Hydrolyzed Collagen
Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen protein that has been enzymatically broken down into shorter peptide fragments. Hydrolysis improves solubility (it mixes cold without clumping) and may improve absorption. The terms hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides are used interchangeably on most labels.
Why It Matters
Hydrolysis is what makes collagen actually usable as a supplement. Intact collagen is essentially gelatin and would gel in your coffee. Hydrolyzed collagen stays dissolved, has no flavor, and can be added to anything from coffee to oatmeal. The hydrolyzed peptides are also small enough to survive digestion and reach connective tissue.
How to Spot It on a Label
Labels say hydrolyzed collagen, collagen peptides, or hydrolyzed bovine collagen. The product should be a fine, fluffy powder, not granular. Look for type I and III collagen for skin and hair, type II for joints. Multi-collagen blends combine several sources.
Examples from real products
Related Terms
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