Hydrolyzed collagen (hydrolysate)
Encyclopedia
Hydrolyzed collagen is usually made from type I collagen
by an enzymatic hydrolysis process. It is also called collagen hydrolysate, collagen peptide, gelatine, gelatine hydrolysate and hydrolyzed gelatine.
found in the bones, skin, and connective tissue of animals such as cattle, pigs, horses, and fish. The process of hydrolysis
involves breaking down the molecular bonds between individual collagen strands using heat and either acid
or alkali
solutions.
The hydrolysis process results in reducing the collagen proteins of about 300,000 Dalton (unit) (Da) into small peptides having an average molecular weight between 2000 and 5000 Da.
content of hydrolyzed collagen is the same as collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen contains 20 amino acids, predominantly glycine
, proline
and hydroxyproline
, which together represent around 50% of the total amino acid content. Glycine
and proline
concentration is 10 to 20 times higher than in other food sources of protein.
of hydrolyzed collagen has been demonstrated by many studies.
In a study of 1999, scientists demonstrated on mice that more than 90% of orally administered 14C labelled hydrolyzed collagen is digested and absorbed in 6 hours after ingestion. An important part is accumulated in cartilage
and skin
.
In another study of 2005, scientists showed that the hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed in small peptides in the blood.
and glucosamine
, on the skin properties of women tending to have dry and rough skin
. This study suggested that, with the ingestion of 5g per day during 6 weeks, the moisture content of the skin, its viscoelastic properties and its smoothness improved.
Regarding the mechanism of action of hydrolyzed collagen on skin, it seems that orally ingested hydrolyzed collagen increases the density of collagen fibrils and the fibroblasts density (the fibroblasts being the main cells of the dermis
, and the ones which produce collagen
). The explanation of this action may be that the peptides of ingested hydrolyzed collagen have chemotactic properties on fibroblasts or an influence on growth of fibroblasts.
Other clinical trials have yielded mixed results. Four studies reported positive effects with no side effects. However, the studies were not extensive and all recommended the need for further controlled studies.
Another study found that oral collagen only improved symptoms in a minority of patients and reported nausea
as a side effect. Another study reported no improvement in disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Yet another study found that collagen treatment may actually cause an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis
symptoms.
Any beneficial action is probably due to the fact that hydrolyzed collagen is accumulated in cartilage
and stimulates the production of collagen
by the chondrocytes, the cells of cartilage
.
On bone
health, several studies have shown that a daily intake of 10g of hydrolyzed collagen for 4 to 24 weeks increases bone mass density. It seems that hydrolyzed collagen peptides stimulated the differentiation and the activity of osteoblasts, the cells that build the bone
, instead of osteoclasts, those that destroy it.
to use in blends with others for a weight management diet. It contains 8 out of 9 essential amino-acids, and proteins are recognized as being the most satiating macronutrient.
Hydrolyzed collagen is also a good ingredient for a sportive diet. It is important for athletes to restore their protein content after an exercise, and the consumption of hydrolyzed collagen that contains more than 97% of protein can help it.
Hydrolyzed collagen also contains some glycine
and arginine
, two of the three amino-acids of the creatine
, a molecule which present in the body and having an important play during the exercise, providing energy to the body.
Finally, hydrolyzed collagen contains some arginine
, which has been shown to be efficient to improve the athletic performance.
and cosmetics. > In Cosmetics, hydrolyzed
collagen will be formulated into topical
cream or facial masks. In both cases, while playing a texturizing role in the finished
product, it will help moisturize and firm the skin. These products will be mainly
found in North America and Asia. In Europe,
hydrolyzed collagen will be used in more complex formula, mainly targeting the treatment of age signs, such as wrinkles or skin’s loss of elasticity.
Hydrolyzed collagen is claimed by some to protect and even help in achieving gains in lean muscle mass, to help improve the symptoms of arthritis, and to promote weight loss through the burning of fat rather than carbohydrates and proteins. Other potential benefits of hydrolyzed collagen include improvements in skin toning and thickening, joint rebuilding, arterial strengthening, increased energy and organ rebuilding. Some suggest that hydrolyzed collagen may resolve chronic problems such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, arthritis in joints, bladder weakness, chronic fatigue, shallow breathing, autoimmune and skin problems and splitting nails.
