Collagen Peptides: What Are They And How Do They Work?

Collagen peptides are supplements made from the bones, skin, and cartilage of some animals. Their main function is to increase the endogenous synthesis of the protein of the same name.

Collagen peptides are becoming increasingly important every day due to their nutritional and physiological properties, as they play a key role in the maintenance of skin, hair, bones and nails. How then are they obtained? And what effects do they have on our bodies?

Collagen synthesis in the body

In order to better understand the function of collagen peptides in the body, we must first understand the role of collagen and how it works in all living things. Collagen is one of the proteins that make up the connective and connective tissues of the body, especially the skin, joints and bones.

Collagen is one of the most abundant molecules in many living organisms due to its importance in several biological structures. Collagen is synthesized by ingested amino acids. They are absorbed by the body to form three polypeptide chains that combine to form the protein itself, called collagen.

Despite their abundance, collagen fibers begin to become damaged over time, losing their thickness and strength. As a result, the aging process, in turn, accelerates.

Where do collagen peptides come from?

Thanks to collagen peptides, the body improves the synthesis of this protein. Although the raw material used to make this chemical compound is collagen itself, it can be obtained, for example, from the hydrolysis of a substance in the skin, cartilage and bones of fish, sheep, pigs and cattle.

They generally contain a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 100 amino acids and are characterized by excellent solubility in cold water and do not form gels even in highly concentrated solutions.

Health benefits of collagen peptides

• A study published in Nutrients found that collagen peptides are effective compounds that promote skin hydration and prevent the formation of wrinkles.
• On the other hand, it has been suggested that orally ingested collagen peptides may prevent certain diseases of the joints and bones, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

How do collagen peptides work on the skin?

Because collagen is directly related to aging skin, it has received a great deal of interest in the cosmetics industry. In this sense, it has been found that short-chain peptides are both bioavailable and bioactive; therefore, they can produce beneficial effects on the well-being of the body.

In addition, if taken orally, they can achieve effects even in the deepest layer of the skin and stimulate endogenous production of cell medium components in the skin. Therefore, they can complement these effects.

What do studies say about collagen peptides?

A study published in the Nature Research Journal has investigated how the similarity of bovine and human collagen peptides would explain the significant improvements that supplements have in skin parameters.

In addition, a scientific study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food has found that this similarity also exists in collagen peptides found in pigs.  Based on this study, porcine collagen peptides appear to enhance collagen synthesis in the human body as well, and can therefore be used successfully to improve and repair skin condition in all parts of the body.

How to improve the effects of collagen peptides?

While dietary supplements containing collagen peptide are useful, many of them also contain other important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and especially vitamin C and magnesium. Thanks to these ingredients, these types of supplements manage to produce more significant positive effects on skin moisture balance and elasticity.

Collagen Peptides: What Should We Remember?

Collagen peptides are used primarily for cosmetic purposes because they significantly improve the appearance of the skin. In addition, together with other nutrients and ingredients, their effects on the skin can be enhanced.

At the same time, it should be noted that collagen can also be made into hydrolyzed collagen, which in turn has anti-inflammatory purposes. For this reason, it is used to support and improve the well-being of bones and joints.

Ultimately, it is important to keep in mind that collagen is not only part of the skin, but also bones, hair, and other important tissues in the body. That is why it is important that we take care of an adequate intake of this important protein on a daily basis.