When you consume collagen supplements — whether it's hydrolyzed powder, capsules, or drinks — the body does not use them "as is". Collagen, like any other protein, is first broken down in the digestive tract into individual amino acids and short peptides. This process begins under the influence of gastric acid and enzymes (such as pepsin), and then continues in the small intestine, where pancreatic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, etc.) work.
After absorption, the amino acids enter the bloodstream and then into the cells, where the synthesis of various proteins is initiated according to the current needs of the body. It is important to understand:
The body does not "reassemble" collagen. It uses amino acids from food to build all necessary proteins — enzymes, immunoglobulins, blood proteins, structural proteins of the skin, muscles, ligaments, organs, etc. Collagen will be prioritized only if:
- there is enough total protein in the body;
- the necessary cofactors (vitamin C, copper, zinc) are present;
- there is a physiological need to restore connective tissue.
If there is a deficiency of protein in general in the diet, amino acids from collagen will be directed to more priority tasks. For example, to the synthesis of albumin, liver enzymes, or immune proteins, rather than to the restoration of skin, hair, nails, or joints.
In conditions of deficiency, the body conserves and reallocates resources to where they are critically important for survival.
Even with sufficient intake of collagen amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline), without vitamin C, the synthesis of its own collagen is impossible. Vitamin C is the coenzyme for the enzymes that convert proline into hydroxyproline — the main "binding" amino acid in the structure of collagen.
Thus, collagen supplements make sense only in conjunction with adequate protein nutrition, vitamin C, and in the absence of chronic stress (as cortisol destroys connective tissue).
In conditions of protein starvation, enzyme deficiency, or impaired digestion — they may simply become a "costly source of energy" or nitrogen, without achieving the desired effect.
