What is Marine Collagen
ARMORICA Marine Collagen Powder
Marine collagen is a protein derived from fish skin and scales, particularly cold-water species such as cod. It is primarily composed of Type I collagen, which is the most abundant form in the human body. Type I collagen plays a vital role in maintaining the health of skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Because of its small particle size and high bioavailability, marine collagen is considered one of the most effective sources for collagen supplementation.
Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen
Both marine and bovine collagen are beneficial, but marine collagen has several distinguishing advantages. Firstly, marine collagen is more bioavailable than bovine collagen. Its smaller peptides and lower molecular weight allow it to be absorbed more efficiently in the digestive tract, meaning the body can use it more readily.
Secondly, marine collagen is predominantly composed of Type I collagen, whereas bovine collagen is a mix of Type I and Type III. Since Type I collagen is particularly beneficial for skin elasticity and bone/ joint strength, marine collagen may be more effective for individuals targeting these specific areas.
Sustainability is another key factor. Marine collagen sourced from wild fish utilises by-products of the fishing industry, making it an environmentally conscious choice. In contrast, bovine collagen often comes from industrial livestock farming, which raises concerns regarding land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and animal welfare.
What are Hydrolyzed Peptides, and Why Are They Important?
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are collagen proteins that have been broken down into smaller amino acid chains through a process known as hydrolysis. This modification significantly enhances their digestibility and absorption in the body. Without hydrolysis, collagen would be too large to be efficiently absorbed through the gut wall, limiting its effectiveness as a supplement.
Hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to various tissues, where they stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. This makes them ideal for supporting skin hydration, elasticity, and overall structural integrity.
Benefits of Including Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen synthesis. It acts as a co-factor for the enzymes prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, which are responsible for stabilising and cross-linking collagen molecules, which improve elasticity in skin and joints. Without sufficient vitamin C, the body cannot effectively produce or maintain collagen.
Including vitamin C in our marine collagen formulations enhances the body’s ability to synthesise new collagen and repair existing fibres. Additionally, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells from oxidative stress, further supporting skin health and overall cellular integrity.
Benefits of Wild vs Farmed Fish
Marine collagen can be sourced from either wild or farmed fish. However, wild fish are generally considered the superior source for several reasons. Wild fish consume a natural diet and live in open ocean environments, which typically results in a cleaner and more nutrient-dense profile.
Farmed fish, on the other hand, may be exposed to antibiotics, hormones, and artificial feed. This can impact the quality and purity of the collagen derived from them. In addition, wild fish are less likely to be exposed to crowded living conditions, which reduces the risk of contaminants and disease.
From an environmental perspective, using wild-caught fish by-products aligns with sustainable fishing practices and helps reduce waste, making wild-sourced marine collagen a more eco-friendly option.
Health Benefits of Marine Collagen
Marine collagen offers a wide range of health benefits due to its high content of bioavailable Type I collagen peptides. Research suggests that it supports not only skin health but also joint function, bone density, and gut integrity.
For skin, marine collagen helps reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity, and enhance hydration. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to maintain a youthful appearance. It also supports wound healing and skin regeneration by promoting the formation of new connective tissue.
In terms of joint health, collagen contributes to the structure of cartilage and ligaments. Supplementing with marine collagen can alleviate joint pain and stiffness, particularly in ageing individuals or those with osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of collagen peptides also help reduce joint discomfort.
Bone health is another key area of benefit. Type I collagen is the primary organic component of bone, and supplementing with marine collagen may improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures. It may also support muscle mass and strength, particularly in combination with resistance training.
Emerging evidence suggests that marine collagen may support gut health by reinforcing the gut lining and promoting the repair of intestinal tissue. This could be beneficial for individuals with digestive disorders or leaky gut syndrome.
Importance of Production to Maintain Quality
The production process of marine collagen is critical in determining the final product’s purity, efficacy, and safety. ARMORICA Marine Collagen is produced to strict processing standards to prevent degradation of the collagen peptides.
One key element is low-temperature enzymatic hydrolysis, which preserves the structural integrity of the collagen while enhancing its absorption. Excessive heat or chemical treatment can denature proteins and diminish the supplement’s effectiveness.
In addition, advanced filtration and purification techniques are used to remove impurities and unwanted residues. These methods help ensure that the collagen remains free from environmental toxins and allergens.
Important Tests for Quality
Given the origin of marine collagen from ocean-sourced fish, rigorous quality control is crucial to ensure safety and purity. One of the most critical tests for marine collagen is microplastic screening. Oceans are increasingly contaminated with plastic waste, and fish can ingest these microplastics, which may be transferred into collagen products.
Like all ARMORICA products, our marine collagen undergoes thorough testing to detect and eliminate microplastics and other environmental toxins such as heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead), dioxins, and PCBs.
Scientifically Supported Benefits and Amount to Consume
Scientific studies have shown that marine collagen supplementation can lead to significant health benefits when taken consistently. A 2019 clinical trial published in Marine Drugs found that daily supplementation with 8 grams of marine collagen improved skin hydration, elasticity, and dermal collagen density after eight weeks.
Another study, published in Nutrients (2021), demonstrated that collagen peptides contributed to reduced joint discomfort and enhanced mobility in adults with mild osteoarthritis. These effects are believed to result from collagen’s ability to support cartilage regeneration and reduce inflammation.
Most clinical research supports a daily intake of around 8 grams of hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides to achieve noticeable benefits in skin, joint, and connective tissue health.
Ways to Incorporate Into Diet
One of the key advantages of marine collagen is its versatility and ease of use. Thanks to its hydrolyzed form, it dissolves easily in both hot and cold liquids without clumping. Additionally, high-quality marine collagen is flavourless and odourless, making it a seamless addition to a wide range of beverages and meals.
It can be stirred into coffee, tea, smoothies, soups, and even baked goods without altering the taste or texture. This makes it simple to incorporate into daily routines, increasing compliance and ensuring consistent intake for long-term benefits.
In conclusion, marine collagen is a highly bioavailable, sustainable, and scientifically supported supplement that offers a range of health benefits, particularly for the skin, joints, and connective tissues. Its superior absorption, clean sourcing from wild fish, and ease of integration into the diet make it an ideal choice for those seeking to support their body’s natural collagen production effectively and safely.