Collagen Peptides Explained
Collagen Peptides Explained
The collagen guide
Collagen Peptides Explained
What collagen is, why it is turned into peptides, and how Nutrian uses halal-certified Peptan® collagen peptides from Rousselot in Collagen+.
Shop Collagen+What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up roughly a third of all its protein. It acts as the body's scaffolding: long, rope-like fibres that give structure and strength to skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
Collagen is unusually rich in three amino acids: glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. The body makes its own collagen, but production naturally slows as we get older.
The main types of collagen
Type I
The most common type. Found in skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.Type II
The main collagen in cartilage, the cushioning tissue in joints.Type III
Found alongside Type I in skin, blood vessels and internal organs.Nutrian Collagen+ contains Type I and Type III collagen peptides from bovine Peptan®.
Why collagen peptides?
Whole collagen is a very large molecule. To make it easy to use as a supplement, it is broken down by enzymatic hydrolysis: natural enzymes cut the long collagen chains into short chains of amino acids called peptides. The result is called hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides.
Long, triple-helix protein fibres
Enzymes cut the chains into smaller pieces
Short peptides that dissolve easily and can be absorbed
Rousselot's 2024 crossover study (Virgilio et al., Frontiers in Nutrition) measured collagen di- and tri-peptides and amino acids appearing in the bloodstream after people took Peptan®, supporting its bioavailability.
Peptan®: a researched collagen brand
Peptan® is the collagen peptide brand of Rousselot, the health brand of Darling Ingredients. It was named the number one collagen peptide brand in the NutraIngredients industry survey (2024) and is backed by Rousselot's own published human studies. Nutrian has a formal exclusivity agreement with Rousselot, which supplies the collagen in our range.
Read the research on our Why Peptan® page.
Where collagen is found in the body
Collagen is the main structural protein of the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin.
Collagen forms the flexible framework on which minerals such as calcium are laid down.
Made mostly of tightly packed Type I collagen fibres.
Built largely from Type II collagen.
Collagen and an active lifestyle
Collagen peptides are a food protein. Collagen is not a substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, and Rousselot has issued a signed statement that Peptan® does not contain or use any WADA-listed substance. View the statement (PDF). If you compete in tested sport, always check any supplement with your governing body.
Why Nutrian takes collagen in capsules
- Measured dose: 1,200 mg of collagen peptides per daily serving, with no scoops or mixing.
- No taste or smell: easy to take with water.
- Gelatine-free capsules: plant-based HPMC shells.
- Made in the UK to GMP standards.
More on our format: Why Always Capsules?
High standards of quality and safety
Peptan® collagen is certified by Halal Europe. View certificates.
Food safety and quality certification across Rousselot plants.
Peptan® is recognised as safe for use in food in the US.
Upcycled Certified® (2025); made from by-products that would otherwise go to waste.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between collagen and collagen peptides?
Collagen peptides are collagen that has been broken down into small pieces by enzymes, so they dissolve easily and can be absorbed.
Is your collagen bovine or marine?
Nutrian Collagen+ uses bovine (beef) Peptan® collagen peptides. It is never porcine.
Is it halal?
Yes. See our halal certifications.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?
No. Collagen comes from animal sources, so it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Try Nutrian Collagen+
Halal-certified Peptan® collagen peptides, Type I & III, in easy capsules. Made in the UK.
Shop Collagen+Peptan® is a registered trademark of Rousselot. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake.