What’s the Difference? Collagen VS Gelatin

Collagen and gelatin powder products have recently taken over the health world and for a good reason. With gut health becoming more and more of a priority, along with skin and joint health, these two supplements aren’t leaving the spotlight anytime soon. 

In this article, I’m sharing the difference between collagen vs. gelatin, the health benefits of both, and simple ways to start supplementing. 

Collagen Vs. Gelatin 

Oftentimes people have a hard time understanding the difference between the two because they have so many similarities! I’m going to help with that. But before we dive into the difference, let’s talk about why collagen and gelatin are the talk of the town these days. 

You may have noticed a big focus on collagen and gelatin in the ancestral diet, Paleo, and Keto communities. Ehem, bone broth, and Bulletproof Collagen Coffee. 

It’s believed that our ancestors consumed more gelatin and collagen than a modern diet. That’s because they would often consume traditional bone broths loaded with tendons and connective tissues. These days, we’re missing thought key building blocks in our industrialized and overly-processed diets. Enter aging and aching. 

Now that you have a gist of why these supplements are getting attention, let’s define the differences. 

What is Collagen? 

Collagen is the most abundant source of protein in the human body and can be found in skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, tendons, and the digestive system. It also contains 19 different amino acids!

And get this, up to 30 percent of all of the protein in our body is collagen protein: 70 percent of hair, skin, and nails, 85 percent of tendons, 70 percent of joint cartilage, 90 percent of bones, and 100 percent of connective tissues are made from collagen! This complex protein quite literally holds you together.

 As we age, collagen production slows at an accelerated rate, increasing signs of aging and affecting mobility. Because the average modern human doesn’t get enough collagen in the standard diet, we need to supplement. 

What is Gelatin? 

Gelatin or gelatin powder is a natural form of hydrolyzed collagen, which is obtained through water breakdown. Essentially gelatin is part of collagen that has been broken down into smaller units. Gelatin can also be sometimes referred to as the cooked form of collagen because it is obtained through heating. 

Key Differences

Digestibility 

One of the main differences between collagen vs gelatin is their digestibility. Gelatin powder or hydrolyzed collagen has a lower molecular weight and is easier to absorb because it’s already broken down. When collagen is hydrolyzed, the products are more bioavailable to the body. In this case, you get more bang for your buck if you use a hydrolyzed collagen powder because your body is better able to assimilate it for effectiveness. 

Dissolubility 

Gelatin only dissolves in hot water, while collagen can dissolve in any liquid at any temperature. 

When mixed with water, the gelatin will often form a gel-like substance. This is why it’s often used as a gelling agent in cooking soups and stews. But fear not because fully hydrolyzed collagens, like our Beauty Collagen Complex, will dissolve in any temperature liquid. 

Benefits of Collagen and Gelatin 

Although the two are different, they offer similar health benefits. 

1- Support Gut Health & Immune Function 

Collagen and gelatin promote healthy connective tissues in the intestinal lining and digestive tract. A solid gut and intestinal lining is essential for proper nutrient absorption. This also helps with immunity. Did you know that around 75% of our immune system is located in the gut? That means that a healthy gut is necessary for an optimally functioning immune system. 

2- Support Beauty & Healthy Skin

As you learned, collagen is found throughout the skin, nails, and hair. One of the biggest reasons people seek out collagen is for its ability to improve the health of hair and the appearance of skin. This includes elasticity, hydration, and texture. 

Our Beauty Collagen Complex contains clinically-proven collagen has been found to:

• Decrease fragmentation of the collagen network by 31 percent after 12 weeks *
• Minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth by 10 percent and eyes by 13 percent over 90 days *
• Increase hydration and moisture retention by 28 percent after eight weeks *
• 13 percent increase of hair strength in 90 days * 

3- Support Joint Health and Mobility 

We know that collagen helps to literally hold the body together by forming connective tissues. And we know that it’s found all over in our bones, muscle tissues, tendons, and ligaments. 

As we get older, our collagen production slows, so a diet with gelatin and collagen is necessary to keep joints strong and healthy. 

How to Use Collagen and Gelatin  

Collagen and gelatin can both be found in powdered forms, making it easy to consume. Gelatin can also be found in sheet form, and may be a good idea to use in desserts, soups, and sauces for a thick texture and gel-like consistency. Again though, if you see hydrolyzed collagen instead of gelatin on a product, it will still be easy to mix. And the beauty of it is that it will be even easier to assimilate! Check out our Beauty Collagen Complex for the most bioavailable form of collagen.

Our Beauty Complex is a delicious vanilla-honey flavor and can be simply added to water, coffee, smoothies, pancakes, oats, or anything that suits your fancy!  

I hope this article helped you understand the main difference between collagen and gelatin and the incredible benefits! Which benefits are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below.