Difference Between Hydrolyzed Collagen and Collagen Peptides

Generally, full-length collagens are broken down into collagen peptides in a process known as collagen hydrolysis. Therefore, both hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides are two names for the same product. Hence, there is no difference between hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides.  

Hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides are shorter chains of amino acids better absorbed into the bloodstream than gelatin or regular collagen. Gelatin is also a hydrolyzed product of collagen with longer chains of amino acids than collagen peptides. Therefore, collagen peptides are products which are readily absorbable. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Hydrolyzed Collagen
     – Definition, Formation, Importance
2. What are Collagen Peptides
     – Significance
3. What is the Difference Between Hydrolyzed Collagen and Collagen Peptides
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Collagen, Collagen Peptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Gelatin 

What is Hydrolyzed Collagen 

Hydrolyzed collagen is the final product of the complete hydrolysis of collagen. Generally, collagen is the main structural protein in the extracellular space of connective tissues of the body. It is also the most abundant protein in the mammal body, making up of 25-35% proteins of the total body proteins.

Figure 1: Collagen in Cartilage

In addition, collagen mainly occurs in bones, tendons, ligaments, endomysium of muscles, in the gut, blood vessels, corneas, the dermis of the skin, and the dentin of teeth. Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for the synthesis of collagen. 

Partial Hydrolysis of Collagen 

Furthermore, partial hydrolysis of collagen makes gelatin, which has a gel-like consistency. The ability to hold more water by gelatin results in this gelling.

Figure 2: Gelatin Crystals

Partial hydrolysis requires mixing up of collagen with water followed by slow heating. This is also the method of making bone broth by which animal bones and cartilages turn into the dissolved gelatin. More importantly, gelatin has gut-healing properties by normalizing gut hormones. 

Complete Hydrolysis of Collagen  

The complete hydrolysis of collagen proteins results in hydrolyzed collagen. Generally, it contains short-chain amino acids, which break off from the full-length collagen proteins. Therefore, collagen peptides are the constituent of hydrolyzed collagen. However, the main feature of hydrolyzed collagen is its ability to be readily absorbed by the digestive system when compared to regular collagen protein or even gelatin. Additionally, it contains all the amino acids found in collagen and amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline in high concentrations. Moreover, hydrolyzed collagen is tasteless and odorless and dissolves in hot and cold water. 

Benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen 

Basically, the amino acids in collagen protein are important for building bones, cartilages, muscles, connective tissue, skin, hair, nails, etc.

Figure 3: Collagen in the Skin

Unfortunately, the production of collagen by the body declines with age. Therefore, in order to maintain strong bones and joints as well as healthy nails and hair, it is important to take a collagen supplement. Most of the hydrolyzed collagen supplements contain type I collagen from bones, hides or fish scales. Moreover, they can reduce the symptoms of arthritis, inflammation, skin wrinkles while maintaining healthier skin, nails, and hair. They also improve digestion and prevent GI inflammation.  

What are Collagen Peptides 

Collagen peptides are the product of complete hydrolysis of collagen. Therefore, they have the same chemical as well as absorption properties as hydrolyzed collagen. 

Difference Between Hydrolyzed Collagen and Collagen Peptides  

• Collagen peptides are the hydrolyzed product of collagen. Therefore, hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides are two names for the products of complete hydrolysis of collagen. 
• Hence,  there is no significant difference between hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides.   

Conclusion 

Collagen peptides are short-chain amino acids, which are the product of complete hydrolysis of collagen proteins. Therefore, collagen peptides are also known as hydrolyzed collagen. They are readily absorbable into the bloodstream. Therefore, there is no significant difference between collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen. 

References:

1. Jarvis, Leanne. “What Is the Difference Between Collagen, Collagen Peptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen and Gelatin? A Nutritionist Explains.” Further Food, 30 July 2019, Available Here.
2. Link, Rachael. “Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides: the Superior Collagen Supplement.” Dr. Axe, 7 Feb. 2019, Available Here.
3. Heid, Markham. “5 Things You Need to Know Before Taking a Collagen Supplement.” Good Housekeeping, 24 Aug. 2019, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Glycosaminoglycans” By Mfigueiredo – Derived from Glycosaminoglycans.jpg (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “Cooking gelatin crystals” By Ervins Strauhmanis (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
3. “Younger skin vs older skin” By Lieslecath – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia