In a human body structure there are many compounds and substances which are essential for leading a healthy life. Some of these compounds are easy to understand, while others require more comprehension than the other due to their complexity.
Collagen is a frustratingly complex protein that can’t be understood by most people. However, learning about collagen isn’t exactly rocket science, and it’s better to know about it due to the several benefits it provides for the human body.
There is also a common debate among individuals regarding collagen peptides vs collagen protein and whether there are any major differences between them.
It is one of the biggest questions almost every collagen user asks, and in this article we will illustrate the differences between them.
Before we discuss their differences it is crucial to understand about collagen protein and peptides first.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a particular protein that is produced in the womb to form main body components, organs, and protective layers.
The way collagen affects the formation of skin is one of its greatest contributions. Without collagen, we would be going about with our internal organs visible .
Collagen is the main component of human skin and generates numerous other significant substances.
Collagen also aids in the production of various internal organs and connective tissues required for healthy bodily function.
Our bodies wouldn’t function correctly without collagen, and we most likely wouldn’t make it through the early stages of development because of poorly constructed tissue. The majority of the nutrients required by our bodies for proper operation, along with all the related amino acids, are found in the protein collagen.
Have you ever wondered why elderly people start to form wrinkles, feel pain in their joints more oftenly and their muscle recovery is slow?
This is due to the reduction of collagens in our body as we grow older and as soon as we reach late 20’s, our collagen decreases by a rate of approximately 1-1.5% per year although it varies from individual to individual.
What are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen, are particles of animal-derived collagen that have been broken down via a process known as hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of collagen increases its bioavailability, meaning that the body can absorb it more efficiently.
Collagen peptides help repair damaged collagen proteins and produce new ones.
Many studies found promising findings about collagen peptides and the benefits one can reap by consuming it.
Peptides are more widely used tools than the protein they originate from since they are often extracted from collagen protein and processed into supplements.
Collagen peptides contain the same components as a conventional collagen protein, but are significantly weaker owing to the different portions.
Thankfully, this can be avoided by adding many peptides to the mixture, which will allow them to work together to improve your beauty and overall health. As far as collagen protein vs collagen peptides are concerned, they are interchangeable. Since peptides are parts of the whole protein, they are fundamentally the same protein but smaller.
Benefits of Collagen Peptides
There are many possible advantages of collagen peptide supplements, but only few have been thoroughly investigated.
According to medlineplus, one of the potential advantages is that it helps in the improvement of aging skin as it improves skin hydration and skin elasticity.
They are also claimed to treat osteoporosis, brittle nails, muscle strength, and a variety of other conditions, however most of these claims lack scientific backing.
Moreover, it is claimed that it can help with heart conditions as the supplements keep arteries healthy.
Collagen peptide supplements can also help in the loss of muscle mass as one keeps getting older, also known as sarcopenia.
Collagen Peptides Vs Collagen Protein: The Key Differences
Collagen and collagen peptides vary primarily in that the former is a degraded version of the latter. The process of hydrolyzing animal collagen yields collagen peptides. Collagen peptides are hence pieces of collagen, even though collagen is a whole protein.
The body finds it difficult to digest and absorb whole collagen, however collagen peptides are much easier for the body to absorb.
Compared to a collagen peptide supplement, your body will only be able to use a limited amount of a full collagen supplement. The idea behind collagen peptides as an alternative to collagen is a difference in bioavailability.
It is crucial to stress that the ability of collagen peptides to assist the body in producing or repairing collagen is what gives them their significance.
Therefore, the main objective is intact and healthy collagen, even though collagen peptides could be a fantastic method to get there.
Discover the Superior Choice: Collagen Protein or Collagen Peptides
So let’s settle the collagen protein vs collagen peptides debate.
Collagen peptides may be the greatest route to get the desired results, even if collagen may be the ultimate objective.
Collagen peptides have a relatively high bioavailability compared to collagen, thus those who want to profit from them may find the latter to be more advantageous.
While further study is needed to identify the entire spectrum of advantages that collagen and collagen peptide supplements provide, preliminary data appears to support their use.
Different Types of Collagen Peptides Supplements
Collagen peptide supplements come in plenty of forms that fit all kinds of lifestyles and tastes; they range from flavored and unflavored collagen powders and capsules to collagen-rich products that, when used regularly, also promote gut health and alleviate stress.
Liquid collagen, or drinks laced with collagen, is another option for people who would rather boost their daily dose while on the go.
Piling Up
Although the usage of collagen peptides hasn’t been the subject of as many popular research as, say, melatonin advantages, the market is nevertheless thriving. There is a collagen supplement out there for everyone, regardless of their goals—be they stronger nails, more youthful-looking skin, or relief from knee pain from overexertion.
Examining the testimonies of individuals who have benefited from collagen peptides highlights the powerful influence that collagen peptide powders, bars, or capsules may have on people’s own health journeys.
But it’s crucial to remember that each person’s experience and experience is unique, so they shouldn’t be used as the standard for what is anticipated in every circumstance.
In the end we always recommend consulting your healthcare provider before starting using any kind of supplements along with your current diet.