How Collagen Works Inside Your Body: The Science Behind Absorption

Collagen—it’s the structural powerhouse that keeps your skin firm, your joints strong, and your hair and nails thriving. But what really happens when you take a collagen supplement? 

Does it magically plump your skin and strengthen your bones overnight? Not quite. The process is a little more complex, and understanding how collagen works in the body can help you choose the right supplement for maximum benefits.

How Collagen Works in the Body

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up nearly 30% of your total protein content. Think of it as the scaffolding that holds everything together—skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and even the walls of your blood vessels. However, as we age, our natural collagen production declines, leading to visible signs of aging like fine lines, joint stiffness, and weaker hair and nails.[NIH]

That’s where supplementation comes in. But not all collagen supplements are created equal, and the key to their effectiveness lies in collagen absorption.

When you consume collagen—whether from food or a supplement—your body doesn’t absorb it in its whole form. Instead, enzymes break it down into smaller chains of amino acids and peptides. These fragments are then absorbed through the small intestine and transported via the bloodstream to various tissues, where they stimulate collagen production.

But here’s the catch: the size of these peptides matters. Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, is broken down into smaller chains that are easier for the body to absorb. The smaller the molecule, the better the absorption—and the greater the benefits.

Additionally, the source of collagen and added nutrients play a crucial role in its absorption. Marine collagen, for example, is known for its superior bioavailability compared to bovine or porcine collagen. Vitamin C is another essential factor, as it plays a key role in collagen synthesis. Pairing your supplement with a vitamin C-rich diet can significantly enhance its effectiveness.

Many products on the market contain collagen molecules that are too large to be efficiently absorbed, meaning much of it gets eliminated without delivering benefits. That’s why choosing a high-quality supplement is crucial to get maximum benefits. 

The Benefits of Collagen

Supplementing with collagen offers a wide range of benefits, helping to restore and maintain the body’s structural integrity. Here’s how it supports your health:

• Promotes Youthful Skin – Collagen helps improve skin elasticity, hydration, and smoothness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular supplementation supports a firmer, more radiant complexion.[NIH]

• Strengthens Joints and Bones – As we age, joint cartilage wears down, leading to discomfort and stiffness. Collagen supplementation supports joint flexibility and may help reduce pain and inflammation while also improving bone density.[NIH]

• Supports Hair and Nail Growth – Collagen provides essential amino acids that contribute to stronger, healthier hair and nails, reducing breakage and brittleness.[NIH]

• Boosts Muscle Mass – Collagen is a key component of muscle tissue, and studies suggest that supplementation can support muscle growth and recovery, especially when combined with exercise.[NIH]

• Enhances Overall Wellbeing – Beyond beauty and joint health, collagen plays a role in cardiovascular health, wound healing, and overall tissue repair.

How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement

With so many options available, selecting the right collagen can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to look for:

• Hydrolyzed for better absorption – Opt for nano-hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which have superior bioavailability.

• Sustainably sourced – Marine collagen, especially from wild-caught fish, is an eco-friendly choice compared to bovine collagen.

• Purity and testing – Choose third-party-tested products to ensure safety and efficacy.

• Enhanced with complementary nutrients – Look for formulations that include Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or other co-factors to boost collagen production.

• Low molecular weight – A supplement with a molecular weight below 2000 daltons ensures better absorption and faster results.

Take our Korean Marine Collagen Peptides, for example. Unlike conventional bovine or porcine collagen, this supplement is sustainably sourced from wild-caught Korean salmon and is certified platinum-grade quality. It’s nano-hydrolyzed to a molecular size of less than 2000 daltons, making it five times more absorbable than standard collagen peptides. This means it bypasses much of the traditional digestive process, leading to superior bioavailability and faster results.

Additionally, it’s third-party tested to ensure it is completely mercury-free, so you can feel confident in its purity and safety.

The Takeaway

Collagen is essential for maintaining healthy skin, joints, and overall vitality—but not all supplements deliver the same results. The key lies in absorption. Choosing a high-quality hydrolyzed collagen with a low molecular weight, paired with essential nutrients like Vitamin C, ensures your body gets the most out of every dose. When sourced sustainably and backed by rigorous testing, the right collagen supplement becomes more than just a beauty booster—it’s a science-backed way to support your body’s natural strength and radiance from within.