, is made from by-products of beef, pork, and fish production, including the skin, bones, and connective tissue. There have been concerns that human consumption of hydrolyzed collagen may expose the consumer to a risk of TSE (Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), with support from the TSE (Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
) Advisory Committee, has since 1997 been monitoring the potential risk of transmitting animal diseases, especially bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE). The FDA study concluded: "...steps such as heat, alkaline treatment, and filtration could be effective in reducing the level of contaminating TSE agents; however, scientific evidence is insufficient at this time to demonstrate that these treatments would effectively remove the BSE infectious agent if present in the source material."
properties, and be taste and odor-free. Due to those properties, it is easy to use in foods and beverages, as well as in powder blends or dietary supplements.
Many functional products are already available, especially in Japan.
Regarding the cosmetics, hydrolyzed collagen occurs in many products: shampoos, conditioners, soaps, face cares, or even in make-up.
Collagen
Collagen is a group of naturally occurring proteins found in animals, especially in the flesh and connective tissues of mammals. It is the main component of connective tissue, and is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content...
by an enzymatic hydrolysis process. It is also called collagen hydrolysate, collagen peptide, gelatine, gelatine hydrolysate and hydrolyzed gelatine.
Characteristics and production
Hydrolyzed collagen is produced from collagenCollagen
Collagen is a group of naturally occurring proteins found in animals, especially in the flesh and connective tissues of mammals. It is the main component of connective tissue, and is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content...
found in the bones, skin, and connective tissue of animals such as cattle, pigs, horses, and fish. The process of hydrolysis
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction during which molecules of water are split into hydrogen cations and hydroxide anions in the process of a chemical mechanism. It is the type of reaction that is used to break down certain polymers, especially those made by condensation polymerization...
involves breaking down the molecular bonds between individual collagen strands using heat and either acid
Acid
An acid is a substance which reacts with a base. Commonly, acids can be identified as tasting sour, reacting with metals such as calcium, and bases like sodium carbonate. Aqueous acids have a pH of less than 7, where an acid of lower pH is typically stronger, and turn blue litmus paper red...
or alkali
Alkali
In chemistry, an alkali is a basic, ionic salt of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal element. Some authors also define an alkali as a base that dissolves in water. A solution of a soluble base has a pH greater than 7. The adjective alkaline is commonly used in English as a synonym for base,...
solutions.
The hydrolysis process results in reducing the collagen proteins of about 300,000 Dalton (unit) (Da) into small peptides having an average molecular weight between 2000 and 5000 Da.
Amino acid content
The amino acidAmino acid
Amino acids are molecules containing an amine group, a carboxylic acid group and a side-chain that varies between different amino acids. The key elements of an amino acid are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen...
content of hydrolyzed collagen is the same as collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen contains 20 amino acids, predominantly glycine
Glycine
Glycine is an organic compound with the formula NH2CH2COOH. Having a hydrogen substituent as its 'side chain', glycine is the smallest of the 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins. Its codons are GGU, GGC, GGA, GGG cf. the genetic code.Glycine is a colourless, sweet-tasting crystalline solid...
, proline
Proline
Proline is an α-amino acid, one of the twenty DNA-encoded amino acids. Its codons are CCU, CCC, CCA, and CCG. It is not an essential amino acid, which means that the human body can synthesize it. It is unique among the 20 protein-forming amino acids in that the α-amino group is secondary...
and hydroxyproline
Hydroxyproline
-4-Hydroxyproline, or L-hydroxyproline , is a common non-proteinogenic amino acid, abbreviated as HYP, e.g., in Protein Data Bank.-Structure and discovery:...
, which together represent around 50% of the total amino acid content. Glycine
Glycine
Glycine is an organic compound with the formula NH2CH2COOH. Having a hydrogen substituent as its 'side chain', glycine is the smallest of the 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins. Its codons are GGU, GGC, GGA, GGG cf. the genetic code.Glycine is a colourless, sweet-tasting crystalline solid...
and proline
Proline
Proline is an α-amino acid, one of the twenty DNA-encoded amino acids. Its codons are CCU, CCC, CCA, and CCG. It is not an essential amino acid, which means that the human body can synthesize it. It is unique among the 20 protein-forming amino acids in that the α-amino group is secondary...
concentration is 10 to 20 times higher than in other food sources of protein.
| Amino acids | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Proline/Hydroxyproline | 25% |
| Glycine | 20% |
| Glutamic acid | 11% |
| Arginine | 8% |
| Alanine | 8% |
| Other essential amino acids | 16% |
| Other non-essential amino acids | 12% |
Digestibility
The bioavailabilityBioavailability
In pharmacology, bioavailability is a subcategory of absorption and is used to describe the fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation, one of the principal pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. By definition, when a medication is administered...
of hydrolyzed collagen has been demonstrated by many studies.
