The bioavailability of Peptan collagen peptides

Collagen peptides are derived from pure collagen. Collagen peptides are a functional ingredient used in food and beverages as well as dietary supplements, supporting mobility and healthy aging along with skin beauty or sports recovery.

What is bioavailability?

When it comes to collagen peptide supplements, absorption is important.

To enter the bloodstream and become bioavailable, large molecules such as collagen proteins have to be broken down into di- and tripeptides and free amino acids. This process is crucial to ensure that they are delivered to the right tissues and to maximize the benefits of dietary supplements.

At Rousselot, we leverage decades of sourcing knowledge, expertise in enzymatic hydrolysis, and in-depth scientific exploration into the production of Peptan: the brand that sets the standard for versatile, high-quality collagen peptides with research-backed benefits.

 What is bioactivity?

The term bioactivity refers to the ability of a small molecule to modulate a biological function of a target cell and/or tissue, for example a bioactive peptide which is a small fragment of protein. During digestion, a peptide needs to be released from a “parent” protein in order to be bioactive. A peptide can exert a peculiar ‘biological activity’ once it has entered the bloodstream, acting on a target tissue.

Bioactivity is what makes a nutrient beneficial.

Most of the nutrients you’re familiar with (such as protein-derived peptides and vitamins) might be bioactive.

For a collagen peptide supplement to deliver benefits for joints, bones, skin beauty, sports recovery and more, it needs to demonstrate effective absorption by the body and remain bioactive in the bloodstream to act a bioactive messenger to target tissues in the body. 

Peptan collagen peptides: proven bioavailability and bioactivity

The benefits of collagen peptides are well-known. There are numerous studies demonstrating their efficacy. A study published in December 2019¹ by Kleinnijenhuis, A.J. et al. has expanded our understanding of how and why collagen peptides are so effective. The main benefits are hinged on their bioavailability and bioactivity. As mentioned, these are two of the most important elements of delivering benefits to the end-user.

Let’s take a closer look at the biological mechanism:

Collagen peptides are a mix of short-chain peptides consisting of two to twenty amino acids. Once taken up, collagen peptides go through important modifications in the body. Digestive enzymes break down these chains into smaller pieces (e.g. di- and tripeptides), easily absorbable by the body and measurable in the blood after collagen peptide supplementation.

In the Kleinnijenhuis, A.J. study, an increased level of dipeptides in the blood was observed after the oral intake of Peptan^®. The two most abundant dipeptides in collagen supplements are hydroxyproline-glycine (Hyp-Gly) and proline-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp).

A second study by Virgilio, N., et al. was performed with Peptan in order to evalate its bioavailability across sources and molecular weight. The results of this study  demonstrated that 57% of total bioavailable hydroxyproline was present in the form of free amino acid and 43% as bioactive di- and tripeptides², in the blood stream. Free amino acids can be used by the body as building blocks to produce new proteins^3,4,5. Di- and tripeptides operate as bioactive messengers^1,2 essential to support many physiological processes from beauty, mobility and sports recovery to gut comfort and more^6-14.

These bioavailability results remain consistent throughout all Peptan products, regardless of the specific animal source or molecular weight². 

In conclusion

The growing understanding of how Peptan collagen peptides are absorbed and its proven bioavailability and bioactivities, regardless its source or molecular weight, makes Peptan the ultimate collagen peptide ingredient for holistic well-being.

1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-019-02323-x
2. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1416643

3. https://doi:10.1016/j.eclnm.2008.07.010

4. https://doi:10.3390/nu12123717

5. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxab261

6. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12174

7. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16458

8. Jiang, J., et al. Collagen peptides improveknee osteoarthritis in elderly women:A 6-month randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled study. Agro FOODIndustry Hi Tech. 2014

9. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174705

10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2024.106124

11. https://doi.org/10.2196/36339

12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-019-02706-5

13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-022-03051-2

14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-023-03267-w

Disclaimer:

Rousselot makes no representation or warranty, whether expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect, for any information. Use of this information shall be at your discretion and risk. Nothing herein relieves you from carrying out your own suitability determinations and tests and from your obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to observe all third-party rights. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.