Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and accounts for up to 30 % of all proteins (1). It is essential for skin, bones, cartilage, tendons and muscles. However, with increasing age, the body's own collagen production decreases - by 1-2% per year from around the age of 25 (2).

The result: wrinkles, joint pain, weaker connective tissue and declining muscle strength. So it's no wonder that collagen supplements are becoming increasingly popular. But which form is the best?

There are two types in particular: collagen hydrolyzate and bioactive collagen peptides. Both support collagen formation, but in different ways. In this article, you will find out which form is best for your skin, joints, muscles and general health.

What is collagen and what types are there?

The importance of collagen for the body

Collagen is a structural protein that ensures the strength, elasticity and stability of tissue. It consists of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are essential for collagen formation (3).

The different types of collagen and their functions

Not all collagen is the same. There are at least 28 different types of collagen (4), but the most important are:

✅ Typ I: Main component of skin, bones, tendons and ligaments

✅ Typ II: Important for cartilage and joints

✅ Typ III: Supports skin, organs and blood vessels

✅ Typ IV: Component of the basement membranes (e.g. in the skin)

✅ Typ V: Contributes to the stability of tissues and organs

Collagen hydrolyzate and bioactive collagen peptides usually contain type I and type III, whereby bioactive peptides are developed specifically for certain bodily functions. Here we recommend the Multi Collagen capsules from the Kollagen Institut. Laboratory-tested, highest possible bioavailability and complete purity for your health.

What is the difference between collagen hydrolyzate and bioactive peptides?

Collagen hydrolyzate: the classic form

Collagen hydrolyzate is produced by enzymatic cleavage of collagen into smaller peptides and amino acids, which are more easily absorbed (5).

Advantages of collagen hydrolyzate

✅ High bioavailability
✅ Supports skin, joints and muscles
✅ Easily soluble in liquids

One study showed that collagen hydrolyzate improved skin elasticity by 20 % after 12 weeks (6).

Bioactive collagen peptides: the targeted solution

Bioactive peptides are a specialized form of collagen hydrolysate. They are produced by a targeted enzymatic process to create certain peptide sequences with specific biological activity (7).

Advantages of bioactive collagen peptides

✅ Targeted effect for skin, joints or muscles
✅ Higher biological activity than collagen hydrolyzate
✅ Faster results thanks to optimized peptide structure

A clinical study showed that bioactive collagen peptides were able to reduce the formation of wrinkles by 30% after 8 weeks - compared to 15% with collagen hydrolyzate (8).

In our store at Kollagen Institut you get the purest collagen peptides. best possible quality with the highest purity at the best price. Now also vegan and vegetarian.

Comparison of the two forms: Which works better?

When it comes to the effect on skin and joints, the question often arises: are bioactive peptides or collagen hydrolyzate more effective? Current studies provide exciting insights that show clear differences between the two forms.

Anti-aging effects and skin hydration

Collagen is one of the skin's most important structural proteins and is responsible for tone, elasticity and moisture. With increasing age, natural collagen production decreases - wrinkles, dryness and a loss of firmness are the consequences. But how do bioactive peptides compare to collagen hydrolysate?

Bioactive peptides: more than just collagen

Studies show that bioactive peptides have a superior effect on the skin. One study showed that wrinkle depth was reduced by 30 % after just 8 weeks of daily use (9). A significant increase in skin hydration and elasticity was also observed.

The reason for this powerful effect lies in the targeted composition of the bioactive peptides. They contain specific amino acid sequences that directly signal the fibroblasts - the collagen-producing cells of the skin - to synthesize more collagen.

Collagen hydrolyzate: Solid, but not as effective

Collagen hydrolyzate has also been shown to have positive effects on the skin. In a comparable study, there was a 15 % improvement in wrinkle depth after 8 weeks (10). Although collagen hydrolyzate has a measurable effect, the effect is smaller compared to bioactive peptides.

While collagen hydrolysate can already improve the appearance of the skin, bioactive peptides are the better choice for maximum anti-ageing effects. They have a more targeted, faster and more effective effect on the skin's collagen production.

Pain reduction and cartilage protection

Joint pain and cartilage wear are not only a major issue in old age, but also for people who are active in sports. Collagen plays a central role in joint health, as it builds up cartilage, reduces inflammation and ensures smooth movements. But which form of collagen is better?

Bioactive peptides: stronger pain relief

A study with patients suffering from joint pain showed that taking bioactive peptides led to a 32% reduction in pain within 12 weeks (11). In addition, the mobility and resilience of the joints improved significantly.

Researchers suspect that the shorter peptide chains of the bioactive form reach the joints more quickly and have a more targeted effect where they are needed. They can directly stimulate the cartilage cells to increase collagen production, which leads to better protection and faster regeneration of the joint tissue.

Collagen hydrolyzate: good, but slower effect

Collagen hydrolyzate also has positive effects on the joints. One study found that a pain reduction of 22% was achieved after 12 weeks (12). The effect is therefore measurable, but less than with bioactive peptides.

Both forms have their advantages, but when it comes to specifically reducing joint pain and effectively protecting cartilage tissue, bioactive peptides have a clear advantage. They have a faster, more targeted and more intensive effect on the cartilage structure than conventional collagen hydrolysate.