In a study of 1999, scientists demonstrated on mice that more than 90% of orally administered 14C labelled hydrolyzed collagen is digested and absorbed in 6 hours after ingestion. An important part is accumulated in cartilage
Cartilage
Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in many areas in the bodies of humans and other animals, including the joints between bones, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the elbow, the knee, the ankle, the bronchial tubes and the intervertebral discs...
and skin
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
.
In another study of 2005, scientists showed that the hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed in small peptides in the blood.
Skin Health
One preclinical study investigated the effects of oral ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen, along with vitamin CVitamin C
Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid or L-ascorbate is an essential nutrient for humans and certain other animal species. In living organisms ascorbate acts as an antioxidant by protecting the body against oxidative stress...
and glucosamine
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine is part of the structure of the polysaccharides chitosan and chitin, which compose the exoskeletons of crustaceans and other arthropods, cell walls in fungi and...
, on the skin properties of women tending to have dry and rough skin
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
. This study suggested that, with the ingestion of 5g per day during 6 weeks, the moisture content of the skin, its viscoelastic properties and its smoothness improved.
Regarding the mechanism of action of hydrolyzed collagen on skin, it seems that orally ingested hydrolyzed collagen increases the density of collagen fibrils and the fibroblasts density (the fibroblasts being the main cells of the dermis
Dermis
The dermis is a layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues, and is composed of two layers, the papillary and reticular dermis...
, and the ones which produce collagen
Collagen
Collagen is a group of naturally occurring proteins found in animals, especially in the flesh and connective tissues of mammals. It is the main component of connective tissue, and is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content...
). The explanation of this action may be that the peptides of ingested hydrolyzed collagen have chemotactic properties on fibroblasts or an influence on growth of fibroblasts.
Joint & Bone Health
Some clinical studies report that the oral ingestion of 10g of hydrolyzed collagen by day decreases the joint pain, and that patients having the most severe symptoms benefited more.Other clinical trials have yielded mixed results. Four studies reported positive effects with no side effects. However, the studies were not extensive and all recommended the need for further controlled studies.
Another study found that oral collagen only improved symptoms in a minority of patients and reported nausea
Nausea
Nausea , is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach with an involuntary urge to vomit. It often, but not always, precedes vomiting...
as a side effect. Another study reported no improvement in disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Yet another study found that collagen treatment may actually cause an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the synovium secondary to hyperplasia of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development...
symptoms.
Any beneficial action is probably due to the fact that hydrolyzed collagen is accumulated in cartilage
Cartilage
Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in many areas in the bodies of humans and other animals, including the joints between bones, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the elbow, the knee, the ankle, the bronchial tubes and the intervertebral discs...
and stimulates the production of collagen
Collagen
Collagen is a group of naturally occurring proteins found in animals, especially in the flesh and connective tissues of mammals. It is the main component of connective tissue, and is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content...
by the chondrocytes, the cells of cartilage
Cartilage
Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in many areas in the bodies of humans and other animals, including the joints between bones, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, the elbow, the knee, the ankle, the bronchial tubes and the intervertebral discs...
.
On bone
Bone
Bones are rigid organs that constitute part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. They support, and protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells and store minerals. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective tissue...
health, several studies have shown that a daily intake of 10g of hydrolyzed collagen for 4 to 24 weeks increases bone mass density. It seems that hydrolyzed collagen peptides stimulated the differentiation and the activity of osteoblasts, the cells that build the bone
Bone
Bones are rigid organs that constitute part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. They support, and protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells and store minerals. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective tissue...
, instead of osteoclasts, those that destroy it.
Nutrition
Hydrolyzed collagen is a good proteinProtein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
to use in blends with others for a weight management diet. It contains 8 out of 9 essential amino-acids, and proteins are recognized as being the most satiating macronutrient.
Hydrolyzed collagen is also a good ingredient for a sportive diet. It is important for athletes to restore their protein content after an exercise, and the consumption of hydrolyzed collagen that contains more than 97% of protein can help it.
