Collagen, commonly known as a connective protein, has a large molecular structure. After ingestion, it remains in the stomach, where gastric acid (dilute hydrochloric acid) breaks it down into amino acids. These amino acids are then absorbed through the duodenum and transported to the liver, where they are first synthesized into peptides. Depending on the body’s needs, these peptides combine with vitamins and minerals to form enzymes, link with saccharides to produce DNA and RNA, or bond together to form collagen.
In short, collagen must first be synthesized into three-dimensional peptides before it can reassemble into collagen that the body can effectively use.