A Word With – Reyhan Nergiz Unal and Yingying Wu – PB Leiner

SOLUGEL® Supra is described as a breakthrough with faster absorption and ultra-low molecular weight. What makes this collagen peptide fundamentally different from standard collagen on the market today?

RNU: SOLUGEL® Supra is characterized by an ultra-low molecular weight of 500 Da and a high concentration of bioactive di & tripeptides (≥45%). This differentiates it from standard collagen peptides that typically feature higher molecular weight (2000-3000 Da) and lower concentration of these bioactive fractions.

The small peptide size means absorption is 4 times faster, exhibiting faster absorption kinetics as well as enhanced early-phase bioavailability. A recently published study (1) demonstrated that the peak plasma concentration (C-max) is reached in as little as 30 minutes, compared to approximately two hours for standard collagen peptides. The data also shows SOLUGEL® Supra is taken up by intestinal (Caco-2) cells in just 5 minutes, supporting its rapid absorption and utilization (1).

SOLUGEL® Supra is also scientifically proven to promote skin longevity from within (2, 3). Research indicates it supports telomerase activity and helps maintain telomere length, which are key markers associated with cellular longevity (3). It has also shown the ability to stimulate type I procollagen production, supporting resistance to UV-induced skin aging (2).

You highlight the very high concentration of di & tripeptides in SOLUGEL® Supra. Why are these smaller bioactive components so critical for performance?

RNU: Collagen di & tripeptides are the smallest collagen building blocks, consisting of two or three amino acids. Rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, they play a key role in collagen synthesis.

Unlike standard collagen peptides, these peptides can be absorbed intact (1) through the intestine via Peptide Transporter 1 (PEPT1) and instantly enter the bloodstream. Once absorbed, they act not only as nutrient sources but also as biological signaling molecules, stimulating fibroblasts and supporting the body’s natural collagen synthesis process.

With a minimum of 45% of the di & tripeptides featuring an ultra-low molecular weight of 500 Da, SOLUGEL® Supra delivers a highly bioavailable collagen peptide profile designed for fast uptake and enhanced instant biological activity.

What benefits do they unlock for formulators?

YW: A lot! The high bioactivity of SOLUGEL® Supra enables effective use at lower dosages compared to standard collagen, creating opportunities for applications where large collagen doses are difficult to accommodate, such as gummies, tablets, and soft capsules.

And thanks to PB Leiner’s innovative patent-pending enzyme-controlled technology, SOLUGEL® Supra has superior organoleptic properties. While ultra-low molecular weight peptides are often associated with bitter taste, SOLUGEL® Supra maintains a neutral taste profile, improving formulation flexibility.

Its favorable sensory characteristics and functionality make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including powders, ready-to-drink beverages, shots, and functional foods.

Is faster absorption more beneficial?

RNU: Fast absorption means stronger and quicker biological effects. Their small size (<500 Da) allows them to efficiently cross the intestinal barrier, enter circulation within minutes, and be rapidly taken up and utilized by fibroblasts. These peptides act as bioactive signals—not just nutrients—activating fibroblast receptors, influencing gene expression, and stimulating collagen synthesis.

SOLUGEL® Supra peptides rapidly appear in plasma, with high availability in the first 30 minutes, enabling faster cellular use and stronger signaling effects. Rapid absorption ensures higher systemic availability, quicker physiological response, reduced degradation, and better utilization with agerelated declines in digestion and collagen turnover.

Is the product neutral? Can it be consumed in powder format?

YW: Absolutely. While ultra-low molecular size collagen peptides often present sensory challenges, particularly bitterness, SOLUGEL® Supra maintains a neutral taste profile.

It also exhibits excellent solubility and dissolution properties, supporting seamless incorporation into multiple delivery formats without compromising product quality or consumer experience. Therefore, it can be formulated into powders, beverages, capsules, tablets, shots, and cosmetics with minimal technical constraints.

Would you recommend using this product as a stand-alone collagen, or should it be combined with other collagen products?

YW: SOLUGEL® Supra can be certainly used as a stand-alone collagen ingredient, particularly in products targeting rapid collagen peptide delivery and high bioactivity.

However, some manufacturers choose to combine SOLUGEL® Supra with regular collagen, creating products that provide both rapid delivery of bioactive peptides and sustained collagen supplementation over time.

Obviously, the optimal approach depends on the desired product positioning and target consumer benefits.

Is the recommended dosage lower than the standard collagen dosage?

RNU: With its high concentration of bioactive di & tripeptides, SOLUGEL® Supra is effective at relatively low intake levels. The recommended daily dosage is 1-5 g.

The time to experience benefits depends on the targeted health benefit and the natural turnover rate of the tissue involved. While functional effects, such as increased amino acid availability throughout exercise, can occur shortly after consumption, clinical studies typically show benefits for skin health within 4-12 weeks, and for joint, cartilage, and bone health within 12-24 weeks of consistent use.

References and notes

Nergiz-Unal R, Dierckx S, Roye C, Wu Y, Maertens F, Pajuelo Gamez D, Merino M, Mullor JL, Depboylu B, Mandolesi CD. Enhanced digestion and absorption kinetics of ultra–low molecular weight collagen containing di- and tripeptides: evidence from human and cell models. PeerJ 2026 14:e21398 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42609988/
Human cell study performed by Bloomage Biotech Co. Ltd., Jinan, 2026 Publication is in progress.
Human cell study performed by Life Length Laboratories, Madrid, 2026 Publication is in progress.