Collagen Synthesis
Hydrolyzed Collagen (Type I & III) + Vitamin C
Collagen peptides supply substrate; vitamin C is the rate-limiting cofactor enzyme. Both are needed for new collagen.
Collagen
Broken-down collagen peptides for skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. Most common form.
Full Hydrolyzed Collagen (Type I & III) profile →Vitamin
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble antioxidant required for collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption. Calcium ascorbate is a buffered form that reduces gastric irritation.
Full Vitamin C profile →Why they work together
Collagen synthesis requires hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues, which is performed by enzymes (prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases) that require vitamin C as a cofactor. Without adequate vitamin C, collagen synthesis fails — scurvy is the extreme version of this (bleeding gums, poor wound healing). With supplemental hydrolyzed collagen peptides providing amino-acid substrate PLUS vitamin C providing enzymatic co-activation, you're supplying both inputs to the synthesis pathway. The Shaw 2017 study (PMID: 27852613) showed this pairing produces measurable tendon collagen synthesis increases 30–60 minutes after intake.
How to dose them
10–15 g hydrolyzed collagen peptides + 500 mg vitamin C, 30–60 minutes before physical activity. The timing matters — the activity itself drives localized collagen synthesis during the hours after, and the amino-acid + cofactor availability needs to be present then.
Evidence
Mechanism is biochemistry; the timing protocol has RCT support specifically for tendon and joint collagen. Effect sizes are clinically modest but consistent in athlete populations.
Watch-outs
Collagen is incomplete protein (low in tryptophan) — don't count it toward muscle-building protein totals. Vitamin C at very high doses (>2 g/day) can increase kidney stone risk in users with stone history.
Next steps
Educational only. Synergy pairs are not prescriptions. Run any new supplement combination past your clinician if you take prescription medication.