Marine or bovine? Hydrolysed or native? Powder, capsules or a drink? Collagen is everywhere, but choosing can quickly become confusing. This guide sets things out clearly to help you see your way through.
What exactly is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body: it makes up around 30% of all our proteins. It is found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and the walls of the blood vessels.
It is, in a way, the body’s structural “glue”, hence its name, which comes from the Greek kolla, meaning glue. It gives tissues their strength and elasticity.
Nutritionally, collagen is above all a source of amino acids, notably glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are the basic building blocks for making it.
The 3 main types of collagen
Type I: the most widespread -> skin, bones, tendons, ligaments.
Type II: found mainly in cartilage.
Type III: skin, muscles and blood vessel walls.
In fact, more than 28 types have been identified, but these three make up the vast majority of the collagen in our body.
The sources: marine, bovine, porcine…
The collagen used in supplements always comes from an animal source. Each source has its own characteristics:
- Marine collagen (from fish skin and bones): its peptides are among the smallest, which helps them to be absorbed. It is rich in type I. It is generally more expensive.
- Bovine collagen: rich in types I and III, well studied, more economical.
- Porcine collagen: close to human composition, but less common for cultural and religious reasons.
- Poultry collagen: particularly rich in type II.
The different forms of collagen
Beyond the source, it is above all the form that determines how well it is absorbed:
1. Gelatine
This is partially processed collagen. It sets into a gel in cold water and is still made up of large molecules, which take longer to digest. It is the traditional form, but not the most practical one as a supplement.
2. Hydrolysed collagen (collagen peptides)
This is the most widely used form today. The collagen is “cut” into small fragments (the peptides), which makes it soluble, tasteless and much more easily absorbed. It does not form a gel and mixes easily into a drink.
3. Native collagen (undenatured, type II)
Used in very small doses (often 40 mg), this is a more recent and more specific approach, found in certain formulas.
| Form | Absorption | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatine | Moderate (large molecules) | Cooking, traditional use |
| Hydrolysed (peptides) | High (small peptides) | Daily intake |
| Native type II | Specific (small doses) | Specific formulas |
Powder or capsules?
Both formats make sense, depending on how you use them:
Powder makes it easy to reach high doses (often 5 to 10 g a day). Dissolve it in a juice or a yoghurt. It is also the most economical option per gram.
Capsules are easier to take with you and ideal for combined formulas that pair collagen with other active ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin, minerals). On the other hand, reaching a high dose means swallowing several capsules.
The essential ally: vitamin C
This is the point most often forgotten, and yet it is essential: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones and cartilage.
Vitamin C is an essential cofactor of the enzymes that assemble collagen fibres. It is also one of the few health claims officially recognised in this area.
That is why it makes sense to take your collagen with a source of vitamin C, for example by dissolving your powder in orange or acerola juice.
How to choose according to your needs
There is no universal “best collagen”. The right choice depends on your goal:
- For a daily intake: a hydrolysed type I collagen (marine or bovine), in powder form, together with vitamin C.For a combined formula: a product combining collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and minerals such as copper and manganese.
- For convenience: capsules; for the best dose-to-price ratio: powder.
The Bio-Gestion solution
GELAFORM Collagen+ Gold is a hydrolysed collagen powder, soluble and without a pronounced taste. Its peptide form supports absorption, and it dissolves easily in a juice, for example one rich in vitamin C. It is one of Bio-Gestion’s original products, available for more than 40 years.
In short
The right collagen is the one that matches your goal. But three principles hold true in every case:
- Choose a form that is easily absorbed: hydrolysed collagen (peptides) is the benchmark.
- Aim for a sufficient dose: this is often where powder has the edge.
- Never forget vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation.
Well chosen and well used, collagen simply finds its place in your daily routine.
