The Benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen: Beyond Skin Deep

Collagen is a type of structural protein that makes up 30% of the body’s protein materials. In other words, it’s the foundation of your skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. 

When broken down, it becomes an easily digestible, absorbable and distributable protein called hydrolyzed collagen. Its bioavailability can make it especially beneficial to joint function, bone health, skin elasticity and muscle repair. 

Interestingly, it may also play a role in weight management. To that end, let’s discuss the many incredible benefits of hydrolyzed collagen. 

#1 Joint Function

Maintaining optimal joint health is essential for mobility, flexibility and overall quality of life. Fortunately, hydrolyzed collagen contains active peptides that can easily reach the tissues of joints. 

In various studies, researchers have identified that hydrolyzed collagen can help reinforce the joints, thus relieving any discomfort associated with joint breakdown and collagen loss. 

Despite the numerous studies ranging vastly in design, dosage (between five and 10 grams a day), duration and administration method, positive results were reported across the board. Namely, participants have experienced an increase in joint movement, improved function, reduced soreness and an overall increase in quality of life. 

Within the studies, it was also observed that hydrolyzed collagen may help reverse cartilage degradation in the knees to improve overall joint pain. 

To dive deeper into how collagen supports joint health, explore our article specifically on collagen for joints, which covers the pivotal role of collagen peptides in maintaining joint mobility even further.

#2 Bone Health

Maintaining strong and healthy bones is crucial for overall well-being and mobility, especially as we age. Bone mass and bone mineral density play pivotal roles in determining bone strength and resilience. Fortunately, research suggests that hydrolyzed collagen may offer significant benefits for bone health.

In a 2010 study, researchers found that hydrolyzed collagen may help prevent and even treat degradations in bone mass and bone mineral density. This type of condition can negatively impact bone strength and may lead to a higher risk of breaking a bone.

Further, a 2018 study on postmenopausal women discovered that a daily dose of 5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides over the span of a year helped increase bone mineral density and reduce bone breakdowns.

A smaller-scale study, conducted in 2021, confirmed these results in the original study group. After four years, continued hydrolyzed collagen supplementation significantly increased bone mineral density, and participants did not experience any bone fractures during this time. 

#3 Skin Elasticity

Your skin serves as a protective barrier, shielding your body from environmental pollutants, UV radiation and other harmful elements. It’s primarily composed of collagen peptides, which provide structure, strength and elasticity to the skin. However, as we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to wrinkles, dryness and loss of firmness. 

Supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen, such as collagen peptides, can play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the health and appearance of your skin since peptides are highly bioavailable and effective in promoting skin health. 

In fact, a study conducted in 2018 found significant benefits of collagen peptide supplementation for skin health. Participants who consumed one gram of collagen peptides daily over a period of 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in their skin. Notably, the study found reductions in the appearance of wrinkles, increased skin hydration levels and enhanced skin elasticity. 

By replenishing collagen levels in the skin, hydrolyzed collagen supplements can help restore its firmness, smoothness and overall vitality. Additionally, collagen peptides support the body's natural ability to repair and regenerate skin cells, contributing to a more youthful complexion and improved skin texture.

Besides its benefits for your skin, collagen is also great for improving hair health. Learn more about collagen for hair growth and how adding collagen to your diet can enhance hair strength and vitality.

#4 Muscle Repair

Collagen is a key component of our muscles and connective tissue, helping to provide structural support and enable the contraction and movement of the body. As such, hydrolyzed collagen supplementation may help to increase muscle mass in skeletal muscles.

A 12-week study that observed 26 men found that those taking 15 grams of collagen while exercising gained significantly more muscle compared to those who didn’t supplement with collagen.

All that said, the mechanisms behind collagen's role in muscle repair and growth are multifaceted, and more research is required to fully understand hydrolyzed collagen’s impact on muscle health and repair. 

Can Hydrolyzed Collagen Support Weight Management?

Collagen is a type of protein, so it can help increase feelings of fullness and satiety after you eat. 

While more research is required on collagen for weight loss, this is what researchers have so far: A 2019 study found that women who supplemented with collagen experienced more weight loss, compared to those who didn’t. 

Collagen may also impact how the body stores fat, although studies are reserved to rodents. That said, collagen peptides may help to: 

• Increase fat loss
• Reduce body mass index (BMI)
• Decrease weight gain
• Regulate blood sugar levels

That said, one study involving humans does support these findings. In 2019, a group of 81 people were administered either hydrolyzed collagen supplements or a placebo. Those who received the collagen showed reduced body fat, compared to the placebo group.

How to Increase Your Collagen Intake

You can enrich your body with collagen by eating collagen-rich foods or investing in a pre-dosed hydrolyzed collagen supplement. To the former, collagen-dense foods that you can easily add to your diet include:

• Beef bone broth – Simmering beef bones for an extended period releases collagen-rich gelatin, making beef bone broth a nutritious source of collagen.
• Skin-on chicken – Chicken skin contains significant amounts of collagen which can help to increase your overall collagen intake.
• Pork bone broth – Like beef bone broth, simmering pork bones can help increase your collagen intake, particularly if added as a base for soups or stews.
• Sardines – Sardines are rich in collagen and omega-3 fatty acids, helping to support skin and bone health.
• Organ meats – Organ meats such as liver, heart and kidneys are dense sources of collagen, providing a concentrated dose of this essential protein.
• Collagen-infused drinks – Some beverages may be fortified with collagen peptides for a convenient on-the-go option.
• Gummy candies – Gelatin contains hydrolyzed collagen and may be a beneficial source. However, it’s important to not rely solely on gummy candies for your collagen intake as they contain high amounts of sugar.
• Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries contain levels of vitamin C, which can help build collagen within the body.
• Broccoli – Broccoli is also high in vitamin C, which can help increase collagen. 
• Aloe vera – Applying aloe vera topically to the skin may help support skin health by increasing collagen content and improving both skin moisture and skin elasticity.

Benefit from Collagen Peptides With INVIGOR8

Overall, hydrolyzed collagen peptides may help support overall joint, bone, muscle and skin health. Hydrolyzed collagen can also play a role in weight management by helping to increase fat loss and satiety. 

For a convenient dose of collagen, opt for INVIGOR8’s Hydrolyzed Unflavored Collagen Peptides + Vitamin C. It can help support your cartilage health, skin elasticity, muscle mass and weight loss efforts.

For those looking to maximize the results of their weight loss journey, the INVIGOR8 Weight Loss Kit offers just that. This comprehensive kit combines our Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides with a tailored selection of supplements, including our organic superfoods powder and natural appetite control support. Experience the transformative effects of weight loss support with INVIGOR8.

Sources:

1. Healthline. Is Hydrolyzed Collagen a Miracle Cure?
2. Cleveland Clinic. Collagen
3. Healthline. What You Need to Know About the Health Benefits of Collagen
4. Medical News Today. Does collagen help with weight loss?
5. Eating Well. 10 Collagen-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet