nounIntermediate
Definition
Hydrolyzed collagen fragments (~2–3 kDa) used in dietary supplements for skin, joint, bone, and gut health; also called hydrolyzed collagen.
Detailed Explanation
Collagen peptides are produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of native collagen (typically from bovine hide, fish skin, or chicken sternum). The process breaks the ~300 kDa triple-helix collagen molecule into small peptide fragments averaging 2–3 kDa that are water-soluble and approximately 90% bioavailable after oral ingestion. Clinical trials show benefits for skin elasticity (2.5–10g/day, 8–12 weeks), joint pain (10–15g/day, 12–24 weeks), and bone density (5–10g/day, 12+ months). The peptide fragments are absorbed as di- and tripeptides (especially Pro-Hyp and Hyp-Gly) that accumulate in skin and cartilage and signal fibroblasts and chondrocytes to increase collagen synthesis.
Key Facts
- Collagen peptides are produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of native collagen (typically from bovine hide, fish skin, or chicken sternum)
- The process breaks the ~300 kDa triple-helix collagen molecule into small peptide fragments averaging 2–3 kDa that are water-soluble and approximately 90% bioavailable after oral ingestion
- Clinical trials show benefits for skin elasticity (2
- 5–10g/day, 8–12 weeks), joint pain (10–15g/day, 12–24 weeks), and bone density (5–10g/day, 12+ months)
- The peptide fragments are absorbed as di- and tripeptides (especially Pro-Hyp and Hyp-Gly) that accumulate in skin and cartilage and signal fibroblasts and chondrocytes to increase collagen synthesis
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