Marine Collagen: What it is & the benefits

 

Marine collagen is derived from the skin bones and scales of fish and is seen as the premium and clean version of collagen. It is mostly used in the beauty and wellness industry as it is primarily made up of Type 1 Collagen which has the greatest benefits for hair, skin and nails. 

Marine collagen is ethically sourced and does not contain the contaminants that can be found inland mammals where other types of collagen are derived from. Not only is marine collagen sustainable it is also absorbed up to 1.5x faster in the body. These clean benefits do make it more costly but more effective type of collagen.

Collagen has a vast range of benefits as it aids the process of cell regeneration and repair. High-quality Marine Collagen tends to be hydrolysed by acid and a food-grade enzyme to yield marine collagen peptides, which have a low molecular weight making it easier to digest and absorb. 

Natural Protein  

Collagen peptides contain amino acids that are needed for the body’s daily growth and development. This gives collagen the potential to be taken as a natural and clean alternative to protein powders on the market as it is high in protein and contains minimal additional ingredients, chemicals and flavouring. Like we previously mentioned, hydrolysed collagen is easier to digest so by taking it as a protein supplement it will sit a lot less heavy on the stomach compared to other protein supplements.

Bone Strength

The consumption of marine collagen and its peptides can help your body to absorb minerals such as calcium more efficiently. A 12-month study found that women taking a calcium and collagen supplement had significantly lower blood levels of proteins that promote bone breakdown than those only taking calcium (2). This supports the claim that collagen enables the body to absorb minerals more efficiently, 

Therefore, marine collagen may reduce bone loss and increase strength by boosting bone mineral density which could prevent diseases such as Osteoporosis.

 

Hair & Nail

Marine Collagen is rich in amino acids that your body needs to build Keratin which is the protein that stimulates hair & nail growth and therefore it is thought to promote hair growth. It can also act as an antioxidant which can fight damage to hair follicles caused by free radicals. In addition to this as your getting older, your body becomes less efficient at producing collagen and replenishing cells in the dermis which can cause thinning to hair and less elasticity in skin, nails and hair. The addition of a marine collagen supplement may help prevent thinning. 

Skin Elasticity & Hydration

Collagen is a huge component of skin and as previously stated, with age your body is less efficient at producing and replenishing it which adds to the formation of wrinkles. As collagen plays helps strengthen skin and may boost elasticity and hydration taking a daily supplement may help slow the aging of skin. It is also thought to stimulate your body to produce more collagen on its own (3) and could also promote the production of other proteins such as fibrillin and elastin which help structure your skin (4).


Inflammation & Joint Pain 

Taking collagen supplements has been shown to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis in the body which may help promote joint pain relief. This is because collagen maintains your cartilage which protects your joints. It has been theorized by researchers that the collagen supplements may accumulate in the cartilage and simulate your tissues to make collagen. This is thought to lead to lower inflammation, better support of your joints and reduced pain (5) 


How to Take Marine Collagen

There is no specific time when you should take collagen although some prefer in the morning and others at nice. It is great to pop in a smoothie for that extra boost or in your coffee to make it extra frothy. You can also take collagen alone, at The All Natural Company we manufacturer naturally flavoured collagen which is delicious just mixed with water, making it great for on the go. 


Sold on the benefits of Marine Collagen and want to add it to your range of health supplement products or start a new range? We’ve got you covered. Our expert food technicians and sales team can assist you in developing a delicious product with great marketability. 

Get in touch today... 

 
Matthew Ammendolia