Understanding Collagen & The role of collagen in the body -

Collagen is one of the largest natural proteins in our bodies and plays an integral role in the health and maintenance of the skin, bones, cartilage, teeth, nails, hair, ligaments, and blood vessels. This versatile protein also provides critical support in maintaining our bodies' structural integrity and youthful suppleness.

 

Different forms of Collagen and the importance of Collagen –

Each form of collagen has many different functions, today we will discuss Type 1 Collagen as it makes up 90% of the collagen in our bodies. To appreciate the differences between Collagen Tripeptide (CTP) and Hydrolysed Collagen, we must first understand the importance of collagen in our bodies and why we need to supplement it as we age.

Collagen's Role in the Body:

• Structural Protein: Collagen is a crucial structural protein that forms the building blocks of various tissues, including skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
• Skin Elasticity: In the skin, collagen provides elasticity and firmness, contributing to a youthful appearance.
• Joint Support: Collagen helps maintain the integrity and strength of joints, providing support and flexibility.
• Connective Tissue: It is a key component of connective tissues, ensuring the cohesion and functionality of organs and systems.
• Hair and Nails: Collagen plays a role in the health and strength of hair and nails.

Changes in Collagen with Age:

• Natural Decline: As we age, the body's natural collagen production declines, leading to visible signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint stiffness.
• Decreased Elasticity: Reduced collagen levels result in decreased skin elasticity, contributing to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Joint Discomfort: Diminished collagen in joints can lead to stiffness and discomfort.
• Thinning Hair and Brittle Nails: Lower collagen levels may affect the health of hair and nails, leading to thinning and brittleness.
• Bone Health: Collagen loss can impact bone density and strength, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
• Cartilage Deterioration: Reduced collagen synthesis can contribute to the deterioration of cartilage, affecting joint function.

 

Supplementation of Collagen, understanding & considering the different types:

 

Hydrolysed Collagen, what is it?

Known as collagen peptides, hydrolysed collagen is a form of collagen broken down into smaller, easily digestible pieces. It's a popular supplement for its purported benefits for skin, hair, and joint health.

Benefits and Uses: Research suggests that hydrolysed collagen can enhance skin elasticity, diminish wrinkles, and support joint and bone health. However, its effectiveness is often hampered by its large molecular size and low bioavailability, by the time it passes through digestion there are very little benefits remaining.

 

Collagen Tri-Peptide, what is it?

Distinctive Features of CTP- CTP is a newer form of collagen distinguished by its smaller molecular weight and higher concentration of bioactive tripeptides, derived from three amino acids.

Key Components of CTP: The addition of Gly-Pro-Hyp in CTP's unique Gly-X-Y sequence significantly enhances its bioavailability, making it a superior collagen supplement.

CTP's Unique Characteristics: Bioavailability and Absorption, CTP's low molecular weight allows direct absorption into the bloodstream from the intestines, offering a 'VIP lane' for direct absorption without additional digestion.

Molecular Weight and Effectiveness, With a molecular weight of about 300 daltons, CTP is more efficiently absorbed than the larger molecules of hydrolysed collagen, which weigh between 2000 and 5000 daltons.

 

Benefits of CTP:

Skin, Hair, and Nail Health- CTP has shown remarkable results in improving skin texture, moisture levels, and reducing wrinkles. Its quick absorption also promotes healthier hair and nails.

Bone and Joint Support- By stimulating the body's production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, CTP effectively strengthens bones and repairs joints.

 

Comparative Analysis: CTP vs Hydrolysed Collagen

Absorption - CTP's unique absorption mechanism leads to greater bioavailability, making it more effective even at lower doses compared to hydrolysed collagen.

Efficacy - While hydrolysed collagen requires higher doses for minimal effects, CTP offers significant benefits in skin health, bone density, and joint support at lower dosages.

Clinical Trials and Research Significant Findings on CTP Clinical trials have proven CTP's effectiveness in enhancing skin texture and moisture, and its preferential absorption by collagen-affiliated organs.

Comparative Studies Comparisons between CTP and hydrolysed collagen highlight CTP's superior bioavailability and efficacy in various health aspects.

Consumer Insights: Dosage and Consumption CTP's recommended dosage is significantly lower than that of hydrolysed collagen, making it a more convenient and effective option for consumers. Studies reporting an increased benefit with just 1gram dose of CTP over Hydrolysed Collagen at 10grams.

 

Conclusion..

While hydrolysed collagen has been a popular choice, the revolutionary attributes of CTP stand out. The unique ability of CTP's tiny molecules to swiftly penetrate the bloodstream and skin, delivering enhanced benefits, marks a paradigm shift in collagen supplementation.

 

Read clinical studies surrounding CTP & it’s benefits here.