What Is Collagen?

What is collagen made of?

Collagen is formed by amino acids grouped together into chains that create strong, flexible fibers supporting your skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues.

Natural sources of collagen

Dietary collagen primarily comes from animal sources—found mainly in the skin, joints, bones and organs.

How is collagen extracted?

Hydrolysis is the most common method for extracting collagen peptides from animal tissues, producing small bioactive peptides your body can readily absorb.

What are the health benefits of taking collagen supplements?

• Supports skin elasticity and hydration
• Helps maintain joint comfort and mobility
• Contributes to hair and nail strength
• Provides amino acids needed for connective tissue repair

Types of Collagen

There are multiple types of collagen; the most abundant are:

• Type I – dominant in skin, bones, tendons
• Type II – found in cartilage and joints
• Type III – supports organs and blood vessels

What is Gelatin?

Gelatin is partially hydrolyzed collagen that gels in liquid; hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) dissolves in hot or cold liquids and is easier to mix.

Collagen Broth

Bone broth provides collagen along with minerals and amino acids. It can be sipped on its own or used as a base for soups and sauces.

Why is molecule size important?

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are smaller, which supports better absorption compared with larger, unhydrolyzed proteins.

Types of supplement

Pill Form

Convenient but often requires many capsules to reach an effective serving.

Powder Form

Versatile, mixable in drinks or recipes, and typically the most cost-effective way to reach clinically used amounts.

Liquid Form

Easy to consume but may be more expensive and less flexible for dosing.

Collagen supplements – alone or mixed formula?

Single-ingredient collagen focuses purely on peptides. Mixed formulas add synergistic nutrients (e.g., vitamin C, hyaluronic acid) that support collagen production and protection.

Finding the collagen supplement solution that is right for you

Your ideal choice depends on budget, lifestyle, and preferences. Understanding how collagen works helps you choose confidently and support long-term skin, joint, and overall well-being.