Rethinking collagen dosage: what science reveals about low-dose efficacy

Emerging research is now challenging the high-dose norm, and opening the door to a more personalised, precise and effective approach to collagen supplementation – focusing not only on the quantity of the collagen consumed, but on the quality and specificity of its peptides.

In this new paradigm, collagen formulators and suppliers understand that a smaller dose can have a big impact. This is not just theory either. Ingredients like the marine collagen Morikol® are proving that a smarter approach to collagen and rooted in science, can deliver results that rival or exceed traditional methods, with just a fraction of the dose.

More is not always better

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up a large part of our skin, bones and connective tissue. As collagen naturally diminishes as we grow older, traditionally from the age of 30, it is easy to imagine that replenishing it in large amounts will offset the health challenges associated with collagen loss.

Not so. Traditional collagen supplements, often generic hydrolysates derived from bovine or porcine sources, can be a veritable ‘grab bag’ of peptides. These broad-spectrum collagen ingredients typically require larger dosages specifically because they are not optimised to be bioavailable. As these products can be biologically irrelevant, it is often not efficiently absorbed and used by the human body.¹

So, while a consumer might be ingesting 10g of collagen a day, it doesn’t mean that their body is doing much with it. In addition, high dose collagen can also be cumbersome, often resulting in heaped spoons in the morning smoothie, gritty textures in yoghurt or having to ingest oversized capsules.

Now, thanks to advances in molecular nutrition and peptide science by leading collagen suppliers such as DolCas Biotech, researchers are shifting their attention to targeted collagen peptides and discovering that when it comes to efficacy, precision can beat volume each time.

The rise of precision tripeptides

Scientific studies have illuminated the fact that not all collagen peptides are created equal. Certain sequences, particularly short chain tripeptides containing proline and hydroxyproline appear to have a significantly higher biological impact. ²

These specific peptides are clinically validated to stimulate fibroblast activity in the skin, promote cartilage regeneration in joints and support bone health in lower dosages. Here Morikol® is a standout product as it goes beyond performance when used in new products and applications formats.

Morikol is a 100% fish-sourced, tripeptide collagen formulation with an effective clinical dose of only 1g per day. The standardised concentration of bioactive peptides in Morikol are highly bioavailable and offer chemoattracting properties that directly increase fibroblast cell quality and activity.

Because of its very low molecular weight (tripeptides that are only 3 amino acids long) Morikol® offers low dose efficacy. This makes it an ideal solution when included in flexible and palatable product formats – from capsules and sachets to gummies and functional drinks. And, because it is marine sourced, it offers a cleaner, more traceable and sustainable profile than other sources of collagen.

Less can do more

The science behind this shift to lower doses and standardised collagen peptides isn’t just promising but validated. Studies show measurable improvement in skin smoothness, hydration and wrinkle reduction in as little as eight to 12 weeks with low-dose, bioactive marine collagen.³

Another clinical study looked at the efficiency of tripeptides in stimulating collagen rebuilding and regeneration, in combination with hyaluronic acid for appreciable skin and joint support benefits. When evaluated at only 1g/day in maturing women with diagnosable, age-related skin damage, formulated tripeptides proved significant benefit over placebo in improving various skin change outcomes.

Other trials point to enhanced joint mobility and reduced stiffness, particularly in active individuals or those with early joint discomfort. For bone health, targeted collagen peptides have been shown to stimulate osteoblast activity, supporting stronger bones over time.  Critically, these outcomes weren’t achieved with 10g mega doses, but with smaller, smarter servings, demonstrating the power of precision over excess.⁴

This new understanding of collagen peptide bioactivity is changing the game for both formulators and consumers. Brands no longer need to overload their products with bulky powders to deliver results. Instead, they can use standardised, clinically supported ingredients like Morikol® to create cleaner, more efficient and more enjoyable products. For consumers the benefits of less hassle and more impact are clear as is the confidence that their supplement based on marine collagen is rooted in science, not marketing hype.

Looking to the future, the next wave of collagen-based supplements will be all about precision dosing and molecular targeting. The age of more is better is giving way to a more nuanced approach, focused on bioavailability, not bulk.

So, make the decision for the right kind of less. Contact the ACI sales team for more information on Morikol® marine collagen or to discuss you next formulation or product. Click here for details.