# Collagen Tripeptides and Microcirculation: The Two Bottlenecks on the Way to Your Skin

> Digestion and microcirculation sit between the glass and the skin cell. What the evidence on collagen peptides shows, what EFSA says about it - and how WOO® Kollagen Erdbeere-Kaktusfeige is built.

Swallowing a collagen powder is the easy half of the story. Between the glass and the skin cell lie two bottlenecks: digestion and microcirculation. Understand what happens at both and you judge collagen products far more soberly.

## What from a collagen powder actually reaches the blood

Intact collagen is a giant molecule and is not absorbed as such. Hydrolysed, it is broken down into short peptides. Ichikawa et al. (2010) detected measurable amounts of hydroxyproline-containing di- and tripeptides in human blood after ingestion of collagen hydrolysate - notably **Pro-Hyp** and **Gly-Pro-Hyp**. These peptides are interesting because they do more than supply building material: they are associated with stimulating fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen themselves.

## Hydrolysate and tripeptides: two fractions, one goal

[WOO® Kollagen Erdbeere-Kaktusfeige](/en/shop/woo-collagen-strawberry-prickly-pear-can) combines two fractions: 68% collagen hydrolysate and 13% collagen tripeptides. The difference is chain length. Hydrolysate consists of a broad spectrum of peptides of varying size; tripeptides are already cut down to three amino acids and need almost no further splitting. Both fractions are bovine collagen - the product is therefore not suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

## The second bottleneck: microcirculation

The dermis is supplied by a fine network of capillary loops. Braverman (2000) described this cutaneous microcirculation as a system of its own, tightly regulated - and as a limiting factor for how well nutrients arrive in connective tissue. This is exactly where the mango extract **Careflow®** contained in WOO® Kollagen comes in: according to the manufacturer it is used to promote blood flow and microcirculation and to stimulate the antioxidant defence system. A nutrient is only worth what the vascular bed delivers to the site of action.

## What EFSA says about it - and what it does not

Plain speaking belongs here: for collagen as such, EFSA has not authorised a health claim. In 2012 the authority assessed applications on collagen hydrolysate and joints and considered the evidence insufficient. That does not mean the studies are missing - Proksch et al. (2014) showed improved skin elasticity over eight weeks. It means the regulatory standard of proof is higher than the published state of research.

## WOO® Kollagen Erdbeere-Kaktusfeige: how it is built

One serving is 15 g, stirred into 200 ml of water, with 11 g of protein and around 1 g of sugar. Sweetening comes from steviol glycosides, the flavour from strawberry powder and prickly pear extract - so no added sugar. That is more than cosmetics: studies show effects only after eight to twelve weeks of daily intake. A drink you actually like is one you still take in week ten. That is precisely where many regimens fail. The 450 g tub covers 30 days; one serving a day is the maximum. [WOO® Beauty Caps](/en/shop/woo-beauty-caps-can) pair well with it - for vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation.

## Frequently asked questions

**Why no sugar in the powder?**
Sugar would only be a flavour carrier. Strawberry powder, prickly pear extract and steviol glycosides take that role - 1.2 g of carbohydrate per serving.

**When is the best time to drink it?**
Anchored firmly in your day - in the morning or before training. What matters is less the clock than consistency over weeks.

**Is the effect of collagen proven?**
There are controlled studies with positive results for skin and connective tissue, but no EFSA-authorised health claim for collagen. Both statements are true at once.

## Sources

Ichikawa S et al. (2010), International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition - Hydroxyproline dipeptides and tripeptides in blood after collagen hydrolysate ingestion.
Proksch E et al. (2014), Skin Pharmacology and Physiology - Oral collagen peptide supplementation and skin physiology.
Braverman IM (2000), Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings - The cutaneous microcirculation.
EFSA NDA Panel (2012), EFSA Journal - Scientific opinion on health claims related to collagen hydrolysate and joints.

*WOO® Kollagen Erdbeere-Kaktusfeige, 450 g - available in our shop.*