What Supplements Contain Peptides? A Comprehensive Guide

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 review in Medical News Today, peptides are naturally present in many foods, but supplements offer concentrated, specific forms for targeted benefits. So, what supplements contain peptides for optimal absorption and function? The most prevalent options include collagen, whey, and casein hydrolysates, as well as nutrient-dense bone broth.

Quick Summary

This article explores common supplements containing bioactive peptides, including various forms of collagen, whey and casein hydrolysates, and bone broth. It details their sources, benefits, and how they differ from whole proteins, providing a guide to choosing the right peptide supplement for specific wellness goals.

Key Points

Collagen Peptides: Supports skin, joint, and connective tissue health and is typically sourced from bovine, marine, or chicken products.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate: Offers extremely rapid absorption, making it ideal for muscle repair and recovery immediately following a workout.
Casein Peptides: Provide a slow, steady release of amino acids, which is effective for muscle maintenance during fasting periods or overnight.
Bone Broth: A traditional, whole-food source that contains naturally occurring peptides, gelatin, and minerals that support gut health and joints.
Plant-Based Options: Vegans and vegetarians can find peptides from sources like soy, pea, and hemp protein hydrolysates.
Enhanced Absorption: Peptides are more easily and quickly absorbed by the body than intact, larger protein molecules due to their smaller size.

Bioactive peptides are short chains of amino acids that have specific, beneficial effects on the body, acting as cellular messengers. Unlike whole proteins, which require extensive digestion, these smaller fragments are more readily absorbed and utilized by the body. This enhanced bioavailability is why many individuals turn to specialized supplements.

Popular Peptide Supplements and Their Sources

Collagen Peptides

Collagen peptides are perhaps the most well-known peptide supplement. They are created by hydrolyzing (breaking down) collagen from animal sources into smaller, more digestible peptides.

Sources: Common sources include bovine hides (grass-fed), marine sources (fish skin and scales), and chicken. Marine collagen is often praised for skin health, while bovine collagen is popular for joint and bone support.
Benefits: Collagen peptide supplements are linked to improved skin elasticity and hydration, reduced joint pain, and stronger hair and nails. Studies, such as one noted in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, have confirmed significant increases in skin elasticity and hydration with oral collagen supplementation.
Examples: Products like Vital Proteins and Ancient Nutrition multi-collagen protein powders are popular examples found in many stores.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate

While standard whey protein is a large protein molecule, whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) is a pre-digested form where the protein has been broken down into smaller peptides. This allows for extremely rapid absorption, making it a favorite among athletes for post-workout recovery.

Source: Derived from milk, WPH contains a different amino acid profile than collagen, rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), especially leucine, which is crucial for muscle protein synthesis.
Benefits: WPH is known for promoting muscle growth, speeding up recovery after intense exercise, and may also improve immune function.
Examples: Many advanced protein powders and performance supplements contain whey hydrolysate to maximize absorption speed.

Casein Peptides

Casein is another milk protein, but it is known for its slow-digesting properties. When hydrolyzed, it forms casein hydrolysate, which is absorbed more quickly than micellar casein.

Source: From milk, casein peptides offer a slow and steady release of amino acids, which helps prevent muscle protein breakdown, especially during periods of fasting or overnight.
Benefits: Beyond muscle maintenance, certain casein peptides have been studied for their potential to lower blood pressure and for their anti-inflammatory effects. Infant formulas with casein peptides are sometimes used for babies with cow's milk allergies.

Bone Broth

Often considered a traditional whole-food supplement, high-quality bone broth naturally contains a spectrum of peptides.

Source: Made by slow-simmering animal bones and connective tissues, bone broth provides collagen peptides, gelatin, and a variety of minerals.
Benefits: Bone broth is valued for its potential to support gut health, joint comfort, and overall immunity due to its comprehensive nutritional profile. It is a less processed alternative to commercial collagen peptide powders.

Plant-Based Peptides

For individuals following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, peptides can also be sourced from plant proteins.

Sources: Common plant-based peptide sources include soy, pea, hemp, and rice proteins. These are also processed via hydrolysis to create easily digestible peptide forms.
Benefits: Plant-based peptides offer similar benefits to their animal-based counterparts and are a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions.

Comparison of Common Peptide Supplements


Feature	Collagen Peptides	Whey Protein Hydrolysate	Casein Hydrolysate	Bone Broth (Liquid/Powder)
Primary Source	Bovine, Marine, Chicken	Milk (Whey)	Milk (Casein)	Animal Bones, Connective Tissue
Digestion Speed	Fast-absorbing, small peptides	Extremely rapid, pre-digested	Slow-releasing, anti-catabolic	Gentle, whole-food source
Targeted Benefit	Skin, joint, hair, nail health	Muscle growth, rapid recovery	Muscle maintenance, satiety	Gut health, joints, overall nutrition
Key Amino Acids	Glycine, Proline, Hydroxyproline	Leucine, BCAAs	Glutamine, Phenylalanine, Histidine	Glycine, Proline, Arginine
Nutrient Profile	High in specific amino acids, typically few added nutrients	High protein, often includes BCAAs	Slow-release amino acids	Rich in minerals, amino acids, and gelatin

Choosing the Right Supplement for Your Needs

When selecting a peptide supplement, consider your primary health goal. For example, if your focus is skin health and joint support, a bovine or marine collagen peptide product would be most appropriate. Athletes looking for immediate post-exercise recovery might opt for a whey protein hydrolysate for its quick absorption. Individuals seeking sustained muscle protection during fasting periods could benefit from casein hydrolysate. For a more holistic, whole-food approach that supports gut health, bone broth is an excellent choice. It is worth noting that for muscle building, total daily protein intake is more important than the specific timing or source. Always check the ingredient list for potential allergens (like fish or dairy) and for third-party certifications to ensure quality and purity.

Conclusion

Peptides are a versatile and beneficial addition to many wellness routines, offering a more bioavailable form of amino acids than whole proteins. A wide variety of supplements contain peptides, each with distinct benefits and applications. Whether you choose the skin-enhancing power of marine collagen, the rapid recovery support of whey hydrolysate, the muscle-protecting properties of casein peptides, or the gut-healing benefits of traditional bone broth, understanding the source and function of each can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific health goals. As research continues to advance, the world of peptide supplementation will only continue to evolve, providing new and exciting opportunities for personalized nutrition.

For more in-depth scientific information on the health benefits of food-derived peptides, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an excellent resource: Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides in Human Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main benefit is faster and more efficient absorption. Since peptides are already broken down into smaller amino acid chains, the body can utilize them more readily without extensive digestion.

No, collagen is not a complete protein, meaning it doesn't contain all essential amino acids. It should be paired with other protein sources like meat, eggs, or whey protein to round out your amino acid intake.

Yes, many foods like dairy, meat, and legumes contain peptides. However, supplements provide concentrated, targeted peptides in amounts that would be difficult to obtain through diet alone.

Whey hydrolysate is absorbed faster than standard whey protein, making it beneficial for immediate post-workout muscle recovery. The best choice depends on your timing and needs; standard whey is still an excellent, cost-effective protein source.

Casein's slow-digesting properties can aid weight loss by promoting a prolonged sense of fullness and preserving lean muscle mass during calorie deficits. However, effectiveness depends on overall diet and exercise.

For most healthy individuals, peptide supplements are generally safe with few side effects. Some people may experience mild digestive issues, while those with allergies (e.g., fish or dairy) should check the source carefully.

Bone broth is a whole-food source that provides collagen peptides along with other nutrients like minerals and gelatin. Collagen peptides are a more isolated, concentrated form of hydrolyzed collagen protein.