Hydrolyzed Collagen: Benefits, Types & Recommended Dosage

For the skin

Collagen is THE main component of our skin, at around 80%. Together with elastin, collagen forms the supporting corset that gives our skin and the underlying connective tissue firmness and elasticity. In addition, collagen also has plumping effects due to its water-binding properties.

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From the age of around 25, the body’s own collagen production begins to decline by about 1.5% per year, leading to ever more visible changes. From this age onwards, the targeted intake of hydrolysed collagen is therefore worthwhile and is an ideal strategy to counteract natural skin ageing and to nurture the beauty of the sensitive outer barrier from within.

Hydrolysed collagen enters the small intestine when taken orally, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream in the form of small collagen peptides and free amino acids. It thus has a dual effect.

• Firstly, the free amino acids serve as building blocks for the formation of collagen and elastin fibres.
• Secondly, the collagen peptides stimulate the formation of new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Building muscle

While in the beauty world, nothing beats collagen hydrolysate, peptide powder is still considered a secret tip among athletes. Although there are isolated studies on muscle growth for collagen hydrolysate that demonstrate a benefit for fat-free mass and strength, there are certainly more suitable sources of protein specifically for muscle growth. Nonetheless, collagen hydrolysate is a good suggestion for athletes for the regeneration and strengthening of their musculoskeletal system. More about this in the following point.

Muscles, cartilage & joints

Collagen is always found where the tissue has to withstand high tensile stress – whether in muscles, ligaments, tendons or cartilage. These structures are subject to enormous forces, particularly when under sporting stress. The fact that the targeted use of collagen hydrolysate not only strengthens the collagen-dependent structures of the musculoskeletal system, but in certain cases can be useful even in the case of already existing problems, has been shown, among other things, by a randomised placebo-controlled interventional study. In this study, 147 athletes with arthritis-related joint pain received either collagen hydrolysate (10 g daily) for 24 weeks or a placebo. After the end of the study, the results analysis showed that there was a partially significant reduction in pain in the collagen hydrolysate group.

The branded raw material NATICOL® has undergone a variety of clinical studies with a beauty focus, which were conducted in collaboration with research institutes as well as specialist clinics and hospitals.

A double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled study published in investigated the anti-ageing potential of 5 g Naticol® fish collagen peptides in 60 healthy female subjects aged 35 to 70 years. The test zones included the facial skin, abdominal skin and forearm skin.

After 8 weeks of regular intake of 5 g Naticol®, significant improvements in skin firmness on the abdomen, face and forearms as well as a reduction in wrinkles were found. The results also suggested that Naticol® could have a preventive effect against dehydration in cold weather conditions.

Would you like to dive even further into the subject and read more in studies on collagen or collagen hydrolysate? Under the item "In-depth studies", you will find some of the studies that we consulted in our various collagen research.

Conclusion: Collagen is not only a beauty booster for our skin, it also benefits our muscles, cartilage and tendons. If you want to get the most out of the various benefits of structural protein, collagen hydrolysate from fish is to be particularly recommended. This is not only considered easy to digest and absorb, it also mainly supplies the highly sought-after type I collagen in a particularly bioavailable peptide form.

Further reading:

Asserin, J. et al. . The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol. Dec;14(4):291-301. doi: 10./jocd.. Epub Sep 12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Choi, F.D. . Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. Jan 1;18(1):9-16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

De Miranda, R.B. et. al. . Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. Dec;60(12):-. doi: 10./ijd.. Epub Mar 20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Evans, M. et al. . A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 20(3):825–834. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Sibilla, S. et al. . An Overview of the Beneficial Effects of Hydrolysed Collagen as a Nutraceutical on Skin Properties: Scientific Background and Clinical Studies. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal. 8(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

De Almagro, M. C. . The Use of Collagen Hydrolysates and Native Collagen in Osteoarthritis. AJBSR. 7(6):530–532. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Hong, H. et al. . Preparation of low-molecular-weight, collagen hydrolysates (peptides): Current progress, challenges, and future perspectives. Food Chemistry. 301:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Campos Mbg, P. M. . An Oral Supplementation Based on Hydrolyzed Collagen and Vitamins Improves Skin Elasticity and Dermis Echogenicity: A Clinical Placebo-Controlled Study. Clin Pharmacol Biopharm. 04(03). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/_An_Oral_Supplementation_Based_on_Hydrolyzed_Collagen_and_Vitamins_Improves_Skin_Elasticity_and_Dermis_Echogenicity_A_Clinical_Placebo-Controlled_Study