Hydrolyzed collagen also contains some glycine
Glycine
Glycine is an organic compound with the formula NH2CH2COOH. Having a hydrogen substituent as its 'side chain', glycine is the smallest of the 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins. Its codons are GGU, GGC, GGA, GGG cf. the genetic code.Glycine is a colourless, sweet-tasting crystalline solid...
and arginine
Arginine
Arginine is an α-amino acid. The L-form is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids. At the level of molecular genetics, in the structure of the messenger ribonucleic acid mRNA, CGU, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG, are the triplets of nucleotide bases or codons that codify for arginine during...
, two of the three amino-acids of the creatine
Creatine
Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally in vertebrates and helps to supply energy to all cells in the body, primarily muscle. This is achieved by increasing the formation of Adenosine triphosphate...
, a molecule which present in the body and having an important play during the exercise, providing energy to the body.
Finally, hydrolyzed collagen contains some arginine
Arginine
Arginine is an α-amino acid. The L-form is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids. At the level of molecular genetics, in the structure of the messenger ribonucleic acid mRNA, CGU, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG, are the triplets of nucleotide bases or codons that codify for arginine during...
, which has been shown to be efficient to improve the athletic performance.
Cosmetics
Hydrolyzed collagen is used not only in health and nutrition but also in nutraceuticalsand cosmetics. > In Cosmetics, hydrolyzed
collagen will be formulated into topical
cream or facial masks. In both cases, while playing a texturizing role in the finished
product, it will help moisturize and firm the skin. These products will be mainly
found in North America and Asia. In Europe,
hydrolyzed collagen will be used in more complex formula, mainly targeting the treatment of age signs, such as wrinkles or skin’s loss of elasticity.
Hydrolyzed collagen is claimed by some to protect and even help in achieving gains in lean muscle mass, to help improve the symptoms of arthritis, and to promote weight loss through the burning of fat rather than carbohydrates and proteins. Other potential benefits of hydrolyzed collagen include improvements in skin toning and thickening, joint rebuilding, arterial strengthening, increased energy and organ rebuilding. Some suggest that hydrolyzed collagen may resolve chronic problems such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, arthritis in joints, bladder weakness, chronic fatigue, shallow breathing, autoimmune and skin problems and splitting nails.
Safety concerns
Hydrolyzed collagen, like gelatinGelatin
Gelatin is a translucent, colorless, brittle , flavorless solid substance, derived from the collagen inside animals' skin and bones. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in food, pharmaceuticals, photography, and cosmetic manufacturing. Substances containing gelatin or functioning in a similar...
, is made from by-products of beef, pork, and fish production, including the skin, bones, and connective tissue. There have been concerns that human consumption of hydrolyzed collagen may expose the consumer to a risk of TSE (Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies , also known as prion diseases, are a group of progressive conditions that affect the brain and nervous system of many animals, including humans. According to the most widespread hypothesis they are transmitted by prions, though some other data suggest an...
).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Food and Drug Administration
The Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive departments...
(FDA), with support from the TSE (Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies , also known as prion diseases, are a group of progressive conditions that affect the brain and nervous system of many animals, including humans. According to the most widespread hypothesis they are transmitted by prions, though some other data suggest an...
) Advisory Committee, has since 1997 been monitoring the potential risk of transmitting animal diseases, especially bovine spongiform encephalopathy
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy , commonly known as mad-cow disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in cattle that causes a spongy degeneration in the brain and spinal cord. BSE has a long incubation period, about 30 months to 8 years, usually affecting adult cattle at a peak age onset of...
(BSE). The FDA study concluded: "...steps such as heat, alkaline treatment, and filtration could be effective in reducing the level of contaminating TSE agents; however, scientific evidence is insufficient at this time to demonstrate that these treatments would effectively remove the BSE infectious agent if present in the source material."
Uses
When submitted to strict quality controls and sensorial panels, Hydrolyzed collagen may have excellent organolepticOrganoleptic
Organoleptic is an adjective used to refer to the aspects of food or other substances as experienced by the senses, including taste, sight, smell, and touch.-USDA uses:...
properties, and be taste and odor-free. Due to those properties, it is easy to use in foods and beverages, as well as in powder blends or dietary supplements.
Many functional products are already available, especially in Japan.
Regarding the cosmetics, hydrolyzed collagen occurs in many products: shampoos, conditioners, soaps, face cares, or even in make-up.