There’s a lot of buzz around the impressive benefits of hydrolyzed collagen. It stands out for its high absorption rate and low likelihood of causing allergic reactions. But is drinking hydrolyzed collagen really worth it, and what does science have to say about it?
What does hydrolyzed collagen mean?
Some products become trendy, and we reach for them without much thought—especially when influencers and celebrities recommend them. However, it’s always worth digging deeper to see whether a supplement’s effects are backed by research. That’s why we took a closer look at hydrolyzed collagen to understand what it can truly do for health and beauty.
We started with a study published in late 2019 in Molecules, a scientific journal covering organic chemistry and natural product chemistry.
Researchers identified at least 28 types of collagen, with Type I being the most abundant in skin, bones, teeth, tendons, and ligaments. Type II is primarily found in cartilage, while Type III is present in the skin, muscles, and blood vessels. Collagen plays a crucial structural role in tissues, contributing to skin strength and ligament flexibility.
When collagen undergoes hydrolysis, the peptide bonds in its polypeptide chain break down. This process results in low-molecular-weight collagen peptides, which are highly bioavailable and easily distributed throughout the body. Thanks to these properties, hydrolyzed collagen is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries, as well as in nutraceuticals.
Role of collagen in the body
Oral collagen supplementation is closely linked to the body’s natural collagen loss. Scientists emphasize that collagen production starts declining between ages 18 and 29. By the time a person reaches their 80s, collagen production may have dropped by as much as 75% compared to young adults.
What slows collagen production? According to the study, several factors contribute to its decline, including:
- Poor diet
- Free radicals
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Health conditions
Meanwhile, collagen plays a vital role in the body. It supports organ development, aids wound healing, affects the cornea and gums, and helps build bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, skin, and hair.
Collagen depletion leads to the formation of wrinkles—but here’s the good news: hydrolyzed collagen can help counteract skin deterioration. It has the ability to retain moisture and improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Research on oral collagen supplementation
Researchers have also referenced various studies confirming the effectiveness of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation. Notably:
- Asserin J., Lati E., Shioya T., Prawitt J. (2015) examined the impact of oral collagen peptides on skin hydration and collagen density through ex vivo models and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (J. Cosmet. Dermatol.).
- Kim D.-U., Chung H.-C., Choi J., Sakai Y., Lee B.-Y. (2018) conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showing that low-molecular-weight collagen peptides improve skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction (Nutrients).
What were the findings? In vivo studies on women aged 40–60 who took hydrolyzed collagen supplements for 12 weeks demonstrated significant improvements in skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, and elasticity. Additionally, the studies observed a protective effect on joints.
Hydrolysed collagen for joints and osteoporosis
The role of hydrolyzed collagen in joint diseases was also explored by R. W. Moskowitz in his study, Role of Collagen Hydrolysate in Bone and Joint Disease. Referring to German, British, and American studies where patients received collagen hydrolysates or a placebo, he found that collagen supplementation could be beneficial in treating osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. He also emphasized its high safety profile.
As we know, individuals suffering from joint conditions often need long-term supplementation, meaning the products they take must be safe for extended use. Fortunately, research indicates that hydrolyzed collagen does not cause serious side effects, making it a promising option for those looking to support their joint and bone health.
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