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Do you know which collagen is absorbed more easily and quickly by the body – powder or liquid form? Which product can you also use for cooking, to make your diet more varied? We’ll introduce you to both types of this food supplement, so you can make an informed choice for the best results for your health, beauty, and athletic performance, for a more varied diet, and without compromising on quality or dosage.
What Is Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Collagen hydrolysate is where it all begins, so there’s no question which one came first. It’s produced through the hydrolysis of gelatin protein from animal cartilage and bones (type 1 – one of the most abundant in the human body). During this process, the amino acid chains are shortened, breaking them down into smaller peptide compounds in a form that’s much more easily absorbed by the body. As a result, 18 amino acids, 9 of which are essential – such as lysine, histidine, and threonine – occur in higher concentrations.
Animal or Fish-Derived – Which Is Closer to Humans?
Collagen powder can come from free-range cattle or be extracted from fish and seafood.
When collagen is of animal origin, its composition is closest to the main protein in our body – that is, it has the highest content of type I and III.
Type I collagen makes up about 90% of this main protein in our body. It builds the skin, bones, and blood vessel walls, and takes part in the function of connective tissue. Type III is the second most abundant in our body. It forms muscles, organs, and blood vessels. It’s suitable for supporting joints and bones, for recovery after workouts, and for high athletic performance.
If the hydrolysate is marine-derived – extracted mainly from jellyfish or sea sponge – it is also rich in type I collagen. Its peptides also contain type II collagen – a small percentage of the main protein that builds cartilage, the eyes, and spinal discs.
Although fish and bovine collagen molecules are similar, there are differences in how the products act. The peptide molecules are smaller in size than those of animal collagen, which makes them slightly more bioavailable and easier for the human body to absorb. Marine collagen is especially rich in the amino acid hydroxyproline, which is a key component of the skin, blood vessel walls, and other connective tissues. That’s why it’s recommended for skincare and anti-aging effects.
In short, choosing collagen of animal or marine origin depends first of all on the diet you follow – whether you eat meat, or allow yourself only fish.
At this point, it’s also important to consider what benefits you’re looking for from taking the food supplement – addressing specific discomforts or pains, beauty, athletic performance, and so on – and choose one of the two types accordingly.
It’s also important to check for a seafood allergy, which can sometimes appear suddenly, or when taking a product of unclear origin. If you’re not sure the marine collagen comes from fish caught in sustainable, pollution-free fishing areas, or from the wild, don’t buy it. People with kidney disease or related issues should also consult a doctor before taking marine collagen.
Collagen Powder Is Dosed by Hand
Animal-derived hydrolysate in powder form has no smell or taste and combines well with coffee and tea, and is also suitable for smoothies and shakes. It’s absorbed easily and quickly by the body, since it’s pure protein with no additives. Its major advantage is that its form allows it to be taken with both hot and cold drinks, as well as used to prepare various desserts and dishes. However you take it, the measuring scoop will always let you know the exact recommended dose, or you can use it according to a recipe. This significantly diversifies a healthy menu – it contains no GMOs, gluten, artificial colorings, or sweeteners.
Last but not least – the benefits of taking collagen are based almost entirely on taking hydrolysate, and specifically animal-derived hydrolysate. This means they are well studied and free of side effects for healthy people.
For collagen extracted from fish or seafood, there is less research, but the benefits generally overlap. This is a newer product in the food supplement market. Although it has no smell or taste, it’s more often offered in combination with other ingredients or flavored.
Liquid Collagen – Pre-Made
Liquid collagen is essentially powdered collagen dissolved in pre-made liquids. There is no evidence that pre-dissolved collagen in liquid form is absorbed better by the body. In fact, it’s believed to be eliminated from the body more quickly and doesn’t really meet its needs.
There are several challenges with it:
- The mixture settles, so you may not be taking the same dose of collagen every day. It’s often combined with minerals, for example, which makes it hard to measure collagen’s effect. Possible side effects can’t be tracked, which increases the risk of, for example, an allergic reaction;
- Although the hydrolysate is more often dissolved in purified water, the drink may not be to your taste and may need sweetening, which means you’re not getting pure protein. This can compromise your regimen, which relies on a pure-collagen formula;
- These ready-made drinks are a great option for busy people on the go who are looking for a healthy pick-me-up. However, pre-made collagen water is a more expensive option, and it hasn’t been proven to be more effective. Single-use doses also increase single-use plastic waste, unlike a powdered collagen container that lasts much longer.
The Origin of Collagen Matters
Collagen powder is one of the most popular and well-established protein supplements. What matters most here is its origin – whether it comes from free-range, pasture-raised cattle, if animal-derived, or from fish or seafood caught in protected marine areas free of pollution. In both cases, look for this information on the product’s packaging.
Liquid collagens use purified water or other liquids in the form of shots or smoothies, which can often also contain allergens, for example. That’s why we recommend that, when choosing a food supplement, you go for the purest form, one that lets you use it in many ways in your daily life. This way you’ll add variety to your menu without compromising on quality or dosage. In short, collagen peptides in powder form are a practical choice for people looking for long-term benefits for joint health, fresher skin, strong and healthy hair and nails, and better athletic performance.
