Difference Between Collagen and Collagen Peptides


Collagen and collagen peptides are both proteins that play a vital role in maintaining the health of our skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues. They are often used interchangeably, but there are differences between the two. In this essay, we will discuss the difference between collagen and collagen peptides.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a type of protein that makes up about one-third of the total protein in the human body. It is the primary component of connective tissues such as skin, tendons, cartilage, and bones. Collagen is responsible for giving skin its elasticity and strength and for maintaining the structure of bones and joints. As we age, the production of collagen decreases, leading to the signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and brittle bones.

Among its functions in the body include providing optimum bone and joint health, improved heart health, maintaining a healthy gut and weight, supporting connective tissues, muscles, and the skin.

It is located most densely in connective tissue (ligaments, skin, joints, tendons,), although it is present in muscle as well. Collagen makes up (by dry weight) −

  • 90 percent of the sclera (the white part of your eye)

  • 80 percent of tendons

  • 70-80 percent of the skin

  • 60 percent of cartilage

  • 30 percent of bones

  • 1–10 percent of muscle mass

What are Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides, on the other hand, are a broken-down form of collagen that is easier for our bodies to absorb and use. Collagen peptides are formed by breaking down the longer collagen protein chains into smaller peptides through a process called hydrolysis. This makes them more bioavailable and easier for our bodies to absorb and use.

Collagen peptides have several benefits that make them popular among health enthusiasts. For example, they can improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote healthy hair and nail growth. They are also beneficial for joint health, as they can reduce joint pain and inflammation, and improve joint mobility.

Collagen supplements are available in several forms, including powders, capsules, and liquid supplements. Collagen peptides are often sold as a powder or liquid supplement, making them easy to add to drinks or food. They can also be found in many beauty and skincare products, such as creams, lotions, and serums.

Differences: Collagen and Collagen Peptides

The following table highlights the major differences between Collagen and Collagen Peptides −

Characteristics

Collagen

Collagen Peptides

Definition

Collagen: Collagen is the main extracellular protein in the body mostly found in fibrous tissues such as skin, ligaments, tendons, etc.

Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides are short chain bioactive peptides, produced as a result of enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen.

Molecular weight

Collagen: The molecular mass of collagen is about 300 – 400kDa.

Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides are small peptides and their molecular weight is up to 5000Da.

Use

Collagen: The uses of collagen include bone grafts, tissue regeneration, cosmetic surgery, wound care, reconstructive surgical uses.

Collagen Peptides: The collagen peptides have many health benefits, including skin beauty, healthy aging, bone and joint health, gut health, sports nutrition.

Production

Collagen: Collagen can be produced in different types of cells in the body. The most common cells, producing collagen are the fibroblasts.

Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides are obtained via controlled enzymatic break down of the bonds between individual collagen strands.

Solubility

Collagen: Collagen is not soluble in water.

Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides are soluble in cold water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, collagen and collagen peptides are both essential proteins that play a vital role in maintaining our overall health and wellbeing. While collagen provides structure and support to our tissues, collagen peptides are a more easily absorbed form of collagen that has several health benefits. Both forms of collagen are beneficial for our skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues and are available in various forms to suit individual preferences.

Updated on: 04-Apr-2023

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