Collagen Myths Debunked: Does Hydrolysed Collagen Have a Type?

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding collagen supplements is that hydrolysed collagen remains Type I, Type II or Type III collagen. 

It doesn't.

The confusion comes from what collagen "types" actually refer to. Type I, II and III describe the way collagen is naturally found in the body. In its native state, collagen is a large protein with a distinctive triple helix structure, and it is this structure that determines its type. 

• Type I is mainly found in the skin, bones and tendons.
• Type II is the predominant form in cartilage.
• Type III is found in blood vessels. 

Before collagen can be absorbed, it must be broken down via the hydrolysis process. This process is where enzymes break the large molecule into much smaller peptides. 

Once this process is complete, the original triple helix structure no longer exists.  And because the structure has changed, so has its classification.  Hydrolysed collagen is no longer Type I, II or III...it becomes a collection of bioactive peptides that are much easier for the body to absorb and utilise.

That's precisely why hydrolysed collagen is used in high-quality oral supplements. Our digestive system isn't able to absorb an intact collagen fibre efficiently. Smaller peptides, on the other hand are readily absorbed and used by the body wherever collagen is needed most. 

So, when you are comparing collagen supplements, it's worth looking beyond claims about collagen "types". A far better indicator of quality is the collagen peptide itself; How available is it, is it supported by clinical research and at an effective daily dose. 

At GOLD COLLAGEN®, that's our focus. We formulate with clinically researched hydrolysed collagen peptides (Peptan®), because it's the quality of the peptides, the bioavailability and the science behind them...not the label attached to the original collagen source that really matters.