We all know collagen is the most-talked about beauty protein, acclaimed for its benefits to skin, hair, nails, and overall wellness. However, most people assume all collagen is created equal or don’t even think about where the collagen they are ingesting is sourced from. How can you make informed decisions about supplements if you don’t know what you’re putting into your body? Let’s take a closer look at the different types of collagens, where they come from and the what kind of collagen we use in our super powder products.
Different Types of Collagen
Collagen is found in animals, including humans, and is a major component of connective tissues. There are at least 16 types of collagen, but the most common ones in supplements are types I, II, and III.[1]
- Type I Collagen: Sourced mainly from bovine (cow) or marine (fish) sources, this type is abundant in our skin, bones, and connective tissues. It’s often used for skin health and bone strength.
- Type II Collagen: Primarily derived from chicken cartilage, this type is used for joint and cartilage support.
- Type III Collagen: Usually found alongside Type I, especially in bovine collagen, it supports skin, muscles, and blood vessels.
What is Hydrolysed Marine Collagen?
Among the various sources, hydrolysed marine collagen, derived from fish, is gaining popularity. “Hydrolysis breaks down collagen fibers into smaller, easily absorbable peptides. This makes marine collagen highly bioavailable – meaning your body can absorb and use it more efficiently.
Marine collagen is predominantly Type I, the type most abundant in the human body. Praised for its sustainability, it often comes from typically discarded parts of the fish.[2]
How Does Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Compare to Other Collagens?
Bioavailability
Consequently, hydrolysed marine collagen, being smaller in molecular size compared to bovine or chicken collagen, is easier for the body to absorb.
Sustainability
Utilising parts of fish that are usually wasted, marine collagen is considered more environmentally friendly. It was important to us to find the best bioavailable and sustainable marine collagen out there. Our marine collagen focuses on using Nordic wild-caught raw materials from sustainable fishing stocks and wish to contribute to product development and improved documentation for marine products. Our products contain 100% natural ingredients using raw materials of white fish from the crystal clear waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. The fish is processed through a strict cooking process so that the quality and nutrients in the fish are preserved. The finished product is a micro-milled powder which can easily be mixed in liquid. Our marine collagen has a very high protein content (over 90%) and all products are free from artificial additives and preservatives.
Type of Collagen
Marine collagen primarily offers Type I collagen, which is most effective for skin health. Bovine and chicken collagens offer a mix of types, beneficial for joint and bone health.
Allergenic Potential
People with fish allergies cannot use marine collagen, whereas bovine and chicken collagens might be more suitable.[3]
Taste and Solubility
Hydrolysed marine collagen has less noticeable taste and dissolves easily in liquids, making it a popular choice for supplements.
Choosing the right type of collagen supplement depends on your individual needs and concerns. Whether it’s for skin health, joint support, or overall wellness, knowing the source and type of collagen can help you make a better decision. Hydrolysed marine collagen stands out for its bioavailability and sustainability, but it’s essential to consider personal dietary restrictions and health goals when choosing a collagen supplement.
The collagen peptides we source are increasingly recognised for their advantages over mammal-derived ingredients, catering to the growing needs of the nutraceutical and cosmetic industries. Our marine-based collagen, primarily derived from fish skin like cod, whitefish, and salmon, is produced through an enzymatic process that breaks down long-chained collagen into short, water-soluble peptides. These unique oligopeptides, essential for the development of human connective tissues and skin, offer high digestibility and better bioavailability compared to gelatin. Ideal for those avoiding traditional bovine and porcine collagen sources, our 100% natural collagen is recommended at a daily dose of 10g for three months, followed by a maintenance dose of 5g, and can be easily mixed with various beverages and foods for optimal health benefits.
Source
1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/
3. Very Well Health Magazine
4. Seagarden