MYTH #3: “COLLAGEN PEPTIDES ARE BROKEN DOWN IN THE GUT, THE AMINO ACIDS DO THE JOB”
Fact:
First, let’s clarify what “bioactive” means. Nutritionally, what cells primarily need to make collagen is a mix of biologically active signalling molecules. Hence, only the peptide sequences that are capable of activating the receptors on the surface of collagen-making cells are considered “bioactive”. They fit as atomic ‘locks and keys’ that regulate cell activity, optimising the protein-making metabolism.
Amino acids provide the building blocks of proteins once the target cells have been stimulated by the bioactive peptide sequences. On their own, amino acids lack the most important benefit of bioactive collagen peptides, which is about keeping the cells’ engines going.
Even di- and tripeptides are too small a molecule to go it alone in activating the receptors on collagen-making cells. Chains of many amino acids – called polypeptides – are better capable of shaping into the bioactive ‘keys’ that can unlock optimal metabolic activity in target cells.
Once stimulated, these cells then produce not only collagen, but also elastin, hyaluronic acid and all the other components of the healthy extracellular matrix that makes up skin, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Today, we know that each type of connective tissue cell has surface receptors that attract peptide mixes of different sequences and lengths. As mentioned earlier, the peptide mix in VERISOL® has been optimised to best match the receptors on skin cells, while the FORTIGEL® mix best matches receptors on chondrocyte cells, the cells found in joint cartilage.
Now, contrary to common knowledge, a substantial amount of collagen peptides is absorbed intact in the gut, enough for biological activity in the body. This is only possible because an impressive half of the composition of collagen peptides is made of two special amino acids – glycine and proline – a large proportion not seen in any other protein source.
Glycine and proline are abundant in collagen for a reason. These two together create a chemistry that is unique. They form strong peptide bonds that are more resistant to breakdown. Naturally, this is crucial for the many structural and mechanical roles that collagen plays in the body, as a fibrous protein. It is a strong rope.
In nutritional collagen peptides, glycine and proline maintain their strong bonds holding the peptide string together. And it doesn’t stop here. They also keep the bioactive polypeptides in the unique shape of the collagen fibres, so to speak, which is narrow and elongated, resembling the shape of a drill bit. This facilitates their passive and fast absorption in between the gut lining cells.
Thus, opposite to most other nutritional peptides, bioactive collagen peptides are particularly resistant to hydrolysis, and in a shape and composition that facilitates both their absorption in the gut and their affinity with cell receptors – which is quite unique and not at all easy to replace!
Despite a wealth of knowledge about proteins, there is still so much misinformation about collagen – even among experts, and this is greatly due to the fact that in protein nutrition, collagen peptides are the exception rather than the rule.
Disclaimer: The above article is merely a guide and is in no way a recommendation or a treatment protocol for any health conditions or diseases. You should always consult with a qualified health care provider before changing your supplement, training or nutritional strategy. Supplementation should not be attempted by pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone on prescription medication or children under the age of 15 unless advised by your qualified health care provider. The above article has been taken from https://www.bodyscience.com.au/
