Marine Collagen Benefits - How Does Marine Collagen Work?

Have you heard the buzz about collagen?  We are becoming increasingly familiar with collagen supplements, but they have been around for some time.  In the 1980s, collagen was used as an expensive injectable for lips and cheekbones. Now it has been replaced by fillers and Botox.  The skincare industry then started to use collagen in creams and serums (eg. Elemis pro-collagen marine cream).   


Collagen supplements are the way forward now,  available as collagen tablets, collagen powder and collagen drinks.  Across the world, people are focusing on wellness, health and anti aging.  


Woman holding NYME collagen drink 10,000mg
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What is Collagen?

Water is the most abundant substance in our bodies, collagen is the second. It represents 70% of our skin. We find collagen in our tendons, ligaments, bones, organs, blood vessels, muscles, skin, and intestines - basically everywhere. The ancient Greeks referred to collagen as kollo, translates to glue.  Collagen, a protein found in animal bones and skin, is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. This post focuses on marine collagen.What is marine collagen?What are the advantages of marine collagen? It can be hard to decide which form to use--tablets, shots, liquid, powder, or gummies. All forms come from fish skin and bones.


What is Marine Collagen?

Marine collagen is sourced from fish skin and fish scales and it is easily digested by our bodies. It is a by product of the fish industry. The collagen is broken down through a process of hydrolysis and the result is collagen peptides. These are small molecules which are easier for the body to absorb. Basically, the collagen is broken down into amino acids. These are the building blocks of protein. Marine collagen contains 18 different amino acids, mostly glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.   

Is Marine Collagen Good for You?

What are the different types of collagen? Which type is best for me and my needs? Let’s go through some basics. Type 1 collagen is generally seen aa the best collagen type for skin and hair. The main reason for this is that collagen Type 1 collagen represents 70% of your skin. The best source of Type 1 collagen comes from fish skin, which is referred to as marine collagen. There are 28 different collage types. But only type 3 collagen represents about 90% of the collagen found in our bodies. Collagen sourced from fish contains mainly type I collagen. Type 1 collagen is found in bone, ligaments, tendons, skin, hair and nail. 


What about Collagen Type 2? Type 3 Collagen? 

Collagen Type 2 is found in cartilage. Type 3 collagen is found in skin, muscle and blood vessels.   Look out for sustainable and clean sourcing, combined with preference for bovine (from cattle) or marine (from fish). Do your research!


Marine Collagen is The Best Collagen for your SKIN

What to look for when you're choosing your marine collagen supplement. Check the source of the marine collagen.  Is the collagen sourced from wild caught fish?  Does the collagen contain traces of heavy metals?  It is always a good idea to check that your collagen supplement is a non-GMO-Project certified.  

Can you change your diet, focus on certain food types to boost your collagen?  What are the sources of collagen in my diet? There are several collagen-rich foods, but food does not contain collagen peptides or marine collagen peptides, because collagen hasn't been hydrolysed.  This will have an effect on the absorption. The main collagen-rich foods are: chicken broth which contains chicken bone and cartilage, egg whites, fish skin, citrus fruits, berries, tropical fruits, garlic, cashews and tomatoes. The only collagen derived from fish will be fish skin, so remember to eat the skin.We have briefly discussed the benefits of marine collagen or fish collagen. We hope that this blog helps you in making an informed decision about marine collagen 

When should we start taking collagen supplements? 

It is never too late! Our bodies make collagen.  It is stored in our bodies. From about the age of 25, you will start losing collagen at a rate of 1-1.5% pr year. Collagen production decreases. This is why it is recommended to start taking taking collagen supplements at 25 onwards. 


Marine Collagen has a high is bioavailability, which means that this type of collagen has a high absorption of 95%. Hydrolysed marine collagen or marine collagen peptides have a low molecular weight. This means that it will pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream more easily.   


1. Marine Collagen and Skin Health

Studies have shown that marine collagen will increase skin elasticity and skin hydration. This results in less visible fine lines and wrinkles.    


2. Marine Collagen and Quality Sleep

Glycine which is the most abundant amino acid found in marine collagen.  It has been shown to support good quality sleep.   


3. Marine Collagen and Gut Health

Leaky gut has been shown to have an effect on increasing inflammation and increasing the risk of autoimmune disease. One theory is that marine collagen may help to support your gut due to the amino acid profile. Our digestive tract may benefit for 2 amino acids: glycine and glutamines.  


4. Marine Collagen and Bone strength

A study has suggested that marine collagen may help with the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals into the body. It has also been shown to reduce joint pain and promote bone health. Marine collagen has also been shown to increase bone mineral density in post-menopausal women. 


5. Marine Collagen and the Heart

According to a study by the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis (2017), Marine Collagen was found to contribute to and maintain the structure of our arteries. Arteries are responsible for pumping blood around our body. 


6. Marine Collagen and Improved Digestion

Some research has shown that the amino acid, glycine, may play a role in promoting healthy digestion. 


7. Marine Collagen and Wound Healing Marine Collagen may help with wound healing and the possible reduction of scars. Marine Collagen may support skin to promote cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and regenerating the extracellular matrix for tissue strength.


8. Marine Collagen is environmentally friendly and sustainable 

Marine collagen is the most sustainable source of collagen. The fishing industry produces waste, basically fish skins and fish bones, both of which are used to produce marine collagen.  

NYME collagen ready to drink
www.nymenordic.com​​

What are there the side effects of collagen? Marine collagen hasn’t been show to have any side effects. If you take too much, you may suffer from an upset stomach. Ensure that you are taking a quality marine collagen product with full traceability. With our product, NYME Collagen, we only use quality fish skins and we have complete traceability from start to finish.   


If you are a vegetarian or vegan, any form of collagen is not suitable. If you have been told by your doctor, to monitor your intake of protein, it is important to discuss collagen supplements with them. if you're currently taking any medication, it is always worth checking with your doctor or healthcare professional, prior to starting any type of supplement.  Please discuss any supplement with you doctor or midwife, if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding. 


"Hydrolysed Marine Collagen has many benefits: skin, joints, gut health, wound healing and possibly heart health"