You have probably heard of collagen, the supplement taking the health and wellness world by storm. People have been adding it to their smoothies, coffee, and even using it in baked goods. This health and beauty powerhouse helps with skin elasticity and glow, preventing wrinkles, and supporting bone and joint health.

You may notice that there are many variations in the type of collagen supplements you see. So what’s the deal? Do you need to be taking collagen supplements, and if so, what kind is right for you? What about when your collagen supplement has the word “hydrolyzed” in front of it? Don’t freak out- it’s not as complex as it sounds.

While choosing between all these different types of collagen may seem daunting, it’s easy to simplify it. Hydrolyzed collagen is basically a version of collagen that is easier for our bodies to process. ¹As with any dietary supplement, it is essential that you choose the cleanest and best variety.

There are many companies out there that offer gimmicks or products simply because they are “trendy.” Educating yourself on what’s real and what’s not is important. Read on to learn more about hydrolyzed collagen and all its amazing health benefits. 

What is Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Collagen peptides, or hydrolyzed collagen, (sometimes referred to as collagen hydrolysate) are created through Peptan, which is made in a process called hydrolysis. The end result of hydrolysis is hydrolyzed collagen.

Collagen supplements are made from animal bones and skin, which we as humans cannot easily digest in that form. Through the process of hydrolization, the collagen protein’s amino acids (basically building blocks in our body) get broken down into tiny particles that allow us to absorb and digest nutrients significantly faster than those that are not already broken down.

By already being broken down, your body is able to move the digestion and absorption process along. When you can digest the nutrients faster, you can also absorb them faster, which means better results and quicker improvement in your skin and health! ¹

What are the benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Here’s the short answer: glowing skin, healthy hair and nails, and strong bones. As our natural collagen production slows down as a result of aging, it becomes more and more necessary to take collagen supplements, and the reason is twofold. On the one hand, it has the ability to repair damage that has already been done, like the deterioration of collagen, which starts to happen in your 20’s. On the other hand, it will also prevent further damage from happening to your skin, such as wrinkles and scarring, and help with anti-aging. This is because the addition of a collagen supplement will help strengthen your natural skin barrier. The stronger the barrier, the less likely you are to have problematic skin.

Of course, there are several factors that contribute to the condition of your skin, such as genetics, sun exposure, and diet. In any case, whether your skin is bad, neutral, or good, collagen supplements will benefit you in one way or another. The main thing with hydrolyzed collagen is that you can digest and absorb the collagen more easily. However, it also means that the collagen supplement has a superior quality after the process is finished.

Besides that, it has the same overall benefits of collagen supplements. With health benefits that include strengthening your skin, bones, relieving joint pain and supporting your connective tissues, as well as healthier hair and nails, it’s easy to see why collagen is such an important supplement. Not to mention, the most abundant protein in your body is collagen.

When it comes to your skin, hair, and nails, hydrolyzed collagen helps your own cells to continue repairing and renewing themselves. As time goes on, you will see an improvement with the appearance of these parts of your body. Additionally, your body may use the amino acids found in collagen to grow protein in your hair, and strengthen the skin that your roots attach to.³

Another beneficial aspect of hydrolyzed collagen is that it strengthens your bones. While it is being absorbed, it also helps your body to absorb calcium and other minerals more efficiently. This directly helps to strengthen your bones.

A third benefit is that it helps with inflammation and joint pain. Given its smooth consistency that helps keep bones together, hydrolyzed collagen allows joints to move more easily, allowing for the possibility of deterioration prevention.⁴ 

The good thing about hydrolyzed collagen is that there are no known side effects, and pretty much anyone can take it and experience its many benefits (that being said, always ask your doctor about supplements for your specific body). 

What types of Hydrolyzed Collagen supplements are there and how do you take them?

Typically, hydrolyzed collagen comes in the form of collagen powder, or it’s encapsulated. There are also things like gummies and liquid collagen shots. The powder supplements are typically unflavored and odorless. Hydrolyzed collagen can come in bovine, marine, or porcine varieties, with marine being the highest quality of collagen supplement as long as it is wild-caught and sustainably sourced.

Given that all collagen supplements are derived from animals, there are currently no vegan options available. If you choose to go with a bovine variety, make sure it’s grass-fed.

With the powder supplement, you can mix it into cold water or hot water, smoothies, and juices. If you choose to go with gummies or liquid collagen shots, be aware that there are likely additives and sugar that can deter the effects of the collagen.

Your best bet is to find a clean supplement that works for your body, because there is no one size fits all when it comes to beauty, health, and wellness. Something to think about is the cost effectiveness of collagen as well as how much it will fill you up if you are adding it to your smoothie, juice or water. Realistically, it won’t keep you full for long and you’ll have to eat more or spend more money on another snack.

Our Kalumi BEAUTYfood bars offer a delicious snack that contains 8 grams of hydrolyzed marine collagen. They also contain 11-13 grams of protein, and an abundance of superfoods that will help your skin to glow and keep your body strong and healthy. From chocolate, to almond butter chocolate chip, the flavors are delicious but also serve a purpose. Collagen, antioxidants, and energy boosters are packed into every bite. Why not choose a collagen supplement that does it all? Kalumi BEAUTYfood gives you energy, glowing skin, superfoods, and keeps you full. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Sources: 
https://www.peptan.com/about-peptan/what-is-peptan/httpswwwpeptancomabout-peptanwhat-is-peptanabout-collagen-peptides/hydrolyzed-collagen
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-for-hair
https://clearmedicine.com/top-ten-benefits-marine-collagen/
https://www.furtherfood.com/difference-between-collagen-gelatin-collagen-peptides-hydrolyzed-collagen-explained-by-nutritionist/
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-is-hydrolyzed-collagen