How Collagen Peptides Are Better Than Regular Collagen: A Breakdown

Collagen plays a fundamental role in maintaining the structure and resilience of our skin, joints, and connective tissues. Yet, as we age, the body’s natural collagen production gradually diminishes, contributing to wrinkles, sagging, and stiffness. While traditional collagen powders offer a source of this vital protein, they often consist of large molecules that are difficult for the body to absorb. Collagen peptides, on the other hand, are broken down into much smaller fragments—di- and tripeptides—that the gut can readily take up and deliver directly to the cells that need them. In this post, we’ll explore why these tiny peptides outperform regular collagen, how they support skin, hair and joint health more effectively, and what to look for when choosing the best collagen peptides for your wellbeing.

The Basics: What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for approximately 30% of total protein content. It forms the scaffolding that supports skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and even our gut lining. As we age, natural collagen production wanes by about 1–2% each year after our mid-20s, leading to wrinkles, joint stiffness, and reduced skin elasticity.

Regular collagen supplements typically contain large protein molecules extracted from bovine, porcine, poultry or marine sources. While these supplements provide the raw material for collagen synthesis, their bulky molecular structure can impede efficient absorption.

Why Molecular Size Matters

Imagine trying to pass large beads through a fine mesh. Many simply won’t make it through. Similarly, intact collagen molecules (with molecular weights often exceeding 300 kDa) struggle to traverse the gut lining into the bloodstream.

By contrast, collagen peptides are produced via enzymatic hydrolysis, which breaks down collagen into much smaller di- and tripeptides (molecular weights around 2–5 kDa). These tiny peptides pass readily through intestinal walls and into the bloodstream, delivering intact di– and tripeptides directly to the dermal layer of the skin, thereby providing structure. [1].

The di- and tripeptides which are absorbed intact stimulate the fibroblasts in the dermal layer to produce more collagen.

Enhanced Bioavailability

Problem: Regular collagen often remains only partially digested, limiting the amount of usable protein that reaches target tissues.

Solution: Collagen peptides boast bioavailability rates of over 90%, thanks to their reduced size [2]. Clinical trials confirm that hydrolysed collagen peptides appear in the bloodstream within just one hour of ingestion, peaking around two hours later, far faster and more completely than non-hydrolysed collagen [7].

Targeted Delivery to Skin and Joints

Because of their superior absorption, collagen peptides can more effectively:

• Stimulate Collagen Synthesis: Peptides signal fibroblasts to ramp up collagen production, reversing age-related decline [3].

• Support Joint Cartilage: Small peptides reach cartilage tissue, encouraging repair and reducing pain in osteoarthritis patients [4].

• Improve Skin Hydration and Elasticity: Daily peptide supplementation has been shown to increase skin moisture content and elasticity by up to 28% after eight weeks [5].

Nutrient Synergy: Pure Marine Collagen Peptides

Rather than blending in additional extracts, Nutrova’s Marine Collagen Peptides focus on a single, potent ingredient: 10 g of 100% hydrolysed marine collagen per serving. By keeping the formulation minimal, with no fillers, flavourings, or additives, Nutrova ensures purity and effectiveness, and adds Vitamin C to enhance absorption. This purity means every dose provides the precise collagen fragments your body needs to:

• Supports skin structure by supplying readily absorbable di- and tripeptides that stimulate fibroblast activity [7].

• Enhances joint health through targeted delivery of collagen-building blocks to cartilage tissue [4].

• Promotes hair and nail strength by nourishing the connective tissues underlying follicles and nail beds.

Practical Advantages Over Regular Collagen

How to Incorporate Collagen Peptides

For best results:

1. Take consistently: Daily intake over at least 8–12 weeks is recommended to cover multiple skin-cell turnover cycles.

2. Mix into cold or warm liquids: Peptides dissolve readily in water, tea, coffee, smoothies, and even oatmeal.

3. Pair with a healthy diet: Adequate protein, vitamin C-rich fruits, and vegetables further support collagen synthesis.

4. Consume at any time: Add it to your routine and enjoy it at any time of day.

Takeaway

While standard collagen supplements provide building blocks, it’s the peptide form that truly unlocks collagen’s regenerative potential. With unmatched bioavailability and targeted delivery, collagen peptides earn their reputation as the best collagen peptides for skin, joints, and overall connective-tissue health.

References

1. Ohara, H., Ichikawa, S., Matsumoto, H., Akiyama, M., Fujimoto, N., Kobayashi, T., & Tajima, S. (2010). Collagen‐derived dipeptide, proline–hydroxyproline, stimulates cell proliferation and hyaluronic acid synthesis in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Journal of Dermatology, 37(4), 330–338. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00859.x 

2. Sibilla, S., Godfrey, M., Brewer, S., Budh‐Raja, A., & Genovese, L. (2015). 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, 29–42. https://doi.org/10.2174/1876396001508010029 

3. Zague, V. (2008). A new view concerning the effects of collagen hydrolysate intake on skin properties. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 21(5), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.1159/000112785 

4. McAlindon, T. E., Nuite, M., Kruger, J., & et al. (2011). Change in knee osteoarthritis cartilage detected by delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging after initiation of a collagen hydrolysate supplement: a pilot randomised controlled trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 19(4), 399–405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2010.11.006 

5. Proksch, E., Schunck, M., Zague, V., Segger, D., Degwert, J., & Oesser, S. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1159/000351376 

6. Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866 

7. Iwai, K., Hasegawa, T., Taguchi, Y., Morimatsu, F., Sato, K., Nakamura, Y., Higashi, A., & Kido, Y. (2005).
   Identification of food-derived collagen peptides in human blood after oral ingestion of gelatin hydrolysates. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53(18), 6531–6536. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf050206p