Castillo-Briceño, P. et al. . A role for specific collagen motifs during wound healing and inflammatory response of fibroblasts in the teleost fish gilthead seabream. Mol Immunol. 48(6–7):826–834. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Geahchan, S. et al. . Marine Collagen: A Promising Biomaterial for Wound Healing, Skin Anti-Aging, and Bone Regeneration. Mar Drugs. 20(1):61. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Duteil, L. et al. . SPECIFIC NATURAL BIOACTIVE TYPE 1 COLLAGEN PEPTIDES ORAL INTAKE REVERSE SKIN AGING SIGNS IN MATURE WOMEN. J Aging Res & Lifestyle. :1–9. https://www.jarlife.net/-specific-natural-bioactive-type-1-collagen-peptides-oral-intake-reverse-skin-aging-signs-in-mature-women.html

Lugo, J. P. et al. . Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: A multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutr J. Jan 29;15:14.  doi: 10./s-016--8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Zdzieblik, D. et. al. . Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Nutr. Oct 28;114(8):-45. doi: 10./S. Epub Sep 10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Mohammed A., He S. . A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Type II Supplement in Alleviating Joint Discomfort. Nutrients. Jul 18;13(7):. doi: 10./nu. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

If you want to learn more, please visit our website hydrolyzed fish collagen manufacturers.

 Li W, Sun K, Ji Y, Wu Z, Wang W, Dai Z, Wu G. Glycine Regulates Expression and Distribution of Claudin-7 and ZO-3 Proteins in Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cells. J Nutr. May;146(5):964-9. doi: 10./jn.115.. Epub Mar 30. PMID: . https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Howard A, Tahir I, Javed S, Waring SM, Ford D, Hirst BH. Glycine transporter GLYT1 is essential for glycine-mediated protection of human intestinal epithelial cells against oxidative damage. J Physiol. Mar 15;588(Pt 6):995-. doi: 10./jphysiol... Epub Feb 1. PMID: ; PMCID: PMC https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Wu G, Bazer FW, Burghardt RC, Johnson GA, Kim SW, Knabe DA, Li P, Li X, McKnight JR, Satterfield MC, Spencer TE. Proline and hydroxyproline metabolism: implications for animal and human nutrition. Amino Acids. Apr;40(4):-63. doi: 10./s-010--z. Epub Aug 10. PMID: ; PMCID: PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/

Zhu S, Huang M, Feng G, Miao Y, Wu H, Zeng M, Lo YM. Gelatin versus its two major degradation products, prolyl-hydroxyproline and glycine, as supportive therapy in experimental colitis in mice. Food Sci Nutr. Apr 16;6(4):-. doi: 10./fsn3.639. PMID: ; PMCID: PMC. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Asserin, Jérome et al. . The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 14,4 (): 291-301. doi:10./jocd. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Damodarasamy, Mamatha et al. . Hyaluronan enhances wound repair and increases collagen III in aged dermal wounds. Wound repair and regeneration: official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society vol. 22,4 (): 521-6. doi:10./wrr. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Clark, K.L., et al. . 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. May;24(5):-96. doi: 10./×. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Dressler, P. et al. . Improvement of Functional Ankle Properties Following Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides in Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability. J Sports Sci Med. Jun; 17(2): 298–304. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Oertzen-Hagemann, V., et al. . Effects of 12 Weeks of Hypertrophy Resistance Exercise Training Combined with Collagen Peptide Supplementation on the Skeletal Muscle Proteome in Recreationally Active Men. Nutrients, 11(5). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Kirmse, M., et al. . Prolonged Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Resistance Exercise Training Affects Body Composition in Recreationally Active Men. Nutrients, 11(5). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Lebensmittelchemische Gesellschaft. : https://www.gdch.de/fileadmin/downloads/Netzwerk_und_Strukturen/Fachgruppen/Lebensmittelchemiker/Arbeitsgruppen/kosmetik/db_proteine1.pdf, Zugriff: 1.10.

