Ingredient Spotlight: Why Hydrolysed Collagen Matters

Collagen - it's everywhere you look.  Whether it be everyday wellness, beauty-centric or sports nutrition, it's out there.  It's been around long enough for most people to know what it does, but that is only one part of the picture. The form it takes, how it is processed and the research behind it all matter when choosing a supplement. 

For athletes, active adults and those looking to maintain strength and mobility as they age, it is worth understanding hydrolysed collagen. Here's a closer look at the science behind hydrolysed collagen, and what research tells us about its role in the body, and what to consider when choosing a supplement.  

What makes collagen hydrolysed? 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body.  It provides the framework for your body's tissues including tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bones contributing to the structure and resilience during everyday movement. 

Like other proteins, collagen is made up of long chains of amino acids. In its original form, these chains are too large to be absorbed intact through the digestive system.

Hydrolysis is the process that breaks these chains into smaller units called peptides before you consume them. These smaller peptides are then broken down further when digested, producing amino acids and smaller collagen-derived peptides the body can absorb into the bloodstream. 

The distinction matters because hydrolysed collagen supplies more than just amino acids. It also provides short peptide sequences derived from collagen itself, including dipeptides and tripeptides - chains made up of just two or three amino acids. 

In other words, hydrolysis changes the form in which collagen is delivered, creating smaller peptides that are easier to digest and absorb.

More than building blocks: the dual role of collagen peptides

To understand why hydrolysed collagen attracts scientific interest, let's look at what makes it different from other proteins. 

It has a distinctive amino acid profile.  Glycine makes up roughly one-third of its amino acid content, while proline and hydroxyproline are also particularly important. These amino acids together, contribute to collagen's characteristic structure. 

When we consume protein, digestion releases amino acids the body can use to make and sustain a wide range of proteins. Those amino acids are not automatically directed toward collagen production.  Depending on the body's needs, they can be used to make other proteins, enzymes and essential compounds. 

Hydrolysed collagen offers a different combination of amino acids that provide the building materials, alongside the collagen-derived peptides involved in signalling processes associated with collagen production. 

Why hydroxyproline stands out

Hydroxyproline is a distinctive component of collagen. Its presence in collagen-derived peptide sequences helps distinguish these peptides from a mixture of individual amino acids. 

Hydrolysis breaks down collagen into smaller peptides, of which some retain their characteristic amino acid sequences, such as Pro-Hyp (proline-hydroxyproline) and Hyp-Gly (hydroxyproline-glycine) and can be absorbed by the body. 

What does research say about joints, muscles and bones? 

Joint Health

Cartilage is the smooth tissue that covers the end of the bones. The smooth surface allows for the bones to move against each other without too much friction. Cartilage also helps distribute forces across a joint during everyday movement.  

Muscle Strength

Muscles contribute to stability by generating force and coordinating movement. This activity helps control the joint position and movement as you lift, walk, reach or simply change direction. Maintaining strength is important throughout adulthood, particularly as age-related changes can make it more challenging to  muscle mass and function. 

Bone Health

Bone is a complex structure. Minerals such as phosphorus and calcium give bones their hardness while collagen forms an important part of the underlying organic matrix, contributing to their strength and resilience. 

What should you look for in a collagen supplement? 

Now that we understand the ingredient, we should take a look at the product itself. Consider these four factors when choosing your supplement: 

Collagen content: Check the amount of collagen provided per recommended serving. 

Source and processing: Collagen is derived from different animal sources (porcine, bovine, poultry, fish). Processing methods may influence the resulting peptides.  Make sure to check the source and allergen information to confirm the product suits your needs.

Formulation: Some supplements are just collagen and while others combine collagen with other active ingredients. Review the full ingredient list, ingredient quantities and science-supported claims about the finished formula. 

Research quality: Clinical trials can provide more relevant evidence of consumer outcomes than laboratory findings alone. Take into account the study size, dose duration and measured outcomes and whether the research applies to the product you are considering. 

ARTRON COLLAGEN® EXTREME

ARTRON COLLAGEN® EXTREME combines 10,000 mg of bioactive hydrolysed bovine collagen per 50 ml bottle, alongside 16 high-quality active ingredients. 

Convenient and easy to take. Simply twist, open and drink.  No measuring or mixing required, which makes it easier for incorporating into your daily routine. 

For athletes, supplement testing can be an important consideration. ARTRON COLLAGEN® EXTREME is tested under protocols recognised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Relevant for those who pay attention to the quality of the supplement and anti-doping risk. 

It contains our patented WELLCARTILAG® complex, plus glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, ginger, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.

PRIMARY CLINICAL EVIDENCE SPORTIVE:

• 66% felt increased joint flexibility
• 83% felt more energetic
  

PRIMARY CLINICAL EVIDENCE SENIOR:

• 66% noticed less joint stiffness
• 78% experienced less joint pain

For athletes, active adults and those looking to maintain physical function as they age, understanding hydrolysed collagen is just the beginning. The next step is to check the label for the recommended serving, formulation and science. The best supplement to choose is the one that will fit into your daily routine and that you will take consistently.