Collagen Hydrolyzate
Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen that has been broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides so that it can be better utilized by the body than regular collagen.
What is collagen?
Collagen is an important protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of the body's total protein content. It acts like glue, holding our skin, bones, muscles and tendons together. As we age, collagen production slows down, leading to wrinkles, joint pain and other signs of aging. There are several types of collagen, with Type I being the most common and found in skin, bones and tendons. Collagen is essential for maintaining the structure and strength of our tissues, and therefore for overall health.
What is the role of collagen?
Collagen is the basic structure of our body. It gives our skin elasticity and firmness, ensures that our joints remain mobile and keeps our bones strong. As we get older, our body produces less collagen, which causes our skin to become saggy and our joints can become stiff and painful. There are different types of collagen, each of which serves a specific purpose.
- Type I collagen: Found in skin, bones and tendons. It provides structure and strength.
- Type II collagen: Found in cartilage and is important for joint health.
- Type III collagen: Occurs together with type I in the skin and blood vessels and provides elasticity and strength.
- Type IV and V collagen: These less common but nevertheless important collagens occur in tissues such as the skin and eyes and support the function of the organs.
Sources of collagen
Collagen is found naturally in foods such as bone broth, meat with connective tissue, fish skin, eggs, gelatin and organ meats. Collagen can be taken from bovine sources or as a mixture of pure amino acids. Bovine collagen is the most commonly used dietary supplement and is similar to the body's own collagen, so it is easily absorbed. It is particularly good for the health of the skin, joints and bones. On the other hand, taking pure amino acids such as glycine, proline and lysine can help the body to produce its own collagen. However, this may not be as targeted as taking collagen peptides directly. Bovine collagen, especially in hydrolyzed form, is generally considered to be the best and most effective source due to its bioavailability.
Can collagen replace or supplement muscle-building proteins?
Collagen cannot replace muscle-building proteins because it is mainly composed of amino acids such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are important for the skin, joints and connective tissue. However, essential amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine and valine, which are hardly present in collagen, are crucial for muscle building. Therefore, collagen lacks the necessary composition to effectively support muscle function and health.
Why does molecular weight matter?
When choosing a collagen supplement, molecular weight and purity are crucial factors. A low molecular weight means that the collagen is broken down into smaller pieces (hydrolyzed), making it easier for the body to absorb. This ensures that the collagen gets to where it is needed most, such as your skin and joints. Purity is also important: pure collagen supplements contain no unnecessary fillers or additives, so you can get the most out of them. High-quality collagen with a low molecular weight and high purity is more effective and safer to take.
The best molecular weight available for high-quality collagen hydrolysates is usually between 2,000 and 5,000 daltons (Da). This range is considered optimal because it ensures that the collagen peptides are small enough to be easily absorbed by the body, yet large enough to retain their bioactive properties. A molecular weight of 2,000 daltons is indeed very effective and is often considered to be one of the best options available. Collagen peptides in this size range have a high bioavailability, i.e. they are better absorbed and utilized by the body. Some products offer slightly higher or lower molecular weights, but 2,000 daltons is generally considered to be the optimal balance between effectiveness and absorption.
About our collagen hydrolysate
For ASPRIVA GLOW, we use a high-quality European collagen hydrolyzate with a molecular weight of 2000 Da. It is manufactured entirely within the European Union, which ensures exceptional safety and quality. It has a protein content of over 90% and impurities such as heavy metals are well below the permissible limits. It meets halal and kosher requirements.
