Collagen is a major component of the human body, accounting for about 30% of total body protein. If you look closely at a collagen fibre, you would see that its structure is similar to that of a rope, with each individual fiber of collagen made up of many small fibres, called macrofibrils, all bound together. These macrofibrils are themselves made up of even tinier fibers called microfibrils, which account for the strong nature of collagen. Like a rope, collagen has great tensile strength and can be pulled without breaking. Collagen is crucial for mobile joints, stable bones, healthy muscles, strong ligaments and tendons, skin, hair and healthy finger nails. It is one of the primary structural proteins of connective tissue. Connective tissue plays an important role in the body by cushioning and hydrating, as well as binding and holding the various tissues in the human body together. Connective tissue also provides physical and mechanical support through the extensive extracellular matrix made up of predominantly collagenous, elastic and reticular fibres. Amongst the many types of connective tissues, those richest in collagenous fibres include loose and dense connective tissues such as tendons and the dermis of the skin respectively. Other types of connective tissue which contain large amounts of collagen include cartilage and bone.

Collagen peptides are short-chain protein building blocks produced by the hydrolysis of native collagen. Independent from their molecular weight, the bioavailable collagen fibre peptides are rapidly absorbed by the body. GELITA® Collagen Peptides have an amino acid and nutritional profile that are free from fat, sugar, cholesterol, purines and additives and offer a wide spectrum to be used in food applications, either in solid or liquid form. Even when tested for degradation in cooking, the GELITA® collagen peptides were found to be stable.