Collagen is a family of proteins that occur naturally in the connective tissues and flesh of
animals. When used in supplements and foods, collagen must be broken down into hydrolyzed
collagen, which is a polypeptide composite made when gelatin or denatured collagen is
subjected to hydrolysis.
This form of collagen can be dissolved but still retains the properties that make it useful
in a health supplement.
When processing hydrolyzed collagen, manufacturers must complete several steps. The first
step in the process is demineralization, followed by the extraction of collagen to gelatine.
Next, the gelatine is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, which produces hydrolyzed collagen.
After the manufacturer has obtained hydrolyzed collagen, it must be filtered, sterilized,
and dried before it can be used in supplements thus ending the collagen manufacturing
process.