Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the human body, constituting approximately 30% of total protein mass and forming the tensile scaffold of skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone matrix. Hydrolysed collagen peptides — produced by enzymatic cleavage into di- and tripeptides — are absorbed intact through the intestinal epithelium and accumulate in target connective tissues, where they stimulate fibroblast proliferation and upregulate endogenous collagen Type I and Type III synthesis via TGF-β1 and IGF-1 signalling. Randomised controlled trials confirm that 10 g/day over 8–12 weeks significantly improves skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle depth, while reducing joint pain scores in physically active individuals. Vitamin C cofactor activity is essential for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylation — the critical modification enabling triple-helix stability.