Collagen peptides

Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen, are short-chain polymers of amino acids produced through the enzymatic hydrolysis of native collagen from animal sources. They serve as a concentrated source of the specific amino acids—primarily glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—that are required as substrates for the endogenous synthesis of collagen by fibroblasts in the skin, bone, and connective tissues. In addition to providing raw materials, these peptides function as bioactive ligands that interact with cell surface receptors, such as integrins and discoidin domain receptors (DDRs), to trigger intracellular signaling pathways that promote extracellular matrix deposition and tissue repair. Clinically, collagen peptides are utilized as therapeutic supplements to address age-related skin changes, support joint health in conditions like osteoarthritis, and accelerate wound healing. Their biological activity is often assessed by measuring systemic markers of collagen metabolism, such as pro-collagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP).

Other names

Hydrolyzed collagenCollagen hydrolysateGelatin hydrolysateCollagen tripeptidesBioactive collagen peptides

Provides essential amino acid substrates (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) for the synthesis of endogenous collagen and acts as a signaling molecule to stimulate fibroblasts via integrin and discoidin domain receptors (DDRs).