What is hydrolyzed collagen (peptides)? Why is it better?

Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen whose long protein chains have been enzymatically broken down into short peptides of 2,000 to 5,000 Daltons, small enough to be absorbed through your intestinal wall. This is the only form of collagen supplementation that has clinically proven effects. "Collagen peptides" and "hydrolyzed collagen" mean the same thing. Bioavailability ranges from 80 to 91 percent, compared to under 20 percent for non-hydrolyzed collagen. Premium ingredients like Peptan (bovine collagen) achieve the upper end of this absorption range.

What is hydrolyzed collagen?

Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, is the result of enzymatic hydrolysis: a process where specific enzymes (proteases) break down long collagen chains into shorter segments. The end result is a neutral, drinkable collagen that the body can directly absorb and utilize.

How does the hydrolysis process work?

1. Extraction: collagen is extracted from animal sources (cattle for Peptan, fish for marine collagen).
2. Enzymatic hydrolysis: proteolytic enzymes cleave the protein chains at specific points.
3. Filtration: impurities are washed away.
4. Drying or liquefying: the end product can be a powder, liquid, or shot.

Peptides vs. amino acids

Important difference:

• Amino acids: the individual building blocks, absorbed via regular amino acid transporters.
• Peptides: short chains of 2 to 20 amino acids. Specific peptides like Pro-Hyp and Hyp-Gly are absorbed intact and are bioactive. They signal skin and cartilage cells to produce more of their own collagen.

This is precisely why hydrolyzed collagen works and ordinary amino acids do not have the same effect.

Why up to 91 percent biological absorption is possible

Research shows that hydrolyzed collagen achieves between 80 and 91 percent biological absorption. This is due to:

• Small molecular size (2,000 to 5,000 Daltons).
• Specific peptide transporters in the intestinal wall (PEPT1).
• Presence of hydroxyproline-containing peptides that are uniquely bioactive.

Peptan, the bovine collagen in ACTIVATE, reaches this upper limit of 91 percent.

How to recognize truly hydrolyzed collagen?

Check the label for:

• "Hydrolyzed collagen" or "collagen peptides."
• "Hydrolysed collagen" or "collagen peptides" (English).
• Preferably a certified brand ingredient like Peptan.
• Avoid "collagen protein" without further specification. It might be unhydrolyzed.

Molecular weight (Dalton)

Molecular Weight	Type	Absorption
above 100,000 Da	Unhydrolyzed collagen	Poor (under 20 percent)
10,000-50,000 Da	Partially hydrolyzed	Moderate
2,000-5,000 Da	Fully hydrolyzed (Peptan)	Excellent (80-91 percent)
under 1,000 Da	Amino acids or di-/tripeptides	Excellent, but less bioactive

Liquid shots offer the best form for absorption

A liquid shot like ACTIVATE offers three advantages over powders or capsules:

1. The peptides are already fully dissolved, ready for absorption.
2. You get the full 10g in one go, without mixing or swallowing multiple capsules.
3. The format allows for cofactors (vitamin C, silicon, hyaluronic acid, vitamin D3, SOD) in the same shot.

---

Written by the Labo Mariva team. Our formula was developed by a doctor and nutritionist.

Disclaimer: This article is informative and does not replace medical advice.