The Core Ingredients: A Simple Yet Powerful Formula
The ingredient list for Absolute Collagen's flagship liquid supplements is surprisingly minimal and transparent, focusing on a few key components to deliver its claimed benefits. This simplicity is often a selling point for consumers who prefer supplements free from unnecessary fillers or additives. At the heart of the formula are two key ingredients that work together synergistically: hydrolysed marine collagen and Vitamin C.
Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Peptides
The primary active ingredient in each 10ml sachet is 8000mg of high-grade hydrolysed marine collagen.
- Source: The collagen is sourced from the skin of sustainably farmed freshwater fish, specifically Tilapia and Pangasius. This ensures a consistent and controlled source of the protein.
- Hydrolysed Form: "Hydrolysed" means the collagen has been broken down into smaller, more easily absorbable peptides. This process is crucial because the body cannot effectively utilise native, full-length collagen molecules when ingested. The smaller peptides are more bioavailable, meaning they can enter the bloodstream more efficiently and stimulate the body's own collagen production where it's needed.
- Type 1 Collagen: As a marine source, the supplement is rich in Type 1 collagen, the most abundant form in the human body, vital for skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
The Crucial Role of Vitamin C
Absolute Collagen sachets also contain 60mg of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The inclusion of this vital nutrient is not just an afterthought; it is essential for the effectiveness of the collagen supplement.
- Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C is a required cofactor for the enzymes that produce collagen in the body, a process known as collagen synthesis. Without sufficient Vitamin C, the body cannot effectively form the complex triple-helix structure of new collagen proteins.
- Antioxidant Protection: In addition to its role in synthesis, Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental factors like UV exposure.
Different Formulations: Liquid vs. Powder
Absolute Collagen is available in both liquid and powder forms, with slightly different ingredient lists to suit consumer preferences.
Liquid Supplement Ingredients
Beyond the core collagen and Vitamin C, the flavored liquid sachets contain a few extra components, including:
- Water: The base of the liquid supplement.
- Juice Concentrates: Orange or raspberry juice concentrates are used to provide flavor.
- Citric Acid: Adds a slightly acidic taste and acts as a preservative.
- Natural Flavorings: Specific natural extracts are used to achieve the desired fruit flavor.
- Preservatives: Potassium Sorbate is added to maintain freshness.
- Sweetener: Steviol Glycosides (from the Stevia plant) provide sweetness without added sugar.
Powder Supplement Ingredients
The powder version is simpler and formulated for those who prefer to mix their own drinks. It typically contains just hydrolysed marine collagen (fish) and Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate). This form is ideal for those who want to avoid the minimal flavorings and preservatives found in the liquid version.
A Comparison of Absolute Collagen vs. Other Supplements
To understand what makes Absolute Collagen stand out, it can be helpful to compare its formulation to other common collagen supplements on the market.
| Feature | Absolute Collagen (Liquid) | Typical Competitor (Powder/Capsule) |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen Type & Source | 8000mg Hydrolysed Marine (Fish) | Variable (Bovine, Chicken, Marine) and dosage |
| Key Supporting Nutrients | Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | Often includes Biotin, Hyaluronic Acid, other vitamins |
| Form | Pre-measured 10ml liquid sachets | Powder requiring mixing or capsules |
| Absorption Rate | Higher (claimed 90-95% due to liquid form) | Variable, depending on the form and quality |
| Added Ingredients | Water, natural flavours, citric acid, stevia | Potential fillers, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives |
| Taste | Flavored (Lemon, Mango, etc.) or neutral | Can be unflavoured or artificially flavored |
Why These Ingredients Work: The Scientific Basis
The selection of ingredients in Absolute Collagen is supported by a growing body of scientific research, as highlighted on their own website and in external studies. The specific combination of hydrolysed marine collagen and Vitamin C is engineered for maximum effectiveness.
- Bioavailability: As previously mentioned, the hydrolysis process breaks down the collagen into peptides that are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, the peptides are distributed to the dermis—the deep layer of the skin—and other connective tissues.
- Fibroblast Stimulation: Once in the dermis, these peptides act as a signal to fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing new collagen. This effectively stimulates the body's own natural collagen production, addressing the root cause of age-related collagen decline.
- Clinical Efficacy: Clinical studies, including a placebo-controlled trial cited by Absolute Collagen, have demonstrated the efficacy of hydrolysed collagen peptides for skin health. These studies reported improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Conclusion: What Absolute Collagen Contains in Summary
In conclusion, what Absolute Collagen contains is a straightforward yet scientifically backed formula designed for maximum impact. The liquid sachets provide a potent dose of 8000mg of highly bioavailable hydrolysed marine collagen, complemented by Vitamin C for optimal absorption and synthesis. The inclusion of minimal, natural additives for flavour and preservation ensures a clean, simple supplement. By combining a high concentration of marine collagen peptides with the necessary co-factor, Vitamin C, Absolute Collagen offers a targeted approach to supporting skin, hair, and nail health from within.
For further information on the clinical trials and the science behind collagen supplementation, a detailed study is available on the National Institutes of Health website: A Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in Skin Collagen, Hydration, and Hair Health in Perimenopausal Women Taking Marine Collagen and Ascorbic Acid.
