Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, while gelatin is the hydrolized form of collagen. Therefore, both share many similar characteristics and benefits, although their applications significantly differ.
Similar Nutritional Profiles
Collagen, as the most abundant protein, accounts for about 30% of the body’s protein mass. It is predominantly found in connective tissues like skin, joints, bones, and teeth, providing structure, strength, and stability to the body. On the other hand, gelatin is a protein product derived from collagen by partial breakdown using heat and hydrolyzing reagents. These two proteins share nearly identical nutritional profiles, as shown in the table below, comparing two tablespoons (14 grams) of dry, unsweetened collagen or gelatin.
| Nutritional Profile | Collagen | Gelatin |
| Calories | 50 | 47 |
| Protein | 12g | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g |
| Fat | 0g | 0g |
As seen in the table, both collagen and gelatin are nearly 100% protein and provide the same amount of this nutrient per serving. They also contain similar amino acid compositions, with glycine being the most abundant amino acid in both. However, depending on the animal source and the extraction method used for gelatin preparation, there may show slight variations. Additionally, some commercial gelatin products may contain added sugar, artificial colors, and flavors, which can significantly affect their nutritional profile. The differences between collagen and gelatin are summarized in the table below.
| Factors | Collagen | Gelatin |
| Chemical Structure | Triple helix structure with thousands of amino acids | Broken-down collagen with shorter amino acid chains |
| Digestibility | Easily digestible when used as collagen peptides | Easily digestible |
| Solubility | Soluble in both hot and cold liquids | Soluble only in hot liquids |
| Gel Formation | Does not form gel | Forms gel when cooled |
| Forms | Powder, Granules | Powder, Granules, Sheets |
| Applications | Nutritional supplement | Gelling agent in food industries |
| Benefits | Skin, joints, gut, bone health | Skin, joints, gut, bone health |
Health Benefits of Collagen and Gelatin
Collagen and gelatin are widely used in cosmetics, health, and pharmaceutical industries due to their beneficial effects on skin and joint health.
- Reduction of Skin Aging Symptoms
Collagen and gelatin improve skin aging symptoms such as dryness, flakiness, and loss of elasticity, which are caused by a decrease in collagen levels in the skin. Studies show that consuming collagen and its peptides increases skin collagen production, resulting in anti-aging effects. For example, two human studies where participants consumed 10 grams of oral collagen supplements daily, showed a 28% increase in skin moisture and a 31% reduction in collagen breakdown (a marker of collagen loss) after 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Similarly, a 12-month study showed that consuming fish-derived gelatin improved skin thickness by 18% and collagen density by 22%. Furthermore, collagen increases hyaluronic acid levels, another essential component of skin structure, which may have a beneficial effect against UVB-induced skin damage. Lastly, a 6-month study on 105 women found that a daily dose of 2.5 grams of collagen peptides significantly improved skin appearance and reduced cellulite. - Joint Health Improvement
Collagen and gelatin supplements help treat joint wear caused by exercise and osteoarthritis. Studies show that these proteins may accumulate in cartilage after consumption, improving joint health and reducing pain and stiffness. For example, in a 70-day study on 80 individuals with osteoarthritis, those who consumed 2 grams of gelatin daily showed significant improvement in pain levels and physical activity compared to the control group. Additionally, a 24-week study on 94 athletes revealed that consuming 10 grams of collagen supplement daily significantly improved pain, mobility, and joint inflammation compared to the control group. - Antioxidant Activity
Collagen and gelatin have antioxidant properties and combat the negative effects of free radicals on aging and overall health. - Gut Health Improvement
Collagen and gelatin improve the gut lining, preventing damage to the gut wall, leaky gut syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions. - Bone Health Improvement
Collagen-derived supplements like gelatin increase bone mineral density and bone formation while reducing bone degradation.
Main Differences Between Collagen and Gelatin
Most differences between collagen and gelatin relate to their chemical structure. Collagen, in its natural form, is composed of a triple helix structure with over 1000 amino acids. In contrast, gelatin is a degraded form of collagen, subjected to hydrolysis or partial breakdown, consisting of shorter amino acid chains. This makes gelatin easier to digest than pure collagen. However, collagen supplements are primarily made from fully hydrolyzed collagen, known as collagen peptides, which are easier to digest than gelatin. Collagen peptides dissolve in both hot and cold liquids, whereas most forms of gelatin only dissolve in hot liquids. Additionally, gelatin can form a gel, thickening when cooled, a property that collagen peptides do not have, making them non-interchangeable. Both collagen and gelatin supplements are available in powder and granule forms, with gelatin also available in sheet form.
Which Should You Choose?
Both collagen and gelatin supplements have high bioavailability, meaning they are effectively absorbed by the digestive system. Therefore, the decision between choosing collagen or gelatin ultimately depends on the intended use. Collagen is mainly used as a dietary supplement with easy digestibility. It can be added to coffee, tea, or smoothies without altering their consistency. Gelatin, due to its gelling property, is widely used in the food industry to make jelly, gummy candies, and thick sauces.
For more information, refer to the articles on Collagen, How Collagen Helps Improve Hair, and Is Hydrolyzed Collagen a Miracle Cure?.
