labeled as "collagen peptides" and others say "hydrolyzed collagen," keep in mind that the difference is simply a result of branding word choice. Regardless of which you choose, you’re ultimately getting the same high-quality, bioavailable product.
Also Read: