How we pick our products
Collagen is one of the most vital proteins in our bodies. This molecule keeps our cartilage and joints healthy and gives our skin shine and elasticity. Unfortunately, the organism reduces its production of this incredible protein as we age. So, is it possible to stop this from happening?
While we cannot stop the passage of time yet, we can certainly try to mitigate its impact. Marine collagen is used to synthesize products that combat the loss of skin and joint elasticity. Are you eager to learn why marine collagen is different from more traditional supplements? Then keep reading our guide!
Contents
Summary
- Marine collagen is obtained from the bones, scales, and skin of fish.
- These supplements are as effective as other types of collagens, such as bovine collagen.
- You have to evaluate various factors before making your purchase. These include your dietary restrictions, the origin of the product, as well as additional ingredients, among others.
The best Marina Collagen: Our Picks
In the following section, you will discover our very own selection of the most popular marine collagen products currently available out there. We have chosen supplements that meet high-quality criteria and that have received high ratings from past consumers. Have a look at their descriptions below, and you might just find the right supplement for your needs!
Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Marine Collagen
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What is marine collagen exactly?
- Type I: Plentiful in the skin, bone, tendons, teeth, and cornea, it prevents tissue damage when exposed to stretching processes.
- Type II: This type of collagen is most often found in cartilage. It provides resistance to increases in joint pressure, helping maintain the integrity of these tissues.
- Type III: It is present in blood vessels, skin, and glandular tissue. This molecule contributes to the support of various body organs while contributing to the elasticity of the skin.
- Type V: This collagen is located between the organs, forming part of what we call the interstitial tissue. You can also find it in the placenta, where it is essential for successful pregnancies.
- Type X: Bones and joints owe an important part of their resistance to this type of collagen.
Our organism can produce its own collagen through the use of several amino acids, including proline, lysine, and glycine. However, the synthesis of this protein decreases over the years.
Some researchers have tried to use collagen as a nutraceutical, a beneficial nutrient taken as a supplement. By administering collagen exogenously, age-induced declines in collagen levels may be avoided. But do you know what the raw material origin of most collagen supplements is?
These products are obtained from other animals that also contain this protein in their bodies. In that regard, the inedible remains of cows and pigs are often used to produce these supplements. However, this protein can also be sourced from the bones and skin of fish, resulting in marine collagen products (2).
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How does marine collagen differ from porcine or bovine collagen?
- Bovine collagen: Cow skin, cartilage, and bones are the main ingredients of these supplements. Bovine protein is rich in type I and III collagen and is generally used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, accelerate tissue recovery, and improve skin texture.
- Porcine collagen: Similar to bovine collagen, supplements sourced from pigskin and cartilage provide high amounts of type I and type III collagen. These products are most popular in the field of cosmetic surgery, where they are used as fillers for wrinkles, dark circles, and imperfections.
- Other land-based collagens: Other sources of collagen include bird bones (mainly chicken and hen) or eggs. They are less popular than those derived from cows and pigs, often appearing as additional ingredients in supplements.
- Marine collagen: The scales, bones, and skin of fish are processed to obtain these supplements. They are rich in type I collagen, which is why they are recommended as a dietary supplement to improve the appearance of the skin. Marine collagen may also help maintain bone and joint health.
Regardless of its origin, collagen will always have an effect on the organism. Whether you purchase a land-based or marine product is all up to you. The following factors, for example, are exceptionally important for some people (2):
- Stress: Some see bovine collagen as a potential transmitter of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (mad cow disease). Current controls on supplement production have made the transmission of this disease almost impossible, but there are still consumers who feel safer by using marine collagen.
- Nutritional preferences: Bovine and porcine collagen are generally subject to hydrolysis processes that make them hypoallergenic. However, people with severe food allergies may opt for marine collagen to avoid any type of food intolerance.
- Ethics and religion: Personal preferences and beliefs are a crucial factor in the world of supplementation. Individuals who cannot consume pork or cow products will find marine collagen to be the best option.
- Sustainability: Marine collagen could be a more environmentally-friendly raw material than land-based collagens. However, this statement requires further analysis to confirm it.
The truth is that marine collagen isn’t a higher-quality alternative to bovine or porcine collagen. Choose the supplement that best fits your needs and preferences. In the table below, we have summed up some data that you may find helpful in making your decision (2, 3, 4):
| Porcine collagen | Bovine collagen | Marine collagen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common uses | Joint pain
Tissue repair Skin elasticity Digestive health Aesthetic medicine |
Joint pain
Tissue repair Skin elasticity Digestive health |
Joint pain
Tissue repair Skin elasticity Bone health Antioxidant |
| Benefits | Hypoallergenic | Additional protein contribution | Hypoallergenic
Sustainable Safe |
| Disadvantages | Intolerance to the raw material | Intolerance to the raw material
Disease transmission (extremely rare) |
Intolerance to the raw material |
What are the benefits of using a marine collagen supplement?
