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Hydrolyzed collagen

Hydrolyzed collagen is a form of collagen that has undergone the process of hydrolysis, i.e., the breakdown into smaller parts. It is primarily obtained from the skin and bones of animals (cows, pigs, or fish). The manufacturing process involves cooking these materials in an acidic or alkaline solution, which leads to the release of collagen. Subsequently, the collagen is hydrolyzed using enzymes, resulting in its breakdown into smaller peptides that are more easily digestible.
Hydrolyzed collagen is a popular dietary supplement often used to support the health of skin, hair, nails, and joints. It can help improve the elasticity and hydration of the skin, potentially leading to a reduction in wrinkles and other signs of aging. It aids in the restoration of cartilage in joints, and some studies suggest it may promote gut health and assist in healing leaky gut syndrome.

Hello,
I would like to ask whether it is better to recommend taking hydrolyzed gelatin or pure hydrolyzed collagen for joint nutrition?
Thank you in advance for your response and have a nice day.

This is a complex question because the metabolism of dietary proteins affecting joint and connective tissue occurs in such a way that these proteins are broken down into shorter peptides and individual amino acids, and only based on the actual needs of the organism does the body create new protein structures. This means that by consuming collagen sources (gelatin, supplements...), the body primarily obtains key amino acids (proline, lysine) needed for its own collagen synthesis, which implies that more expensive supplements (= specifically modified collagen sources) do not always guarantee a better effect. It thus becomes apparent that for joint nutrition, it is most effective to ensure the necessary substances (sufficient proteins, sulfur amino acids, vitamin C...). The use of hydrolyzed protein sources makes sense because they are enzymatically broken down, meaning they are processed more quickly in the body; however, you pay a higher price for them, and they are not a guarantee of achieving a better result.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.

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