Richard
Collagen is a vital protein found in our bodies that maintains the strength, elasticity, and structure of our various tissues, including skin, bones, and tendons. As we age, our bodies’ ability to produce collagen decreases, resulting in wrinkles, joint pains and stiffness, and weakened bones. This has led to an increase in collagen supplements in the market, with marine collagen being particularly popular due to its excellent bioavailability and superior amino acid profile. In this blog, we will explore the science behind marine collagen and how it can benefit your overall health.
1. What is Marine Collagen?
Marine collagen, as the name suggests, is collagen derived from the skin, bones, and scales of fish, particularly cod, salmon, and red snapper. It is mainly made up of type 1 collagen, which is the most abundant type found in the human body. Marine collagen has smaller peptide molecules, which means it is easily absorbed and utilized by the body, making it an excellent supplement for improving skin, hair and joint health.
2. How is Marine Collagen Produced?
Marine collagen is produced using hydrolysis, which is a process that breaks down the collagen protein molecules into collagen peptides. This process involves boiling the fish skin, bones, and scales in water and treating it with enzymes, bacteria or acids to break down the collagen into smaller peptides. The resultant collagen peptides are then filtered, dried, and packaged into supplements.
3. The Benefits of Marine Collagen
Several studies have shown that marine collagen can have significant benefits on overall health. Its high bioavailability ensures that it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, providing the body with the necessary amino acids to produce collagen. Marine collagen has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and hydration, and promote the production of natural collagen. It also improves joint health and reduces joint pain and stiffness, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis. Marine collagen has been shown to be effective in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women, reducing the risk of fractures.
4. How to Choose the Best Marine Collagen Supplement
When choosing a marine collagen supplement, it is essential to go for a reputable brand that sources its collagen from sustainably caught fish. It is also essential to look for supplements that contain type 1 collagen, as this is the most abundant type found in the human body. Marine collagen supplements that undergo hydrolysis using enzymes are preferred as this process ensures that the collagen peptides are of adequate size to be easily absorbed by the body. Lastly, it is crucial to check for third-party testing certification to ensure the supplement’s efficacy and purity.
5. Conclusion
Marine collagen is an excellent supplement for improving overall health, particularly for individuals experiencing decrease collagen levels due to aging. Its superior bioavailability, excellent amino acid profile and sea-sourced nature have made it a popular collagen supplement in recent years. When shopping for a marine collagen supplement, it is vital to choose reputable brands with third-party testing certification, type 1 collagen and sustainable sourcing. The science behind marine collagen shows that it is an excellent supplement for maintaining healthy skin, hair, joints and bones. Its high bioavailability and superior composition make it more efficient and potent than other collagen types. Choosing the right marine collagen supplement can significantly improve overall health, and we hope this blog has provided you with helpful information on what to look for when choosing a marine collagen supplement.
