Collagen

Collagen supplements: the most common protein in the human body

Collagen is the most common protein in the human body and is a structural component of skin, bones, joints, tendons, cartilage and connective tissue. Collagen supplements, also known as collagen hydrolysate or hydrolysed collagen, are made by breaking down animal collagen into smaller peptides. In our range, you will find collagen supplements in various forms and compositions, from collagen powder and collagen capsules to combination products with vitamin C, so you can choose the variant that suits your preference.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a fibrous protein (structural protein) consisting of long chains of amino acids, particularly glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. It forms the structural basis of connective tissue in the body. More than 28 different types of collagen have been identified, but in supplements you will mainly encounter type I, type II and type III. Type I collagen is the most common in the body and is found mainly in skin, bones, tendons and connective tissue. Type II collagen is concentrated in cartilage. Type III collagen occurs together with type I and is present in skin, muscles and blood vessels.

Collagen and health claims

In the body, collagen is the main structural protein of skin, bones, joints, tendons, cartilage and connective tissue; that is the factual role that collagen naturally fulfills. It is important to know that there are no permitted health claims for collagen as a food supplement. We therefore cannot promise what a collagen supplement "does" or what it is "good for". What is permitted is the health claim for vitamin C: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth. Therefore, many collagen supplements contain added vitamin C, or are combined with it. We continue to describe collagen here factually; for personal advice you can consult a doctor or dietitian.

Hydrolysed collagen versus regular collagen

For use in supplements, collagen is usually hydrolysed, which means that the long collagen chains are broken down into smaller collagen peptides through an enzymatic or chemical process. These smaller molecules are more soluble in water. Hydrolysed collagen, also known as collagen hydrolysate or collagen peptides, is therefore the most commonly used form in supplements. Non-hydrolysed collagen, such as that found in gelatin, dissolves less well in cold water and is therefore used less often as a daily supplement.

Where does collagen in supplements come from?

Collagen for use in supplements is obtained from animal sources. The most commonly used sources are bovine collagen, obtained from the skin and bones of cattle, and marine collagen, obtained from the skin and scales of fish. Bovine collagen contains mainly type I and type III collagen and is widely used in collagen powder and capsules for general use. Marine collagen consists predominantly of type I collagen. For people who do not consume beef or pork for religious or ethical reasons, marine collagen is a suitable alternative. Fully plant-based collagen does not exist, but there are vegan formulas with, among other things, vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin.

Collagen type I, II and III: what is the difference?

Type I and type III collagen occur in bovine and marine collagen and in most broad collagen supplements. Type II collagen is obtained from chicken cartilage or other cartilage sources. Products with type II usually contain denatured type II collagen or UC-II collagen, a patented form that is used in smaller quantities than hydrolysed collagen.

Collagen powder, capsules or liquid collagen

Collagen supplements are available in various forms and the choice depends on your personal preference and ease of use. Collagen powder is one of the most popular forms due to the flexibility in use: it dissolves easily in water, coffee, tea or a smoothie and is generally cheaper per serving than capsules. Collagen capsules are practical for on the go and offer a fixed dosage per capsule without taste or preparation time. Liquid collagen is ready to use but often more expensive per serving and sometimes contains added flavourings or sugars. For all forms, it is important to pay attention to the amount of hydrolysed collagen per serving and the origin of the raw material.

Collagen and vitamin C

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth. It is a cofactor for the enzymes that convert the amino acids proline and lysine into hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, the building blocks that make the triple helix structure of collagen possible. Many collagen supplements therefore contain added vitamin C, or are combined with a separate vitamin C source. On the label you can see whether and how much vitamin C a product contains.

How much collagen per day and when do you take it?

The common daily dosage of hydrolysed collagen in supplement form is between 5 grams and 15 grams per day, depending on the product. Collagen capsules usually contain less collagen per serving than collagen powder, which means that with capsules you sometimes need multiple units per day to achieve a comparable amount. Collagen can be taken at any time of the day; there is no fixed time of intake prescribed. Some people take collagen powder in their coffee or breakfast drink in the morning, others around a workout or before bedtime. Consistency in daily use is practically the most important thing for most people. Always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging; there is no official nutritional reference value established for collagen.

Possible points of attention with collagen supplements

Collagen supplements are generally well tolerated. In some people, mild digestive complaints may occur at the beginning, such as a feeling of fullness or a slightly bloated feeling. People with a known allergy to fish, shellfish or beef should carefully check the origin of the collagen used before choosing a supplement. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is wise to consult a doctor before starting collagen supplementation. Always use collagen according to the recommended dosage and consult a doctor or dietitian if in doubt.

Which collagen do you choose? Comparing supplements

Which collagen is most suitable depends on your preference. When comparing collagen supplements, there are a few practical things to pay attention to. Firstly, the type of collagen and the origin, where marine and bovine collagen are the most common options, each with its own characteristics. Secondly, the amount of hydrolysed collagen per daily serving, expressed in grams, so that you can fairly compare products. Thirdly, the presence or absence of vitamin C in the formula. And finally, the form of the supplement, powder, capsules or liquid, and the price per daily serving in relation to the package size. Collagen is a protein; for related products, also check our collections Protein and Collagen type II.

Would you like more background on collagen itself first? Read our explanation what collagen is: the types, the sources and what to pay attention to when buying.