Different Forms Of Collagen: Peptides vs. Hydrolyzed vs. Gelatin vs. Bone Broth
The Many Sources Of Collagen
Collagen is a structural protein found throughout the body. It supports skin, joints, bones, and connective tissue, helping you move smoothly and maintain firmness and flexibility.
Without collagen, the body loses strength and elasticity. That’s why collagen supplements have become increasingly popular for supporting overall health and wellness.
But which collagen source is the most effective and bioavailable? Below, we break down the most common forms of consumable collagen so you can choose the option that fits your lifestyle.
Heivy liquid collagen supplements are rated #1 on Amazon, and we offer three formulas depending on the benefits you wish to achieve. After you’ve finished reading, check out our shop to learn more about our collagen supplement varieties for added energy, increased immunity, and support for your specific areas of concern.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides are created when full-length collagen undergoes hydrolysis, a process that breaks it into smaller amino acid chains.
In its natural state, collagen molecules are too large for efficient absorption. Hydrolysis reduces these molecules into shorter chains, making them highly bioavailable and easier for the body to absorb.
Once absorbed, collagen peptides help support connective tissue, skin elasticity, joint health, and overall structural integrity.
Collagen peptides can come in liquid, pill, tablet, or powder form. Heivy chooses to offer liquid collagen for its high bioavailability.
Helpful Tip
Hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides are essentially the same thing. You can think of it this way: collagen that has undergone hydrolysis (and is thus hydrolyzed) becomes collagen peptides. When choosing a collagen supplement, you can confidently pick a product labeled as “hydrolyzed collagen” or “collagen peptides.”
Gelatin
Gelatin is produced by cooking collagen in water, a process known as partial hydrolysis.
Because hydrolysis is incomplete, gelatin retains longer amino acid chains. These longer chains allow gelatin to hold more water, giving it its familiar jiggly texture.
Gelatin can be added to drinks, desserts, or recipes for a protein boost. It’s commonly available in flavored and unflavored forms.
However, due to its longer chains, gelatin is less bioavailable than collagen peptides.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and cartilage in water. During cooking, collagen partially hydrolyzes and dissolves into the liquid as gelatin.
The result is a nutrient-rich broth often used as a soup base or consumed on its own.
Like gelatin, bone broth contains longer collagen chains, making it less bioavailable than collagen peptides. However, it remains a popular and comforting option, especially during cold seasons or when feeling unwell.
For enhanced collagen intake, Heivy liquid collagen peptides can be added directly to bone broth.
A Quick Breakdown Of Collagen Forms
- Collagen peptides form when full-length collagen undergoes hydrolysis. The resulting amino acid chains are short and highly bioavailable, meaning the body can easily break down and absorb them.
- Hydrolyzed collagen is the same as collagen peptides — hydrolyzing collagen produces collagen peptides.
- Gelatin is collagen that has undergone partial hydrolysis and thus contains longer amino acid chains. These longer chains enable it to hold more water, giving it its firm but jiggly nature. It is less bioavailable than collagen peptides due to these longer chains.
- Bone broth is a mixture of water and dissolved gelatin from the collagen of boiled animal bones and cartilage. Like gelatin alone, it contains longer amino acid chains that are harder for the body to utilize.
Why Heivy Liquid Collagen Is The Most Bioavailable Collagen Supplement
If you’re choosing the best way to consume collagen based on bioavailability alone, collagen peptides are the clear winner. Heivy liquid collagen takes the bioavailability of collagen peptides even further by offering it in a convenient liquid form. Unlike collagen pills, tablets, and powders that must be taken or mixed with liquids anyway, our collagen comes ready-to-drink in individual serving bottles. Take your collagen on the go or simply enjoy it without the need for cleanup.
Heivy liquid collagen can be used in your favorite drinks, recipes, and even in bone broth. You can add our liquid collagen to gelatin mix, too, or use it alone for a simple, tasteless collagen boost any time of day. We offer three collagen formulas that each include a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and/or nutrients for added benefits:
- Heivy Skin, Hair, and Nail Formula with CoQ 10 and biotin to smooth and improve your skin and strengthen and increase the growth of your hair and nails
- Heivy Skin and Health Formula with vitamin C, added nutrients (lycopene, beetroot, spinach, olive, and black tea), and Synergene® Energy Boost Blend to promote stamina, immunity, and full-body wellness
- Heivy Skin, Joint and Bone Formula with vitamin D and calcium blend, and Synergene® Energy Boost Blend to help promote bone health and increase energy
If you’re looking for a different way to experience the benefits of collagen, try one of our collagen masks. If you have questions regarding Heivy liquid collagen supplements, their benefits, or which product to order for your needs, contact us today!