Cartilage and Collagen
Cartilage, derived from shark, bovine (cow), and other animal sources, is a type of connective tissue composed of mucopolysaccharides (including chondroitin sulfate), protein substances, calcium, sulfur, and collagen. Collagen is one of the proteins found in most connective tissues, including cartilage, bone, and skin. Gelatin is a form of collagen commonly used in foods, and preliminary reports suggest that consuming gelatin can improve the structure and health of the hair and nails.1,2,3,4 Collagen hydrolysate is produced by enzymatically breaking down bovine gelatin to smaller protein fragments.