What is hydrolyzed collagen, and what is it used for?

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Learn about all the health benefits of consuming a hydrolyzed collagen supplement.

Collagen is one of the most abundant components in our body. It provides strength and elasticity to tissues, impacting the health of skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, among others.

Our body manufactures this protein naturally, but collagen production decreases as the years go by. Collagen levels peak at about age 20; then the collagen fibers in all connective tissues slowly begin to deteriorate, affecting our health in various ways:

  • The skin becomes thinner and dehydrated and shows fine lines, wrinkles, and deep marks.
  • Bones begin to lose their natural balance, which means there begins to be a reduction in bone formation, making the bone structure increasingly fragile and easy to break.
  • Cartilage and joints degrade, increasing the risk of suffering malfunction or injury.
  • Hair and nails become more fragile.

Because of this, experts recommend the incorporation of collagen into our diet. And although this protein is present in different foods of animal origin, the most effective way to consume it and ensure its absorption in the body is through a hydrolyzed collagen supplement.

What is hydrolyzed collagen?

Hydrolyzed collagen is natural collagen fractured into small chains of amino acids to facilitate absorption and digestion. These chains or collagen peptides allow our body to take full advantage of the benefits of this protein, improving the health of skin, bone and joint tissues.

Several studies have shown that 90% of hydrolyzed collagen is digested and absorbed within a few hours of ingestion.

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements contain collagen and other ingredients with specific benefits, Giovegen Skin (for skincare) or Giovegen Flex (to strengthen joints). This combination also enhances tissue health by adding other essential components such as vitamin C, zinc and magnesium to the benefits of collagen.

Benefits of hydrolyzed collagen for skin health.

Collagen is a crucial component of skin structure. Collagen fibers provide the infrastructure for elastin, which maintains skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid, which retains moisture.

As we age, the number and activity of collagen-producing cells decrease. Consequently, the skin loses moisture and becomes thinner, as the collagen network that provides firmness to the skin structure begins to break down.

The consumption of hydrolyzed collagen prevents skin deterioration, maintaining the health of the tissues that form its structure. As a result, the skin remains firm and hydrated, avoiding the appearance or accentuation of lines, wrinkles and deep marks.

A recent clinical study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology demonstrated that the consumption of collagen peptides effectively improves skin density and hydration.

Hydrolyzed collagen and bone health.

Collagen represents about 90% of the organic bone mass and provides flexibility for calcium to be absorbed, offering greater strength to the bones. As a result, when collagen levels decrease, there is a gradual reduction in bone density, resulting in bones being more fragile.

Different researchers have studied how the consumption of a collagen supplement contributes to bone metabolism. In general, the results show that hydrolyzed collagen stimulates the regeneration of collagenous tistissues and maintains mineral density and bone strength. 

A review published in the journal Hospital Nutrition found that regular consumption of hydrolyzed collagen can prevent and alleviate the symptoms of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

How to take care of your joints with drinkable collagen.

As we grow older, the metabolic cycle of collagen slows down, causing a gradual deterioration of collagen fibers in all connective tissues. This deterioration process also affects joint cartilage, increasing the probability of malfunction or injury.

Collagen fibers make up 70 to 90% of cartilage and are responsible for its structure and strength. With age and high impact loads on the joints, cartilage damage and breakage can occur. Symptoms include joint pain, brittleness, stiffness and locking.

Regular consumption of hydrolyzed collagen stimulates the synthesis of cartilage cells, producing and increasing aggrecan and collagen. A recent study suggests that taking 8 grams of daily collagen makes it possible to reduce joint pain and improve joint flexibility and function.

Myths about hydrolyzed collagen.

There are some myths surrounding the consumption of hydrolyzed collagen. Here are some of the common ones.

Is hydrolyzed collagen fattening?

Daily consumption of hydrolyzed collagen does not provide a significant amount of calories. It is estimated that 10 grams of collagen have about 65 calories, easily balanced with a healthy diet and moderate physical exercise. On the other hand, the consumption of collagen has a satiety effect that can help us eat lighter, reducing the total daily calories ingested.

Does hydrolyzed collagen have contraindications?

There are no contraindications for consuming drinkable collagen since it is a natural product that the body can quickly assimilate. It is essential to ensure a high-quality supplement and that the manufacturer or the doctor recommends the dosage.

How well does the body absorb collagen?

The enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen is a process through which its molecule becomes more digestible and absorbable by the body. Hydrolyzed collagen is made to ensure its correct absorption so that the body can take advantage of all its benefits in tissue regeneration.

Is hydrolyzed collagen effective? 

Today, extensive scientific literature demonstrates the health effects of consuming drinkable collagen. We mentioned several of these studios in this post, but many others can be found online. Additionally, the positive experience of the vast majority of consumers highlights its beneficial effects on the skin, bone and joint health.

Is marine collagen better?

There are many myths about marine collagen being better than collagen obtained from other sources. The truth is that for our body to absorb collagen, it must be hydrolyzed, and in that process, the collagen molecule is split into peptides that do not contain any trace of the source of origin. Therefore, all hydrolyzed collagen peptides are the same and have the same effect regardless of their origin.

Does collagen taste bad?

No. The taste of hydrolyzed collagen supplements may vary depending on the components used by each manufacturer. The preparation may have different flavors depending on how it is made (with water, yogurt or natural juices), so each consumer can search for the best fitting.

Does hydrolyzed collagen work better on an empty stomach?

It is indistinct. Although fasting is when the digestive system is freer and with more “working capacity”, which could mean a better absorption, the truth is that hydrolyzed collagen peptides can be easily absorbed at any time of the day.