Enhanced digestion and absorption kinetics of ultra–low molecular weight collagen containing di- and tripeptides: evidence from human and cell models

Abstract

Collagen hydrolysates differ in molecular weight distribution and composition, which may influence gastrointestinal absorption and epithelial transport. Across both in vitro and in vivo models, ultra-low-molecular-weight collagen (LMWCP; 500 Da), with more than 45% di- and tripeptides, exhibited faster early-phase absorption kinetics, thereby enhancing early-phase bioavailability. Collagen-derived amino acids appeared across the epithelial layer within minutes and reached plasma peaks earlier, compared to a standard collagen hydrolysate. These findings suggest that LMWCP exhibits distinct, accelerated absorption kinetics compared to conventional collagen hydrolysates.