Collagen dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular, and patients may approach dermatologists for guidance and recommendations. Demand for collagen supplements is increasing at a pace disproportionate to the availability of research on their efficacy and safety. In , approximately 77 percent of the US population reported using at least one type of supplement.1 Collagen supplements, in particular, have seen increased growth, with the market size of the collagen industry expected to reach $7.5 billion by .2

Despite growing interest from consumers, the FDA does not maintain a list of dietary supplements or their ingredients. To document collagen supplement ingredients and identify any concerns, we surveyed locally available collagen dermatology supplements.

Our analysis of collagen supplements draws from a larger survey of dermatology supplements.3 Dermatology supplements were defined as those containing the words “skin,” “hair,” “nails,” or “glow” within the name or tagline. The Supplement Facts label and ingredient list were reviewed to identify collagen-containing supplements. We obtained a total of 59 collagen supplements from retail stores within a three-mile radius of a Houston dermatology practice.

Lack of Transparency, Wide Variation in Collagen Supplement Composition

Where does the collagen found in these supplements come from? Does it matter in terms of efficacy or safety? We have very little data available to answer these questions. Research on collagen supplements for dermatology outcomes is limited, and many questions remain regarding efficacy, quality, and safety. This is in part due to the fact that the collagen supplements in these studies vary significantly in terms of their source, types, and formulations.4

Our survey indicates that manufacturers also lack consensus on the “best” type of collagen in dermatology supplements, with a wide variation noted. One product used collagen from “cowhide, chicken bone broth, hydrolyzed fish collagen, and eggshell membrane collagen.” Furthermore, we noted a lack of ingredient transparency among many manufacturers. More than half (30) of the supplements reviewed did not provide any information on the collagen source(s).

When listed, collagen source(s) included (in decreasing prevalence) bovine, marine, chicken, eggshell, and porcine sources (Table 1). One supplement indicated that it contained “grass-fed” collagen, while two supplements used four different sources in a single product.

The type of collagen varied as well: hydrolyzed collagen (37 percent), collagen peptides (29 percent), specific branded collagens (seven percent), and unspecified collagen types (27 percent). Formulations similarly lacked consistency. Supplements were available as powders (31 percent), tablets (22 percent), capsules (15 percent), liquids (14 percent), gummies (10 percent), soft gels (five percent), or chewables (three percent).

Allergenicity Concerns

For individuals with food allergies, inadequate ingredient disclosure increases their risk. Ten supplements (17 percent) in our sample indicated sourcing from “fish”; of these, nine lacked allergen warnings. As previously mentioned, the majority of products lacked any information at all on collagen sourcing.

Although the allergenicity of collagen powders derived from marine sources requires further research, previous reports have indicated that fish collagen is an important allergen in some patients, while hydrolyzed fish collagen has been reported to cause anaphylaxis in others.5,6 Additionally, there have been cases of allergic reactions to foods containing bovine-derived and porcine-derived gelatin, a denatured form of collagen.7,8

Quality Concerns

Similarly concerning is the overall lack of information on the processing and quality of collagen supplements. Limited evaluations have been published regarding the quality of collagen supplements. An independent investigative laboratory, ConsumerLab evaluated 15 collagen powders and found one contaminated with cadmium, a toxic heavy metal.9

Under the FDA, supplements are regulated as foods rather than drugs. Dietary supplements are thus exempt from federal pre-market review. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for determining product safety and efficacy.10 Manufacturers may establish their own parameters for industry compliance with regard to the identity of ingredients, intermediary components, and final product composition. These private specifications contribute to a lack of industry uniformity, as products can possess similar labels yet differ drastically in terms of composition.

In response, patients are advised by government agencies to seek products that have undergone quality testing by independent third-party laboratories, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab. These organizations then provide seals of approval.10 Unfortunately, no products in our cohort displayed these certifications.

Caution and Education

As patients continue to seek dietary supplements for skin, hair, and nail health, it is important that dermatologists caution and educate patients. Our survey identified several key concerns for patients. A major concern is the lack of ingredient transparency among collagen dermatology supplements. Almost half of products lacked information on the source of their collagen, raising concerns for allergenicity. Another concern is that of quality. Consumers should be aware that there is no such thing as FDA approval for supplements, and contamination has been reported in at least one collagen supplement. Although consumers are advised by the FDA to seek out products that have undergone testing by recognized independent investigative laboratories, none of the products we surveyed displayed these seals, further highlighting that although this is a lucrative industry, many questions and consumer concerns remain.

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