Collagen has shown some promising health benefits for hair, skin and nails.
It is also considered effective for improving joint pain, boosting heart health and increasing bone mineral density for stronger bones.
Collagen supplements have therefore become increasingly popular in recent years.
The collagen in these supplements is derived from a variety of animal resources, including fish.
Marine collagen supplements, also known as fish collagen, are a form of protein derived from the skin and scales of fish. This protein is then processed to produce marine collagen peptides which are shorter chain amino acids meant to absorb faster in our bodies.
Marine collagen supplements have quickly become one of the most popular forms of collagen supplements. The industry is expected to reach $1,040.1 million by the year 2026.
But why has marine collagen become such a hype?
You may find some answers below.
Some forms of collagen are produced from animal hides, bones, teeth and skin.
Marine collagen sources such as wild-caught fish are the cleanest because, unlike land animals, they aren’t contaminated with antibiotics, diseases and hormone meds.
Which is the primary reason marine collagen was discovered in the first place; to ditch the contamination that comes with using animal sources.
Marine collagen is mainly composed of Type I collagen, which is the most abundant form of collagen in our body, mainly found in the skin, tendon and bone tissue.
Since it makes up a significant portion of our skin, Type I collagen may be extremely effective for improving skin health and appearance. It may also help strengthen and promote the growth of hair and nails.
Studies show that marine collagen peptides may have protective effects on the skin and might delay skin ageing through their antioxidant properties.
This implies that complementing a balanced diet with marine collagen supplements may help with symptoms of ageing skin such as fine lines, wrinkles and sagging...
...while helping to improve hair and nails at the same time.
Marine collagen is highly bioavailable.
But what does that mean?
Since marine collagen peptides consist of smaller and lighter protein molecules, they are more easily absorbed by the body than other types of collagen proteins.
Some studies suggest that they are 1.5 times more efficient at absorbing into our bodies.
Better absorption means better results.
Marine collagen is an abundant source of amino acids ‘Glycine’ and ‘Proline’.
For one, both glycine and proline induce our body to increase its own collagen production.
Glycine and proline also perform some very important functions in our bodies.
Glycine is an amino acid that helps build protein which is used for building muscle mass as well as hormones and enzymes. It may also help promote better sleep.
Proline is another building block for protein synthesis. It helps with wound healing, has great antioxidant properties and assists our bodies’ immune responses.
Marine collagen is a more environmentally friendly and sustainable source of collagen.
Estimates suggest that about two-thirds of fish waste are discarded, raising massive environmental and economic concerns. This fish waste has a huge potential to be used sustainably such as for the production of collagen, enzymes and bioactive peptides.
Marine collagen supplements utilize fish waste such as skin and scales that otherwise go to waste.
Additionally, they involve a lower carbon footprint than processing by-products from beef and other animal sources.
And finally...
Marine collagen supplements offer the flexibility to cater to your own individual preferences when it comes to what you consume.
They’re a great option for those who don’t consume red meat and offer a pescatarian option for people who may not eat terrestrial animals.
They’re also a no-brainer if your primary goal with collagen is to improve the health of your hair, skin and nails since marine collagen contains mainly Type I collagen.
Interested in trying marine collagen supplements?
What are your thoughts on marine collagen supplements? Do you consider them worth trying?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Read more about collagen on our blog:
Pei XR, Yang RY, Zhang ZF, Xu YJ, Han XL, Wang JB, Li Y. [Effects of marine collagen peptide on delaying the skin aging]. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2008 Apr;42(4):235-8. Chinese. PMID: 18763632.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18763632/
Wang JB, Xie Y, Pei XR, Yang RY, Zhang ZF, Li Y. [The lipid-lowering and antioxidative effects of marine collagen peptides]. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2008 Apr;42(4):226-30. Chinese. PMID: 18763630.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18763630/
Wu G, Bazer FW, Burghardt RC, et al. Proline and hydroxyproline metabolism: implications for animal and human nutrition. Amino Acids. 2011;40(4):1053-1063. doi:10.1007/s00726-010-0715-z
Coppola, D., Lauritano, C., Palma Esposito, F., Riccio, G., Rizzo, C., & de Pascale, D. (2021). Fish Waste: From Problem to Valuable Resource. Marine Drugs, 19(2), 116. https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020116
Comments will be approved before showing up.
