Collagen Peptides (Bovine, Type I/III)
Also known as: hydrolyzed collagen, collagen hydrolysate, bovine collagen, Verisol, Fortigel, Peptan
Enzymatically hydrolyzed collagen from bovine hide or bone, delivering short peptides rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Types I and III predominate, matching skin, tendon, and bone collagen. Meta-analyses of skin trials report improved hydration and elasticity at 2.5–10 g/day over 8–12 weeks, and a 24-week athlete study used 10 g/day for activity-related joint comfort. It is the dominant collagen in powders because it dissolves well and is nearly tasteless.
Research summary
Collagen-derived dipeptides and tripeptides are absorbed intact and may stimulate fibroblast collagen and hyaluronic-acid synthesis; also supplies glycine and proline.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 g | 2.5–15 g | 15 g | — |
Skin studies used 2.5–10 g/day; joint and body-composition studies used 10–15 g/day. Effects need 8–12 weeks of daily use. Collagen is low in tryptophan and is not a complete protein, so it should not be counted toward high-quality protein targets for muscle.
Standardization: Specify average molecular weight (typically 2–5 kDa) and hide or bone origin
Source material: bovine hide (grass-fed and pasture-raised grades available) or bone
Forms of Collagen
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collagen Peptides (Bovine, Type I/III) | 2.5–15 g | — | Powder, Capsule, Tablet, Liquid, Gummy | mid |
| Marine Collagen Peptides | 2.5–10 g | — | Powder, Capsule, Tablet, Liquid, Gummy | high |
| Hydrolyzed Collagen (Gummy Grade) | 100–500 mg | — | Gummy | mid |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Dissolves clear in hot or cold liquids with a faint taste; ideal for unflavored powders and beverages. Studied doses are far above what capsules or gummies can deliver, so those formats should use the gummy-grade row and be labeled accordingly.
Formulation notes
Vitamin C is the standard cofactor pairing; hyaluronic acid and biotin are common in beauty formulas. Not suitable for vegan positioning; bovine sourcing requires BSE-compliance documentation.
Sources
Related ingredients
Bamboo Extract (Silica)
BotanicalAn extract of bamboo stem and leaf standardized to a high silica content, typically about 70%, making it the most concentrated botanical silica source and a staple of hair, skin, and nail formulas.
Typical: 100–500 mg
Marine Collagen Peptides
ProteinHydrolyzed type I collagen from fish skin and scales, positioned as a pescatarian-friendly and lower-molecular-weight alternative to bovine collagen.
Typical: 2.5–10 g
Horsetail Extract (Silica)
BotanicalAn extract of the aerial parts of field horsetail, a plant that accumulates silica in its cell walls and has a long traditional use for hair, nails, and connective tissue.
Typical: 200–500 mg
Zinc Gluconate
MineralThe most common zinc salt in multivitamins, lozenges, and immune products, containing about 14.3% elemental zinc.
Typical: 10–25 mg
Zinc Picolinate
MineralZinc chelated with picolinic acid, a tryptophan metabolite that is proposed to aid mineral transport across the gut wall.
Typical: 10–25 mg