What is Native (Un-hydrolyzed) Collagen?
In its native form, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up the majority of connective tissues such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and bone. It is a large, complex protein with a triple helix structure, giving tissues their strength and structure. Because of this large molecular size, native collagen is not water-soluble and is difficult for the body to absorb directly from supplements.
Naturally, you consume native collagen when you eat certain animal parts, such as:
- Bone broth, which extracts collagen from animal bones
- Tough cuts of meat and connective tissues
In supplemental form, native collagen is typically used in smaller doses (e.g., Type II collagen) to support joint health through an immune-modulatory effect rather than acting as a direct building block.
What is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen hydrolysate or collagen peptides, is a form of collagen that has undergone a process called hydrolysis. This process uses water, enzymes, acids, or heat to break the long, complex chains of native collagen into smaller, more digestible peptide fragments. These small peptides are highly water-soluble and have a much lower molecular weight (typically 3–6 kDa) compared to native collagen (around 300 kDa).
The Hydrolysis Process Explained
- Denaturation: The large, triple-helix collagen is heated, causing it to unravel into gelatin.
- Enzymatic Hydrolysis: Specific enzymes are added to further break down the gelatin into short-chain amino acid fragments, or peptides.
- Filtration and Drying: The peptides are filtered and purified to remove impurities, resulting in a fine, flavorless powder.
The Core Difference: Molecular Size and Bioavailability
This process of hydrolysis is the central difference that dictates how each form of collagen interacts with your body. Due to its pre-digested state, hydrolyzed collagen has a significantly higher bioavailability. Your body can absorb and utilize the small peptides from a supplement more efficiently than it can break down the large, intact molecules of native collagen from food sources.
Studies suggest that approximately 90% of oral hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed within the first few hours of ingestion, entering the bloodstream and traveling to tissues where it can signal the body to produce new collagen. In contrast, the absorption rate of amino acids from native collagen in food is much lower. This higher bioavailability is why hydrolyzed collagen is the preferred form for supplementation aimed at boosting overall collagen levels and targeting specific benefits.
Collagen vs. Hydrolyzed Collagen Comparison Table
| Feature | Native (Un-hydrolyzed) Collagen | Hydrolyzed Collagen (Peptides) |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Size | Large, intact triple helix structure. | Small peptide fragments. |
| Bioavailability | Low; large molecules are difficult to absorb efficiently. | High; small peptides are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble; forms a gel in liquid. | Highly soluble; dissolves easily in hot or cold liquids. |
| Digestion | Requires extensive digestion by the body's enzymes. | Pre-digested, requiring minimal breakdown. |
| Primary Use | Niche, therapeutic uses for joint cartilage (e.g., Type II). | General supplementation for skin, hair, nails, and joint support. |
| Common Forms | Capsules (often Type II). | Powders, capsules, liquids. |
Benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen
Due to its high absorption rate, hydrolyzed collagen offers a range of potential health benefits backed by scientific research:
- Skin Health: Multiple studies have shown that consistent intake of hydrolyzed collagen can reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and increase skin hydration. The peptides signal fibroblasts to produce more collagen and hyaluronic acid, improving skin texture and appearance.
- Joint and Bone Support: Oral supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to reduce joint pain, particularly in those with osteoarthritis, and may help repair damaged cartilage. It can also help increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, potentially inhibiting bone breakdown.
- Muscle Mass: When combined with resistance training, hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength, especially in older adults with sarcopenia.
- Other Benefits: Research also indicates benefits for hair and nail growth and strength.
How to Choose the Right Supplement
When selecting a collagen supplement, knowing the difference between collagen and hydrolyzed collagen is paramount. Here are key factors to consider:
- Hydrolyzed is Key: Look for labels that explicitly state "hydrolyzed collagen" or "collagen peptides" for maximum bioavailability and effectiveness.
- Source: Common sources include bovine (cow), marine (fish), and poultry (chicken). Bovine is rich in Types I and III (good for skin and muscles), while marine is primarily Type I and often more bioavailable. Chicken collagen contains Type II, primarily for cartilage support.
- Additional Ingredients: For optimal synthesis, look for supplements that include Vitamin C, as it is a crucial cofactor for collagen production.
- Third-Party Testing: Choose brands that use independent third-party testing to ensure purity and potency.
Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?
For most people seeking general wellness benefits for their skin, joints, bones, and muscles, hydrolyzed collagen is the superior and more effective choice. The hydrolysis process breaks the protein down into small, highly bioavailable peptides, which the body can absorb and utilize efficiently. The ease of digestion and high absorption rate mean you are more likely to see and feel the desired effects from your supplement. While native collagen has niche therapeutic uses, it is significantly less bioavailable when consumed orally compared to its hydrolyzed counterpart. By opting for a high-quality, hydrolyzed collagen supplement, you provide your body with the most readily available building blocks to support its natural collagen production.
For more clinical research on the dermatological benefits, see this study on the effects of collagen supplementation on skin aging: Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging (nih.gov).
