Collagen Interactions

Hyaluronic acid and collagen are the two dominant structural components of the extracellular matrix in skin and synovial fluid — collagen provides tensile strength while hyaluronic acid binds water and provides cushioning. Oral collagen peptides have been shown to upregulate fibroblast production of hyaluronic acid, and clinical trials of combined oral HA plus collagen formulations show additive improvements in skin hydration and elasticity.

Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, the enzymes that hydroxylate proline and lysine residues during collagen synthesis and stabilize the triple-helix structure. Taking collagen peptides with vitamin C supplies both the amino acid building blocks and the enzymatic cofactor required to convert them into functional new collagen.