What is the Difference Between Collagen and Gelatine

The main difference between collagen and gelatine is that a collagen is a natural form of protein that occurs in the body, whereas gelatine is a denatured form of collagen protein.    

Collagen and gelatine are two types of proteins that contain similar amino acids. Generally, they have the same nutritional benefits.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Collagen
     – Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Gelatine
     – Definition, Structure, Function
3. Similarities Between Collagen and Gelatine
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Collagen and Gelatine
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Collagen, Gelatine

What is Collagen

Collagen is a protein that is necessary for natural elasticity, movement, and strength. It also occurs in bones, tendons, skin, muscles, and connective tissue. Generally, it is one of the most vital, protective, and foundational proteins in the body. Collagen is insoluble, and it is a fibrous protein that occurs in mammals. It is also the most abundant type of protein that occurs in the body. In fact, it is a major component of the connective tissue. In general, collagen contains around 1,000 amino acids, and the structure of collagen is a triple-helix. The most prominent amino acids in the collagen structure include proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline.

Figure 1: Collagen

Furthermore, the body naturally produces collagen, but the natural production of collagen decreases with age. Therefore, collagen has to be included in the diet by the age of 25. Generally, collagen supplements are made from the connective tissues of animals, including pigs, chickens, cows, and fish. Apart from that, hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides are the main forms of collagen that occur in supplements. Normally, the collagen types in supplements are more digestible and water-soluble as they are hydrolyzed products.

What is Gelatine

Gelatine is a mix of amino acids, and it is a product of heating and treating collagen. Therefore, both collagen and gelatine contain a similar composition of amino acids. Some of the chemical bonds that occur in collagen break down in gelatin. Hence, gelatine contains short chains of amino acids. Gelatine is more often important as a gelling agent in food. It is also only soluble in hot water while forming a gel when cooling. Animal bones are the major source of gelatine. Due to its insolubility of water, collagen is more difficult to digest in the body than gelatine.

Figure 2: Gelatine

Moreover, gelatine is a partially hydrolyzed form of collagen, and it makes gelatine contain shorter chains of amino acids. The main types of food that contain gelatine include jello, marshmallows, gummy bears, candy corn, trifles, aspic, dairy products including cottage cheese and cheese spreads, and canned meat like ham. Apart from that, there are some health benefits of gelatine. They include antioxidant activity, improved gut health, and improved bone health. Generally, gelatine helps to fight against the negative effects of free radicals that cause aging. It also improves gut lining while improving bone mineral density and bone formation.     

Similarities Between Collagen and Gelatine

• Collagen and gelatine are two types of proteins that compose of similar amino acids.
• Both have the same nutritional benefits. They have a similar amount of calories and protein per saving.

Difference Between Collagen and Gelatine

Definition

Collagen refers to the main structural protein found in the skin and other connective tissues, widely used in purified form for cosmetic surgical treatments, while gelatine refers to a virtually colorless and tasteless water-soluble protein prepared from collagen and used in food preparation.

Shape

Collagen is a natural form of protein, while gelatine is a denatured form of protein.

Structure

Collagen is a triple helix protein, whereas gelatine is a short-chained protein.

Uses

Moreover, collagen occurs in the skin and connective tissues, while gelatine is important in food preparation.

Water Solubility

Collagen is insoluble in water, but gelatine is soluble in hot water.

Digestibility

Collagen is less digestible, while gelatine is digestible.

Conclusion                                                      

In brief, collagen and gelatine are two types of proteins made of proteins. Generally, collagen is a natural form of protein that contains a triple helix structure. In comparison, gelatine is a denatured form of protein that has short chains of proteins. Collagen is the main protein component of the skin and connective tissue, but gelatine is important in food preparation. Therefore, the main difference between collagen and gelatine is their structure and importance.                 

References:                

1. Collagen: What it is, types, function & benefits. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2023,
2. Gelatin: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. WebMD. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Collagentriplehelix” By SteinsplitterBot – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Gelatine” By Danielle dk – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia