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I decided to finally put together a guide to Collagen Peptides vs Gelatin because people are constantly asking me about the products as individuals and how they relate to each other.

In the gut-healing community and overall health and wellness space, both collagen and gelatin powder are popular terms. 

And there is a very good reason for it, too. 

Come with me to explore why today.

Do Collagen and Gelatin Have the Same Health Benefits?

Yes.

When it comes to collagen vs gelatin, there is no major difference.

Collagen and gelatin are the same exact thing as far as health benefits are concerned, according to Dr. Amy Myers.

They simply have different uses.

Gelatin is the cooked form of collagen.

It’s the cooking form (gelatin) that gives it a very different texture, and makes collagen and gelatin different depending on the use. 

When you open a container of each, they will look the same, but if you drop a scoop of each into water, they will not act the same. More on that later.

So, then, what exactly are the benefits of collagen and gelatin? Here are 5.

5 Collagen and Gelatin Gut Health Benefits

Regardless of whether you choose collagen or gelatin, it’s a good idea to incorporate them as often as you can.

Here are 5 health benefits of gelatin and collagen for gut health in particular:

1. Helps restore and strengthen the gut lining (leaky gut).
2. Helps with the absorption of water within the intestines, keeping things moving more freely out of body.
3. Contains healing amino acids such as proline, lysine and glycine – essential building blocks to repairing damaged infrastructure of the stomach and intestines. 
4. Has been shown to regulate stomach acid secretion.
5. Inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress associated with the opening of tight junctions in the connective tissue of the intestinal lining.

5 General Benefits for Collagen and Gelatin Use

Furthermore, here are 5 other health benefits of gelatin and collagen for using these dietary supplements:

1. Can improve skin health.
2. Aids in Leaky Gut Syndrome healing (intestinal permeability – #1 from above).
3. Can strengthen hair, support nail growth, and teeth.
4. Might ease joint pain and supports bone health.
5. Potential increase in athletic performance and preserving muscle mass.

A Guide to Collagen Peptides vs Gelatin

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Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is a key constituent of all connective tissues. 

You actually have more collagen in your body than any other type of protein. Gram for gram it’s stronger than steel!

However, according to Dr. Myers, “by age 40, collagen begins to deplete faster than your body can reproduce it. By age 60, over ½ of your body’s collagen has been depleted. In addition to aging, other factors impact collagen levels, including genetics, smoking, pollution, excessive sun exposure, and nutritional deficiencies.”

In fact, as it decreases (or the body simply doesn’t have enough due to another reason), the following can occur:

• Wrinkles and crepey skin
• Stiffer, less flexible tendons and ligaments
• Shrinking, weakening muscles
• Joint pain or osteoarthritis due to worn cartilage
• Gastrointestinal problems due to thinning of the lining in your digestive tract

Who Should Take Collagen

Those who are looking for the perfect protein to have on hand, men and women, young and old. It’s a simple way to increase protein content in the diet. 

The amino acid composition of dietary collagens is very similar to those in human collagens, making dietary collagen peptides ideal for supporting body collagen turnover and renewal.

Also, same people as gelatin.

When to Take Collagen

Take it to start and end the day, and anytime in between.

Some make note that it should be taken with a source of vitamin c to get the most out of it. 

How to Take Collagen

Add to:

• beverages; any and all (remember that DIY Lemonade for Constipation recipe?!)
• spaghetti sauce
• pancakes (I add it to THIS pancake recipe all the time, in conjunction with the gelatin)
• muffins
• anything and everything from the gelatin list below

My current and favorite way for collagen supplementation is by adding it to my morning coffee. And this is simple:

1. coffee
2. add 1/3 – 1/2 scoop collagen
3. add 1/3 packet Chocolate Salt LMNT
4. splash of cream

If you want to see this in action, check it out HERE.

Collagen Brand of Choice

​So, you have heard about collagens massive benefits, and you want to try it.

What do I think is the best collagen brand?

Well, there are 2 I typically toggle between, depending on whether or not I want it flavored:

1. Unflavored collagen from Naked Nutrition
2. Chocolate collagen from Perfect Supplements (use code AGUTSYGIRL at checkout to save 10%)

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Gelatin

Gelatin is a great healer for people looking to strengthen their stomach and digestive lining, leading to better digestion and overall gut health.

Remember, gelatin is the same thing as collagen, except that it is the cooked form of collagen.

Who Should Take Gelatin

Those who are looking to strengthen their stomach and digestive lining, leading to better digestion and overall gut health. 

Also, same people as collagen.

When to Take Gelatin

Take it to start and end the day, and anytime in between.

How to Take Gelatin

Unlike the collagen which is easy to incorporate in both hot liquids and cold liquids, the “instructions” are a little more particular for Gelatin. 

The basic “rules” for gelatin are as follows:

• gelatin is liquid in hot, gel in cold
• always mix gelatin in cold liquid first
• keep the gelatin even spread about to avoid clumping

You’ll find more tips on gelatin HERE.

Gelatin Recipes

​While collagen peptides powder are easier to incorporate with anything and everything, there are still some excellent culinary uses for gelatin.

Here are some:

• gummies
• AIP Bread (duh) – you’ll also find this recipe in my book, The Leaky Gut Meal Plan
• Pomegranate JELL-O Jigglers
• Banana Coconut Cream Pudding – which can also be found in my book, The Leaky Gut Meal Plan
• Paleo Birthday Cake
• Pumpkin Pie Pudding
• Super Breakfast Bowl
• Healthy Gut Chia Pudding
• Vanilla-Mint Mini Marshmallows

Using gelatin in the above recipes is typically a better option than using collagen.

What to Look for in a Quality Collagen and Gelatin Supplement

Regardless, you have to look for quality supplements since both collagen and gelatin are now common supplements. 

Some things to look for:

• non-GMO
• no extra and unnecessary additives

The main thing to look for is that it is superior and super-high-quality. 

Especially because this is derived from animals, it’s very important from both a health and ethical standpoint.

I know you and I share these same values. 

More questions? Let me know in the comments below.

Sources: HERE, and HERE.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:

1. Does Collagen Help with Acne (+ 4 Other Ways Collagen Can be an Overall Health Boost)
2. Best Packaged Bone Broth
3. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth

 
Xox,
SKH