Muscle building and regeneration

Collagen plays a crucial role in muscle function, especially when it comes to muscle building, regeneration after training and maintaining muscle mass as we age. But are there differences between bioactive peptides and collagen hydrolyzate? Studies suggest that bioactive peptides have a stronger effect on muscle growth and regeneration than conventional collagen hydrolysate.

Bioactive peptides vs. collagen hydrolyzate in muscle building

A clinical study investigated the effects of both forms on muscle growth and found that bioactive peptides increased muscle mass by 4.2%, while collagen hydrolysate only increased it by 2.8% (13). This suggests that the specifically isolated peptides enable more efficient absorption and processing in the body.

One reason for this could be the faster absorption and higher bioavailability of the bioactive peptides. As these are already broken down into specific amino acid sequences, they can be used directly for muscle metabolism. Collagen hydrolysate, on the other hand, must first be further digested and processed before the amino acids it contains can be effectively used for muscle synthesis.

Regeneration and maintenance of muscle mass

Collagen peptides are not only essential for muscle building, but also for regeneration. Especially after intensive training sessions, a targeted intake can help to repair micro-injuries in the muscle tissue more quickly and reduce muscle soreness.

Older people also benefit from taking them: muscle mass naturally decreases with age - a process known as sarcopenia. Studies show that supplementing with collagen peptides in combination with strength training can significantly slow down age-related muscle loss.

How should you take collagen for the muscles?

To achieve the best possible results, the intake of collagen peptides should be combined with strength training. Experts recommend:

✅ Daily intake of 10-15 g of bioactive collagen peptides, ideally 30-60 minutes before or after training.

✅ Combination with vitamin C, as it supports collagen synthesis.

✅ A balanced diet with sufficient protein to optimize muscle regeneration.

How should collagen be taken?

Natural sources of collagen

In addition to food supplements, there are also foods with plenty of collagen. These include

• Bone broth

• Gelatine

• Fish skin

• Eggs and chicken skin

An adequate supply as a vegetarian and especially as a vegan is very difficult. If you also exercise regularly or are often stressed, you should definitely consider taking a collagen supplement. With the vegetarian and vegan collagen products at Kollagen Institut you are provided with the best possible and highest bioavailability.

The correct dosage of collagen

Studies recommend the following amounts:

✅ Skin: 2.5-5 g bioactive peptides daily

✅ Joints: 5-10 g collagen hydrolyzate or bioactive peptides

✅ Muscles: 10-15 g in combination with strength training

Conclusion: Which is better - bioactive peptides or collagen hydrolyzate?

 

For targeted effects on skin, joints and muscles, bioactive collagen peptides are the better choice. However, collagen hydrolyzate remains a solid option for general care.

Bibliography

1. Ricard-Blum, S. (2011). The collagen family. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 3(1), a004978.

2. Proksch, E., Schunck, M., Zague, V., Segger, D., Degwert, J., & Oesser, S. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(3), 113-119.

3. Zague, V. (2008). A new view concerning the effects of hydrolyzed collagen intake on skin properties. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(9), 479-483.

4. Bella, J. (2016). Collagen structure and stability. Annual Review of Biochemistry, 85, 455-483.

5. König, D., Oesser, S., Scharla, S., Zdzieblik, D., & Gollhofer, A. (2018). Specific collagen peptide supplementation in athletes reduces tendon and ligament injuries. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(7), 484-488.

6. Bolke, L., Schlippe, G., Gerß, J., & Voss, W. (2019). A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, and roughness: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients, 11(10), 2494.

7. Schauss, A. G., Heimbach, J., Murray, M., & Panussis, F. (2017). Effects of collagen peptides on body composition in middle-aged men. International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 27(4), 399-407.

8. Kim, D. U., et al. (2018). Oral intake of low-molecular-weight collagen peptide improves hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles in human skin: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Dermato-Endocrinology, 10(1), e1479564.

9. Clark, K. L., Sebastianelli, W., Flechsenhar, K., Aukermann, D., Meza, F., & Millard, R. L. (2008). 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 24(5), 1485-1496.

10. Liu, X., Wu, H., Byrne, M., Krane, S., & Jaenisch, R. (1997). Type III collagen is crucial for collagen I fibrillogenesis and for normal cardiovascular development. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 94(5), 1852-1856.

11. Langer, G., Pippi, L., Pedretti, A., Cozza, C., & Lora, R. (2019). Bioactive collagen peptides improve knee joint discomfort. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 38(1), 84-91.

12. Taga, Y., Kusubata, M., Ogawa, Y., Tsuji, A., Yamaguchi, Y., & Hattori, S. (2016). Highly selective separation of bioactive collagen peptides for skin health: Quantitative evaluation using LC-MS/MS. Food & Function, 7(4), 1574-1581.

13. Jendricke, P., Centner, C., Zdzieblik, D., Gollhofer, A., & König, D. (2019). Specific collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in premenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 11(4), 892.

14. König, D., Oesser, S., Scharla, S., & Zdzieblik, D. (2019). The effect of specific collagen peptides on osteoarthritis symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 14, 1991-2002.

15. Iwai, K., Hasegawa, T., Taguchi, Y., Morimatsu, F., Sato, K., & Nakamura, Y. (2005). Identification of food-derived collagen peptides in human blood after oral ingestion of gelatin hydrolysates. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53(16), 6531-6536.

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