Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in skin and connective tissue, commonly taken as hydrolysed peptides for absorption.

Collagen peptides are water-soluble, so they can be taken at any time and do not need to be taken with fat, unlike fat-soluble ingredients such as astaxanthin or coenzyme Q10. In human studies that measure blood, the dipeptide Pro-Hyp peaks in plasma at around one to two hours after intake.

The difference is the source animal, and it has two consequences you can check on the label. First, allergens: fish-derived collagen is a declarable allergen. Second, religious considerations, which apply when the raw material is porcine and can be checked against a halal certification mark. the annex to Thai FDA guidance on the use of key ingredients in dietary supplements names the permitted sources at item 342 as fish, pig and bovine skin.

The reason usually given is the biochemistry of collagen synthesis: the step that adds a hydroxyl group to proline is carried out by an enzyme that uses vitamin C as a cofactor. That is a statement about enzymology, not about what a product does. If you take a combined formula, count your total vitamin C across products, The Thai FDA guidance of 8 July 2024 uses a figure of 1,000 mg a day as a condition on vitamin C raw materials, for example acerola cherry at item 191; the US Tolerable Upper Intake Level is 2,000 mg a day for adults aged 19 and over.

Follow the label, which is written for regular daily use. In the clinical research collected in a 2023 systematic review, most studies gave collagen peptides for 2 to 12 weeks at doses spanning from less than 1 g to 12 g a day. No health claim for collagen is authorised in the EU or approved by the Thai FDA. Dietary supplements are not intended to prevent, treat or cure any disease.

Not necessarily. The figure on the sachet may be the weight of the whole powder, which can include sugar, fruit acids and flavouring. The ingredient list is where the collagen peptide amount is declared, so two sachets printed with the same number may deliver different amounts of peptide.

They differ in size. All three come from the same protein: gelatin is collagen that heat has broken down, and collagen peptides are gelatin broken down further into much smaller pieces, which is why they dissolve easily in water. Human studies that measure blood show that collagen peptides are absorbed to a greater extent than undigested gelatin.

The annex to Thai FDA guidance on the use of key ingredients in dietary supplements (8 July 2024) groups collagen, collagen peptide, collagen hydrolysate, collagen dipeptide and collagen tripeptide together at item 342, at not more than 10 g of total collagen per day. Abalone collagen at item 343 counts towards the same ceiling. Type II collagen from chicken sternum at item 344 is a separate entry, capped at not more than 1 g per day.

Yes. The body can make collagen from amino acids through several steps inside cells. Vitamin C plays an important role in the body's natural collagen production process.

No. Plant foods do not naturally contain collagen because collagen is a structural protein found only in animals. However, plant foods can provide nutrients that help support collagen production, such as vitamin C and amino acids.

No. Collagen should not replace major protein sources in the diet because it is an incomplete protein. It does not contain all essential amino acids in the same proportions as high-quality proteins such as milk, eggs, meat, or soy.

They come from the same collagen source but are different in form. Collagen in food is found in animal connective tissues, while collagen peptides are produced through hydrolysis, which breaks collagen into smaller peptides.

No. After consumption, collagen is broken down into amino acids and small peptides during digestion before being absorbed and used by the body.

There is currently insufficient safety information on collagen supplements for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before use.

Children can obtain collagen naturally from protein-rich animal foods. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether collagen supplements are necessary or suitable for children.

It may be taken together with astaxanthin 6 mg as part of a skin care routine. Follow the directions on each product label.

Collagen can be taken at any time of the day. It is best to take it consistently according to the recommended serving on the product label.

Collagen peptides are collagen proteins that have been broken down into smaller peptides through a process called hydrolysis, making them easier to dissolve.

Yes. If the collagen is sourced from fish, people with seafood allergies should check the allergen information on the label and consult a healthcare professional before use.

Collagen may have a mild characteristic taste or smell depending on the source material and manufacturing process. Many products are formulated to improve taste and ease of consumption.

Yes. Older adults can generally take collagen according to the product directions. Those with medical conditions or who take medications regularly should consult a healthcare professional before use.

It is recommended to drink enough water daily to support overall health and normal body functions.

Yes. Collagen can generally be taken together with vitamins and other dietary supplements. However, individuals with medical conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.