Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the human body – and at the same time, the first one to decline with age. Collagen powder with hydrolyzed collagen has long moved out of its niche and is now one of the best-selling food supplements worldwide. But what does science say about it? How does collagen work in the body, what distinguishes hydrolyzed collagen from other forms – and why does the accompanying complex of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and zinc make all the difference? We explore these questions in this article.
What is collagen – and why is it so important?
Collagen is a fibrous protein and by far the most abundant protein in the human body: it makes up about 30% of the total protein mass. As a central structural protein, it is found in almost every connective tissue – in the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and the intestinal wall.
In the body, collagen primarily fulfills a mechanical function: it provides tissues with tensile strength, stability, and elasticity. Skin, for example, largely consists of collagen types I and III – these fibers keep it firm, hydrated, and resilient. In cartilage tissue, collagen type II dominates, which, together with proteoglycans, enables the shock-absorbing properties of the joints.
The problem: From the third decade of life, the body's own collagen synthesis slowly begins to decline. This decline accelerates with each subsequent decade of life, partly due to UV radiation, smoking, sugar, and oxidative stress. The visible consequences: finer skin, deeper wrinkles, less joint comfort, slower regeneration.
Hydrolyzed collagen – what exactly does that mean?
Not all collagen is structured the same way. In its natural form, collagen molecules are large and complex – too large to be fully absorbed into the blood via the intestines. This is where hydrolysis comes into play.
During hydrolysis (also known as enzymatic cleavage), the collagen protein is broken down into short peptide chains – so-called collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate. These peptides are significantly smaller than the original molecule and are absorbed much more efficiently in the digestive tract. After absorption into the blood, they act as signaling molecules, among other things, that can stimulate fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells in the skin) to produce their own collagen.
Collagen hydrolysate, hydrolyzed collagen, and collagen peptides largely refer to the same principle – the high-molecular original structure is broken down into bioavailable building blocks.
What the research shows – skin, joints, bones
The scientific evidence for hydrolyzed collagen has significantly increased in recent years. Several controlled studies are now available, especially for three areas:
Skin
A randomized, double-blind clinical study (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025) investigated the sustained effects of bioactive collagen peptides on skin health over several months – with positive results for hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction. Another clinical study (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024) showed in a randomized, placebo-controlled investigation that hydrolyzed collagen measurably influenced skin moisture, elasticity, and wrinkle development.
At the same time, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1474 participants, published in The American Journal of Medicine in 2025, provides an important caveat: In the overall evaluation, collagen supplements showed positive effects on skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles. In the subgroup analysis by study quality and funding source, the effects were less pronounced in independently funded and high-quality studies. This limitation must be considered when evaluating the overall evidence.
Joints
A systematic review and meta-analysis from Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology (2025, based on data up to 2024) concludes that oral collagen administration can statistically and clinically significantly improve osteoarthritis symptoms – both pain scores and functional parameters. A randomized double-blind study published in Frontiers in Nutrition in 2025 confirmed this direction specifically for low-molecular-weight collagen peptides in knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, a systematic review published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage in 2024 (35 RCTs, 3165 patients) provides one of the largest data pools on collagen derivatives for osteoarthritis.
Bones and Muscles
A meta-analysis from Frontiers in Nutrition (2025, literature search up to May 2025) evaluated studies on the effects of collagen peptides on bone and muscle health. The results indicate positive effects, but the data is still heterogeneous – further long-term studies are needed.
Collagen alone is not enough – the role of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid & zinc
Hydrolyzed collagen is an important foundation – but the body's own collagen production is a complex process that relies on several cofactors.
Vitamin C is the decisive factor: It is involved in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine – two amino acids that are essential for a stable collagen structure. Without sufficient vitamin C, functional collagen cannot be formed. This is not theory, but recognized biochemistry: Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones, and cartilage – an EU-approved health claim.
Hyaluronic acid is another natural component of connective tissue and known for its exceptional ability to bind water. It is structurally closely related to collagen and is often part of modern connective tissue formulas. The combination of both substances corresponds to the classical approach of collagen research.
Zinc and biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal skin according to EU regulation and sensibly complement the formula at the micronutrient level.
Natura Nova Collagen Powder – a complete connective tissue formula
Natura Nova's collagen powder relies on a comprehensive approach: Instead of a pure collagen supplement, each serving provides a complete accompanying formula. 7935 mg of hydrolyzed collagen per serving (10 g) forms the base – supplemented with hyaluronic acid and a complex of 15 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from natural sources, zinc, and biotin. Production takes place in a GMP-certified facility in Germany; each batch is laboratory-tested for purity, identity, and microbiological parameters. 300 g, 30 servings, without artificial additives.
Conclusion
Collagen is one of the most intensively researched dietary supplements in recent years. The data for skin and joints is promising – with the important caveat that high-quality, independently funded studies sometimes allow for more cautious conclusions than industry-sponsored research. What biochemistry clearly shows: Without sufficient vitamin C, the body's own collagen production does not function optimally. Those who supplement with hydrolyzed collagen therefore benefit from a complete formula that also provides the necessary cofactors.
This article serves as general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet.
Selected Studies and Sources
Skin – Clinical Studies & Reviews
- Wang Y et al. (2025). The Sustained Effects of Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Skin Health: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. — PMC / PubMed
- Demir-Dora D et al. (2024). Efficacy and Safety of CollaSel Pro® Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptide Supplementation on Skin Health in Adult Females: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(18), 5370. — PMC / PubMed
- Lee M et al. (2023). Oral intake of collagen peptide NS improves hydration, elasticity, desquamation, and wrinkling in human skin: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Food Function, 14, 3196–3207. — RSC Publishing
- Barati M et al. (2025). Effects of Collagen Supplements on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (23 RCTs, 1474 participants). The American Journal of Medicine. — The American Journal of Medicine
Joints & Cartilage
- Simental-Mendía M et al. (2025). Effect of collagen supplementation on knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 43(1), 126–134. — PubMed
- Lee et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12. — Frontiers
- Oral administration of hydrolyzed collagen alleviates pain and enhances functionality in knee osteoarthritis: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (2025). PMC. — PMC
- Liang CW et al. (2024). Efficacy and safety of collagen derivatives for osteoarthritis: A trial sequential meta-analysis (35 RCTs, 3165 patients). Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. — Osteoarthritis and Cartilage / Elsevier
Bones & Muscle
- Frontiers in Nutrition (2025). Efficacy of collagen peptide supplementation on bone and muscle health: a meta-analysis (literature search up to May 2025). — Frontiers in Nutrition
- Systematics Review: The Effects of Type I Collagen Hydrolysate Supplementation on Bones, Muscles, and Joints (2025). Orthopedic Reviews. — Orthopedic Reviews
