Collagen Vs. Gelatin - What's The Difference?

Whether you’re reading a health and wellness blog or browsing the shelves of your local health food store, you have likely come across collagen and gelatin. Collagen and gelatin are sourced from collagen-rich animal products and boast impressive gut-healing properties and numerous health benefits. Understanding their unique characteristics and how you can add them to your diet can help you make better choices for your well-being. 

Gelatin and collagen share the same health benefits, as gelatin is the cooked form of collagen. These amino acid-packed wonders support various aspects of your health, serving as the essential "glue" that fortifies your skin, gut barrier, bones, connective tissue, cartilage, and joints to ensure their strength and flexibility. In fact, gram for gram, collagen surpasses the strength of steel - it’s a seriously strong structural protein in your body!

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up a significant portion of our connective tissues. It is a fibrous, structural protein that is a crucial building block providing strength, structure, and support. Collagen helps to maintain the integrity and cohesion of different tissues and organs - such as: 

• SKIN
  Collagen is a major component of the skin, providing elasticity and firmness. It helps maintain skin hydration and prevents sagging and wrinkles.

• BONES
  Collagen contributes to the structure and strength of bones, ensuring they are flexible and resistant to fractures.

• TENDONS & LIGAMENTS
  Tendons connect muscles to bones, and ligaments connect bones to other bones. Collagen fibres provide these connective tissues with durability and flexibility, allowing for smooth joint movements and stability.

• CARTILAGE
  Collagen is a vital part of cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions our joints. It helps maintain joint health and function by absorbing shock and reducing friction between bones.

• BLOOD VESSELS
  Collagen is present in the walls of blood vessels, providing them with strength and elasticity.

• GUT
  Collagen plays a role in maintaining a healthy gut lining, contributing to improved digestion and gut integrity.

• TEETH
  Collagen is found in dentin, one of the major components of teeth, contributing to their strength and structure.

As we age, the natural production of collagen decreases, leading to visible signs of aging and potential health issues. This is why collagen supplements and collagen-rich foods have gained popularity as a way to support overall health, skin appearance, joint function, and more.

WHAT IS HYDROLYSED COLLAGEN?

Hydrolysed collagen, also known as collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate, is a form of collagen that has undergone a process called hydrolysis. Cell Squared's Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen supplements are created from a rich source of Type 1 and Type 3 collagen, which are very similar to the types naturally present in our bodies.

During hydrolysis, large collagen protein molecules are broken down into smaller peptide chains - this offers several advantages over regular collagen:

• DIGESTIBILITY
  Hydrolysed collagen is easier for the body to digest than whole collagen protein. This means the body can more efficiently use the amino acids present in hydrolysed collagen.

• BIOAVAILABILITY
  The smaller peptide chains in hydrolysed collagen are more bioavailable, meaning the body readily absorbs them so they can reach target tissues more effectively.

• SOLUBILITY
  Hydrolysed collagen is highly soluble in hot and cold liquids, making it easy to incorporate into various recipes and beverages.

• VERSATILITY
  Hydrolysed collagen can be added to a wide range of foods and drinks without altering their flavour or texture due to its solubility and neutral taste.

• HEALTH BENEFITS
  Like regular collagen, hydrolysed collagen provides numerous health benefits, such as skin health, joint function, bone density, and gut integrity.

WHAT IS GELATIN?

Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, which is obtained from the skin, connective tissues, and bones of animals. It is a translucent, flavourless substance that transforms into a gel-like texture when mixed with liquid and cooled - this is why gelatin has been used for centuries in various culinary and pharmaceutical applications.

The process of making gelatin involves the extraction and hydrolysis of collagen. When collagen-rich animal parts are boiled, the collagen fibres break down into gelatin. The gelatin is then processed, purified, and dehydrated into a powder or sold in sheets.

Take bone broth, for instance - those bones are packed with collagen! As the bones gently simmer in water during the cooking process, something magical happens - the collagen gradually transforms into gelatin, resulting in the rich and nourishing broth we all know and love.

Gelatin is widely used in the food industry as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabiliser. It’s a key ingredient in making desserts like jelly, gummies, puddings, custard and panna cotta. To convert gelatin into a powder, it undergoes a simple drying process. Once the gelatin powder is combined with water, it seamlessly reverts to its gelatinous state. The main difference between collagen and gelatin is this unique "gelling" property that only gelatin has.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN AND GELATIN?

The amino acids in collagen heal damaged cells and build new tissue in the intestinal wall, as well as coat, protect and soothe the lining of the gut wall. This aids in healing and repairing a leaky gut as well as:

• Strengthening hair, skin and nails

• Preventing joint pain

• Supporting weight management

• Promoting cardiovascular health

• Supporting bone repair

• Improving liver function

• Speeding up recovery after injury or exercise

• Improving sleep quality

• Increasing bioavailability protein source

• Aiding in digestion

• Balancing hormones

• Reducing inflammation

• Reducing stretch marks, cellulite and wrinkles

• Boosting metabolism

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD QUALITY COLLAGEN AND GELATIN

Recognising that not all gelatin and collagen brands maintain the same quality standards is crucial. Sadly, the dietary supplement industry is riddled with misrepresentations and sometimes even fraudulent practices. Some companies prioritise profit over their customers' well-being, providing inaccurate or incomplete information that hinders consumers from making the best health-conscious choices.

As I’ve been digging for more information, I've discovered that several companies source their collagen from Brazil (unless otherwise stated on the label). Despite claiming to be "grass-fed," their products blend grass-fed and grain-fed cattle, and antibiotics are regularly used on their herds - this is how the market has ended up flooded with low-priced collagen products. 

It’s best to look for supplements like those from Cell Squared, which is Australian-sourced, made and owned, as well as being from certified grass-fed and grass-finished cattle. Ensuring the highest quality product is important - find brands that use natural enzyme hydrolysis and have a low molecular weight. This means their products are highly absorbable. Lastly, be sure to check that your collagen and gelatin are GMO and glyphosate-free and without pesticides, antibiotics, hormones or additives such as synthetic vitamins or flavours.

WHAT BRANDS OF COLLAGEN DO YOU RECOMMEND?

I love and use Cell Squared's Bovine Collagen Peptides and their Bovine Gelatin. It meets all the criteria listed above and has an ultra-low molecular weight making it much more absorbable.