Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides

Various (Supplement)

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are collagen protein (typically bovine or marine source) broken down enzymatically into short peptide fragments (~2-10 kDa), small enough to cross the gut barrier and enter circulation intact. This bioavailability distinction — versus native collagen, which is digested into free amino acids like any other protein — is the central claim of the category. Meta-analyses of oral collagen peptide supplementation show modest but reproducible effects on skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle depth at doses of 2.5-10 g/day for 8-12 weeks. Effects on joint pain (particularly in osteoarthritis and athletic overuse contexts) are also reported in systematic reviews, though effect sizes are modest. Evidence for nail growth, hair thickness, and tendon/ligament outcomes is weaker. Specific bioactive peptides (Pro-Hyp, Hyp-Gly) detected in circulation after collagen ingestion are believed to mediate the observed effects, via chondrocyte and fibroblast stimulation. Quality and source (type I vs type II vs blend) matter more than marketing distinctions like 'marine' vs 'grass-fed' bovine.