Hydrolyzed collagen (hydrolysate)

Hydrolyzed collagen, HCP, (also known as purified gelatin and collagen hydrolysate) is collagen that has been enzymatically or chemically processed to make it more digestible and more easily absorbed by the body. HCP is often used by body builders because it is a relatively inexpensive protein source. It is also used to treat skin disorders, treat or prevent malnutrition and for those who cannot tolerate large amounts of bulk food, such as patients of weight loss surgery.

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Collagen is the primary structural protein found in the connective tissues in the body (including the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments), and commercially it is derived from either fish (marine sources), beef (bovine sources), or pig (porcine sources). Hydrolyzed collagen consists of water-soluble peptides which are rich sources of the amino acids glycine, L-proline and L-hydroxyproline. Nutritional supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen are typically marketed for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, weight loss, and to assist in recovery from exercise and sports-related injuries, although scientific data in these areas is sparse.

HCP has been used by European health practitioners for decades as an alternative treatment for arthritis and osteoporosis. German and Czech studies cite the use of 7-10 grams of HCP daily to decrease pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

No serious adverse side effects are known to exist for supplemental oral consumption of hydrolyzed collagen protein, although adverse events were noted in early studies where collagen was the only source of nutrition (dieting and meal skipping with liquid collagen supplementation).

Hydrolyzed collagen has also been found as a component in protein based hair conditioners. These HCP hair products are usually leave in treatments used to keep hair from breaking.