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By Nicolas Martineau, B.Sc. Nutrition
Recently, I attended the Montreal and Quebec Expo Manger Santé, an event where the general public comes to shop and learn about healthy eating and natural health supplements. Once again this year, I noticed a lot of interest in collagen in general. But I also realized that many people still have questions about this topic, and despite their efforts, most had been misinformed. Therefore, in a question-and-answer format, I will attempt today to address the main questions and beliefs surrounding collagen and its role in health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marine collagen better for beauty and skin?
It’s not accurate to say that marine collagen is “better” for the skin.
While it’s often associated with type I collagen, the main type found in skin, this doesn’t mean it will be directly used by the body to target this tissue.
In fact, once consumed, collagen—regardless of its source—is broken down into peptides and amino acids. These are the elements that the body actually absorbs.
Thus, the body doesn’t distinguish the origin of the ingested collagen. Our body doesn’t perceive this difference. Instead, it uses the available nutrients to synthesize the collagen it needs, depending on the tissues and functions to be supported.
In other words, it’s not the source of the collagen that determines its effectiveness for the skin, but rather factors such as the quality of the product, its degree of hydrolysis, the types of amino acids and peptides, the size of the peptides, and regular intake.
Is type 2 collagen better for joints?
No, that’s a misconception.
It’s true that articular cartilage is primarily composed of type II collagen.
However, during digestion and absorption, the body doesn’t differentiate between the different types of collagen consumed. These are broken down into peptides and amino acids.
Since all collagens are made up of the same amino acids—only their sequence and structure differentiate them—this distinction is lost once hydrolyzed.
Therefore, after absorption, the body uses these amino acids to synthesize the type of collagen it needs, depending on the tissues involved and the functions to be supported.
If our body produces less collagen, would taking a supplement help our body produce more?
Yes, that’s true.
Aging and certain conditions lead to a decrease in collagen production. By consuming collagen, we provide the body with the amino acids necessary for its synthesis, such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are essential for collagen’s structure.
When collagen is broken down into peptides and amino acids, some of these peptides, such as Pro-Hyp (proline-hydroxyproline) and Hyp-Gly (hydroxyproline-glycine)—found particularly in type I and III collagen—can act as signals and stimulate the activity of cells involved in collagen production.
For example, fibroblast cells located in the skin and connective tissues, as well as chondrocytes in cartilage, can respond to these signals by increasing collagen synthesis.
Thus, taking high-quality hydrolyzed collagen has a dual effect: it provides the necessary building blocks and sends specific signals to our cells, stimulating collagen production.
In other words, collagen supplements do not replace natural production, but they can support it and help optimize the conditions necessary for its synthesis.
I took collagen for my joint pain and I got no results.
Everyone is different, and the time it takes to experience positive effects can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of joint damage.
Some people notice benefits quickly, while others need to continue taking the supplement for 1 to 5 months before seeing any improvement.
The key is to choose a supplement suited to your condition and take it regularly, every day. Taking collagen alone may not be enough for you. If your joint pain is accompanied by inflammation, it’s essential to include a supplement that helps control and reduce inflammation. Without this, the benefits of collagen may be limited. A supplement containing other active ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, is also a must to aid your recovery and healing.
The more different types of collagen a product contains, the better it is?
This is a misconception.
It’s true that our bodies contain several types of collagen, each with a specific role. However, this doesn’t mean that the type of collagen consumed is a determining factor.
In reality, during digestion, collagen is broken down into small peptides and amino acids. Only these elements are actually absorbed by the body.
Therefore, regardless of the type of collagen ingested, once broken down, the body no longer differentiates. It uses these nutrients to synthesize the collagen it needs, depending on the tissues and functions to be supported.
Is marine collagen more effective than bovine collagen?
Some brands claim that marine collagen has a lower molecular weight and that, for this reason, it is more bioavailable and effective than bovine collagen. Again, this is incorrect and makes generalizations. The molecular weight of a collagen product depends on its degree of hydrolysis. Hydrolysis is a costly process that breaks down the collagen molecule into smaller parts. The more the collagen is hydrolyzed, the lower its molecular weight. In the case of Land Art’s Collagen, which is of bovine origin, its molecular weight varies between 1k and 3kDa (Daltons), while the average molecular weight of marine collagen is between 2k and 5kDa. This means that our hydrolyzed bovine collagen has a very low molecular weight, making it ideal for optimal absorption and maximum effectiveness.
For best results, should one consume at least 8 to 10g of collagen per day?
This is an unjustified generalization.
While some studies have evaluated higher doses, the optimal amount can vary depending on several factors, such as the desired outcome (skin, joints, recovery), the individual’s condition, the degree of collagen hydrolysis, the amino acid profile, and so on.
In fact, it’s not just the dose that influences results. Regular intake, peptide bioavailability, and the individual’s overall health (diet, inflammation, activity level) also play a significant role.
For reference, the minimum dose recognized by Health Canada to help relieve joint pain is 1200 mg per day, with a recommended duration of use of at least 5 months to observe effects.
Another often overlooked factor is the degree of collagen hydrolysis. The more hydrolyzed the collagen, the smaller the peptides, which can promote their absorption and improve effectiveness. Thus, the quality and form of collagen can sometimes be as important—or even more so—than the quantity consumed.
Ultimately, some people may experience benefits with lower doses, while others will require a higher and more sustained intake over time; it all depends on individual health and the quality of the collagen used.
I eat meat regularly so I don't need to take collagen supplements.
That’s not entirely accurate.
It’s true that meat is a good source of protein. However, meat is less rich in collagen-specific amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Therefore, meat is not equivalent to hydrolyzed collagen.
Also, the parts of the body richest in collagen—such as skin, tendons, and connective tissues—are consumed less in modern diets.
Conversely, a hydrolyzed collagen supplement directly provides these specific amino acids, as well as bioactive peptides that can help support collagen production.
Thus, even with a diet rich in meat, hydrolyzed collagen can be a valuable supplement, especially if the goal is to support the health of joints, skin, or connective tissues.
How does collagen help the body produce its own collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen works on two levels.
First, its consumption provides the amino acids and small peptides that the body needs to produce its own collagen. These are the essential building blocks for its synthesis.
Second, certain peptides from hydrolyzed collagen can act as biological signals and stimulate the activity of cells involved in collagen production.
This is particularly true of fibroblasts, found in the skin and connective tissues, as well as chondrocytes, in the joints, which can increase their collagen synthesis in response to these peptides.
At Land Art, we offer a complete range of collagen products to suit all needs, whether for beauty, joint support, or pain relief. Our Collagen offers a beauty and preventative formula ideal for everyday use. For more targeted support, our Liquid Collagen Extra combines collagen with anti-inflammatory ingredients to help reduce joint pain and promote mobility. And for even greater convenience, discover our newest product: Collagen Extra Capsules, the same effective formula as our liquid version, now available in easy-to-carry, tasteless capsules.
References
References :
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https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.biochem.77.032207.120833 - Health Canada. (2018).
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https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monosReq.do