- Joint pain relief: Consumption of marine collagen may improve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, the process of chronic degeneration of joint cartilage. Athletes who suffer from joint discomfort due to physical activity may also benefit from its use.
- Increase in bone density: Several studies have demonstrated that marine collagen supplements could increase bone density. This is one of the leading indicators of bone health; when it decreases, you are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis.
- Antioxidant effect: Marine collagen has been shown to have an antioxidant effect on animal models. This may help to mitigate the damage caused by free radicals, preventing premature aging.
- Metabolic control: Better control of glucose and lipid metabolism was observed on type-2 diabetic patients who supplemented with marine collagen. These products may improve the metabolic profile of certain consumers.
Like most dietary supplements, marine collagen isn’t exempt from attacks and criticism. Influential figures in the world of medicine and dietetics believe that this type of product has no benefit at all. While current studies seem to corroborate the usefulness of collagen, this is important for you to know.
If collagen supplements may improve your quality of life, they should in no way substitute medical care. In addition, remember that they cannot slow down the natural aging process or prevent the consequences of an unbalanced diet. Living a healthy life is always the best way to take care of yourself and your body.
How should I use marine collagen supplements?
| Effect | Dosage | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Improving skin texture | 2.5 grams | Once a day |
| Decreasing expression lines | 1 gram | Once a day |
| Improving degenerative joint pain | 360-720 milligrams | Once a day |
| Improving sport-related joint pain | 10 grams (after medical approval) | Once a day |
In theory, the absorption of marine collagen supplements isn’t affected by the concomitant consumption of food. Most people take it in the morning with their breakfast, but positive effects have also been observed in studies where collagen was administered immediately before going to bed.
What precautions should I take while supplementing with marine collagen?
There has been no report of significant drug interactions. However, you are advised to consult your physician before supplementing if you take different chronic treatments.
The effect of these supplements on pregnant or breastfeeding women is still unknown. This is why you should be particularly cautious if you are in this situation. The use of marine collagen during these delicate stages should be avoided or closely supervised by a doctor.
If you suffer from an allergy to fish or shellfish, you should be very careful and not use these supplements without medical supervision. While most fish allergens tend to be removed during the synthesis process, you may still expose yourself to intolerance reactions.
Buyer’s Guide
You may still be asking yourself what differentiates a good marine collagen supplement from a mediocre one. In the following section, we will delve into some of the most important shopping criteria to keep in mind when you’re purchasing these products. Pay attention to them and you’ll be on the right track to finding quality supplements!
Dietary Restrictions
As you can imagine, marine collagen isn’t suitable for vegan or vegetarian individuals. This protein has a purely animal origin. Supplements advertised as “vegan collagen” include compounds that stimulate endogenous collagen synthesis without actually providing this protein directly. Don’t be fooled by these marketing strategies!
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Hydrolyzed Peptides
Collagen is naturally found in gelatin and food of animal origin. Unfortunately, the degree of absorption of the protein in this form is very low. If you are interested in using a marine collagen supplement, opt for one with hydrolyzed peptides. This type of product contains smaller molecules that boost your body’s absorption.
Ingredient Combinations
You can combine marine collagen supplements with other products. Vitamin C, for instance, has beneficial antioxidant properties. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, can contribute to the maintenance of the joint structure. If you want to boost your athletic performance, combining marine collagen and magnesium is an excellent option.
Raw Material Origin
Overfishing is one of the greatest challenges that we face as a society. Supplementation with marine collagen can be sustainable, as long as environmentally-friendly fishing styles are applied. If you are concerned about the environment, look for a product that indicates the origin of the raw material on its label and avoids trawling.
Summary
If you follow a pescatarian diet, the idea of consuming collagen supplements may make you frown. However, the advent of marine collagen means that you now have a sustainable alternative that is just as effective as traditional products. If you want to give your skin its glow and freshness back, don’t hesitate to give it a go!
Remember, however, that the best way to combat premature aging and joint wear is prevention. Avoid tobacco and drugs, follow a healthy diet, and exercise regularly to keep those extra pounds at bay. If you add marine collagen supplements to this routine, you’ll be able to enjoy the best life you can.
Did you find our shopping guide helpful and interesting? Feel free to give us your opinion in the comments section below. You can also share this article with your friends and family on your social media!
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