Yes, there is growing evidence that hydrolyzed collagen can play a significant role in improving gut health and potentially aiding conditions like leaky gut, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This blog post explores the science behind these claims and explains how collagen can benefit your gut health.

Understanding Collagen and Gut Health

Collagen is a protein found abundantly in connective tissues throughout the body. It provides structure and support to your skin, bones, and yes, even your internal organs including your gut!

You probably already know that most foreign antigens enter the body through the digestive tract. Well, recent studies point to the potential therapeutic role of specific amino acids found in hydrolyzed collagen for gut-related diseases [1]. These amino acids, including glutamine, glutamate, arginine, glycine, lysine, threonine, and sulfur-containing amino acids, have trophic and cytoprotective effects on gut integrity, growth, and health in animals and humans. They act as building blocks to heal damaged cells and create new tissue in the intestinal wall [2]. They may also help with protein digestion and nutrient absorption [1].

The dietary amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen powder are major fuels for the small intestinal mucosa and essential substrates for synthesizing intestinal proteins, nitric oxide, polyamines, and other crucial biological products. The unique amino acid profile of collagen heals damaged cells, builds new tissue in the intestinal wall, and coats, protects, and soothes the gut lining, aiding in healing and repairing a damaged gut.

Collagen and Digestive Issues: Examining the Evidence

Leaky Gut

Leaky gut, a condition where the intestinal lining becomes compromised, can allow undigested particles and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. Hydrolyzed collagen contains specific amino acids, particularly glycine and glutamine, that may help repair and strengthen the gut lining, potentially reducing leaky gut symptoms.

Amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen powder increase hydrochloric acid (HCl) production in the stomach [3], which has several positive implications. HCl helps break down proteins, preventing allergic reactions that can lead to leaky gut. It also kills pathogens and aids in mineral absorption. Amino acids like lysine, methionine, threonine, arginine, glycine, and glutamic acid play critical roles in maintaining or promoting gut health and functions.

Glutamic acid, which makes up over 11% of hydrolyzed collagen, is crucial for reducing intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Studies show that glutamine, derived from glutamic acid, maintains the tissues lining organs and blood vessels, decreases permeability, and increases intestinal barrier function in malnourished children. Glutamine supplementation improves intestinal barrier function, reduces bacterial translocation, and treats mucositis (inflammation caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy). In fact a number of studies show that nutritional depletion of Glutamine is known to result in increased leaky gut.[11 12 13 14]. 

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation in the colon. Studies suggest that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation may decrease inflammation and improve intestinal barrier function in ulcerative colitis [4, 5]. Glycine, an abundant amino acid in collagen, has also been shown to protect against ulcer formation and enhance the stability of the gastric mucosa against ulcerogenic factors like ethanol and stress. [6, 7].

Glycine has anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and immune-modulating properties. It dramatically increases aspirin tolerability in the upper GI tract and also maintains intestinal wall integrity and mucosa during cancer treatment irradiation in animal models.

IBS

IBS is a functional bowel disorder causing symptoms like cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that hydrolyzed collagen may help improve gut barrier function and alleviate IBS symptoms.

Hydrolysed fish collagen treatment was used for the first time in a stress-based IBS model and showed some promising results. Fish bioactive peptides have been shown to potentially attract interest in preventing visceral damage in gastric injury models in rats [8] and have anxiety relieving effects [9]. Hydrolysed fish collagen could also help by maintaining colonic mucosal barrier integrity [10].

Benefits of Taking Collagen for Gut Health

Collagen peptides in hydrolyzed collagen powder have multiple health benefits for gut diseases. Collagen increases beneficial bacteria levels, decreases inflammation-related bacteria, and reduces acute diarrhea. It enhances mucosal healing, decreases inflammation, and improves the overall composition of gut microbiota. The amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen, like glycine, glutamine, threonine, arginine, proline, and aspartic acid, play significant roles in gut health by promoting mucin production, reducing inflammation, and supporting mucosal healing.

So, in short, hydrolysed collagen:

• Strengthens the gut lining: Hydrolyzed collagen provides the building blocks to repair and strengthen the intestinal wall, potentially reducing leaky gut.
• Reduces inflammation: Certain amino acids in collagen may help decrease inflammation associated with IBDs like ulcerative colitis.
• Improves gut barrier function: Studies suggest that hydrolyzed collagen may improve the gut's ability to keep harmful substances out of the bloodstream.
• Promotes a healthy gut microbiome: Some research indicates that collagen may influence the composition of gut bacteria, promoting a healthier balance.

How To Fix Leaky Gut Naturally

A new study published in May 2024 by Belgian scientists explored the benefits of a unique dietary collagen peptide called Peptan® for digestive health. This exciting research shows promise for people experiencing bloating, constipation, acid reflux, and stomach pain.

The study involved women aged 35-65 who were experiencing several digestive symptoms. They took a daily Peptan® collagen peptide supplement for 8 weeks. Here's what the researchers found:

• Reduced Bloating: An impressive 93% of participants experienced a reduction in bloating, with some feeling relief within just 2 weeks!
• Improved Bowel Movements: Constipation lessened by 19%, and 94% of participants reported an increase in bowel frequency. Many even achieved a normal bowel movement schedule for the first time.
• Relief from Acid Reflux: Acid reflux symptoms decreased by 21%, offering much-needed comfort.
• Overall Gut Improvement: Participants reported feeling a significant difference in their gut health within just a few days of taking the supplement.

The study suggests that Peptan® collagen helps restore and repair the gut lining, potentially leading to relief from various digestive problems. This adds to growing evidence that collagen supplementation can be beneficial for gut health.

Australian Made Relief

CollagenX is the Australian co-branded partner with Peptan® and uses 100% pure Peptan® in all their collagen products. This means you can trust their quality and effectiveness.

Consider incorporating high-quality hydrolyzed collagen powder like CollagenX into your daily routine to support your gut health journey. Take control of your gut health today with CollagenX hydrolyzed collagen and experience the benefits backed by scientific research.