Nergiz Unal​, ReyhanDierckx, StephanRoye, ChiaraWu, YingyingMaertens, FayePajuelo Gamez, DavidMerino, MarianMullor, José LuisDepboylu, BenguMandolesi, Carlos Daniel2026-09-142026-09-142026Nergiz-Unal, R., Dierckx, S., Roye, C., Wu, Y., Maertens, F., Pajuelo Gamez, D., Merino, M., Mullor, J. L., Depboylu, B., & Mandolesi, C. D. (2026). Enhanced digestion and absorption kinetics of ultra–low molecular weight collagen containing di- and tripeptides: Evidence from human and cell models. PeerJ, 14, e21398. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.213982167-8359https://hdl.handle.net/11268/17424Collagen 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.engAttribution 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Biocienciasjournal article10.7717/peerj.21398open accessCiencias médicasNutriciónBioquímicaGoal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages