Deciding between collagen and collagen peptides? We’ll tell you what’s best

Shopping for health products can be stressful, especially when it comes to collagen. There are countless options on store shelves and online stores, all claiming to be the best. So how do you know what’s actually worth your money? Let’s break it down.

Collagen is the building block of the body and is essential in it Building skin, bones and connective tissue. This protein keeps your skin glowing, your bones strong, and your joints moving smoothly. But here’s the thing: as we age, it becomes second nature Natural collagen production slows downOur collagen already begins to break down. That’s why many people turn to diet changes and supplements to give their bodies a collagen boost. However, before you jump in, it’s important to understand the difference between collagen and collagen peptides — because, yes, there is a difference. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein produced by our bodies. It is made of three chains of amino acids arranged in a helical pattern found in muscles, tendons, cartilage, skin, and bones. The amino acid glycine is found in most collagen chainswith proline and hydroxyproline also commonly present. Beyond being an essential building block, collagen is more specifically beneficial for things like tissue repair and a healthy immune response.

There are 28 types of collagen We know. Among these many types of collagen in the body, The first and third types They constitute a large majority. As we age, our collagen breaks down more quickly, and the body becomes less efficient at producing more. (This is one of the contributing factors to skin aging.) Other factors that contribute to low collagen include smoking, environmental pollution, excessive alcohol intake, and nutrient deficiencies.

What does collagen do?

As we age, our collagen degrades at a faster rate, exacerbated by decreased production, so it’s important to be mindful of our collagen intake. While this is important for overall body health, there are many specific benefits that people may seek. For example, Healthy collagen levels help maintain healthy hair, skin, bones and joints. However, more research is needed to understand how to do this Collagen supplements effectively help in tissue repair.

Strings depend on Collagen for strength and durability It can weaken as we age. Taking nutritional supplements may help strengthen tendons and other parts of the joints. Collagen also makes up a large portion of our bone massPeople often lose bone mass at an older age. In some cases, increasing your collagen intake through supplements may help alleviate this.

What are collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides, also known as Hydrolyzed collagenare bits of animal-derived collagen that are broken down through a process called hydrolysis. when Collagen is hydrolyzedIt becomes more bioavailable – the body becomes more efficient at absorbing it.

Collagen peptides help produce new collagen proteins and repair existing ones. While comprehensive research into these supplements is relatively new, studies are beginning to produce promising results. For example, this study found that collagen peptide supplements can contribute Improvements in several attributes of skin health.

What do collagen peptides do?

There are many suspected benefits of collagen peptide supplements, although only a few have been seriously researched. Among those capabilities Benefits include improvements to aging skin and osteoporosis. Although these peptides are mostly consumed to repair damaged collagen, these supplements may also help with other health issues such as:

What is the difference between collagen and collagen peptides?

One of the main differences between collagen and collagen peptides is that one is a hydrolyzed form of the other. Collagen peptides are manufactured by breaking down animal collagen through hydrolysis. So, while collagen is a complete protein, collagen peptides are parts of that protein.

Whole collagen is difficult for the body to digest or absorb, while collagen peptides are significantly easier for the body to access. When you take a complete collagen supplement, your body will only be able to use a small portion of it compared to a collagen peptide supplement. This difference in bioavailability is the driving force behind collagen peptides as a collagen alternative.

It is important to emphasize that the value of collagen peptides lies in their ability to help the body repair or produce collagen. So, while collagen peptides may be a good way to get there, the ultimate goal is complete, healthy collagen.

Which is better: collagen or collagen peptides?

Although the ultimate goal may be collagen, the best way to reach it may be through collagen peptides. Due to the low bioavailability of collagen and the relatively high bioavailability of collagen peptides, the latter may be more beneficial for people looking to reap the benefits.

While more research is needed to determine the full range of benefits offered by collagen and collagen peptide supplements, preliminary evidence appears to support the use of collagen peptides. However, it is important to remember that there are different types of collagen and supplements come in different forms.

Types of collagen supplements and collagen peptides

Collagen peptides reflect the type of collagen used to make them. Bovine and marine collagen are two examples of common sources of collagen used to make collagen peptide supplements. Both sources provide an abundant amount of type I collagen, while bovine also provides a significant amount of type III.

Collagen is collected from different animalswith cattle, pork, poultry, and marine animals being among the most common sources. Once extracted, collagen can be made directly into collagen supplements, broken down into collagen peptides or partially broken down into gelatin.

Collagen supplements and collagen peptides can be found in powder, pill, and liquid forms. Each contains collagen or its fragmented parts. The pills are often the same as the powder form but are placed inside a pill capsule. However, there is some difference between powder and liquid. The powder tends to contain a higher concentration of collagen or peptides.

Meanwhile, liquid forms often claim higher rates of bioavailability but at lower concentrations. Ultimately, choice is a matter of preference, but if one type of supplement doesn’t produce results, you may have success with another.