Gelatin or Collagen... What’s the Difference and Which is Better for Health and Skin?

SadaNews - If you are looking for ways to enhance your skin health, strengthen your nails, or support your joints, you may have come across the terms collagen and gelatin. Although they are both derived from the same essential protein in the body, they differ in their absorption and the benefits they provide, according to recent scientific research.

A report published by "Verywell Health" presents the difference between collagen and its peptides and gelatin, and how each can support your beauty and health, along with a practical guide on how to use each, whether in dietary supplements or cooking.

Gelatin or Collagen: Which is Better?

Collagen peptides are preferable if the focus is on beauty or joint health. However, the choice depends on your overall goals.

For use as a dietary supplement and speed of absorption, collagen is the better option, while for cooking or recipes that require firmness, gelatin is more suitable.

Both are safe and have similar nutrients.

What’s the Difference?

Collagen (Collagen peptides): Typically used for skin, nails, and joint health.

Gelatin: Commonly used in cooking, gummies, and recipes that require a jelly-like consistency.

Manufacturing Method:

Collagen: Fully hydrolyzed from collagen for quick absorption.

Gelatin: Partially hydrolyzed from collagen through water processing.

When Used:

Collagen: Easily dissolves in hot or cold drinks and does not turn into gel.

Gelatin: Dissolves in hot water and turns into gel when cooled.

Absorption:

Collagen: Absorbed quickly because it consists of shorter chains of amino acids.

Gelatin: Slower absorption due to its larger molecules that take longer to digest.

Research Strength:

Collagen: Supported by extensive research with more consistent results in human studies.

Gelatin: Less research, with less consistent results regarding its benefits.

Safety:

Collagen: Considered safe when taken in common supplement doses.

Gelatin: Also considered safe within studied amounts.

Can Collagen or Gelatin Improve Your Skin?

Research on gelatin regarding skin health is limited compared to the stronger evidence related to collagen supplements.

Studies have found that taking 2.5 to 10 grams of collagen daily for 8 to 24 weeks improved skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity, and reduced wrinkles.

In clinical trials, collagen peptides increased skin hydration after eight weeks and improved collagen density and structure within four weeks, with benefits lasting for up to 12 weeks.

Both collagen and gelatin may support wound healing, but more extensive studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Does Collagen or Gelatin Help Strengthen Nails?

Scientific evidence on the effect of collagen or gelatin on nail health is scarce, and most studies are small or use specific commercial products.

In a small study involving 25 individuals, daily consumption of collagen peptides resulted in improved nail brittleness, increased nail growth, and reduced breakage.

In another study on women, taking 5 grams of collagen peptides daily for 84 days improved nail color and appearance, in addition to increasing skin hydration and elasticity.

Can Collagen or Gelatin Help Relieve Joint Pain?

Regarding gelatin, research is limited. However, one study found that taking 15 grams of collagen with vitamin "C" before exercise increases collagen production.

Studies have also shown a decrease in joint pain, improvement in mobility, and strength of cartilage and bones.

More research is still needed to confirm the effects of either substance regarding joint pain.