Oral Ingestion of Collagen Hydrolysate Leads to the Transportation of Highly Concentrated Gly-Pro-Hyp and Its Hydrolyzed Form of Pro-Hyp into the Bloodstream and Skin

Researchers gave a small group of healthy adults a drink containing collagen hydrolysate, collagen broken into smaller protein pieces. They collected blood and skin samples over several hours. They found increased amounts of Gly-Pro-Hyp, a small collagen fragment, and Pro-Hyp, a smaller piece made from it, in the blood and skin. The study measured where these compounds went, not whether they improved wrinkles, joint pain, or overall health.

What this means for you: This suggests that collagen supplements can be digested and some collagen fragments can reach the skin. It does not show that taking collagen provides visible or lasting benefits, so this study alone is not a strong reason to buy a supplement.