Collagen has become a popular supplement - and you can get it from fish!!
Many people have heard that taking a Collagen supplement could be helpful in supporting the health of their joints and skin, but what are the benefits and how can it best be taken?
I hope that this information will help to make this clearer.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein.Collagen is found naturally in our bodies; it is the protein that is essential for the structural integrity of our bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, and for the elasticity of our skin. Collagen, as it exists in our bodies, tends to be rigid and resistant to stretching, so it is the perfect matrix for bones, tendons, ligaments [see reference (a)] and it helps our skin to ‘ping back’ into shape.
Some people call it the protein of youthful strength and flexibility!
Our bodies naturally produce less collagen as we age (this starts from our early twenties), and we can find;
●our joints becoming stiffer and often more painful;
●our skin starts to develop more wrinkles and is less ‘springy’.
●our hair thins
●our nails become more brittle
People take collagen supplements to support their bodies in this phase of life. [see references (a) and (b)]. By providing the right amino acids there is a potential benefit in;
●supporting hair and nail growth,
●improving joint health
●restoring skin elasticity.
Collagen loss is also linked to sun exposure and smoking, so some people feel that collagen supplements offer some protection from this.
It is important to say, however, that although there is a lot of popular support for taking collagen supplements, and the results for individuals have often been promising, there needs to be more research carried out, with large and diverse groups of people. Research into the benefits of collagen supplements is still in the early stages, and so far, have often involved animals or using laboratory generated data, and so the effects on, and benefits for, humans generally, have not been formally confirmed.
The collagen that is taken as a supplement to support health is made by a process called hydrolysis; it is essentially hydrolysed collagen, which means that the protein molecules have been broken up into smaller pieces, called peptides, which are water soluble and easier to digest.
Marine Collagen (FAQ)
What is Marine Collagen?
Our Marine Collagen comes from the skins of wild caught white fish. The collagen is mostly extracted from the by-products of processing fish for food, which is both an environmental and economic advantage.
Why choose Marine Collagen over Bovine, Porcine or Chicken Collagen? [see reference(d)]
●It is a Type 1 Collagen, which is the most common type in our bodies, and is needed for the structure of bones, tendons, skin and connective tissue.
●It has a low molecular weight of approximately 3kDa and is thought to be absorbed more quickly and easily by our bodies.
●It is considered more environmentally friendly.
●There are no biological contaminants or toxins.
●The likelihood of an inflammatory resonance is considered low
●It is suitable for those who prefer to avoid meat products for ethical or religious reasons
Does taking our Marine Collagen powder have any side effects?
Important Do NOT take our marine collagen supplement if you have seafood or shellfish allergy.
Most people say that taking a marine collagen supplement has no side effects.
Some people find that they can experience a slight digestive upset, such as a bit of bloating.
If you start to feel breathless, have a rash, or any other reaction after taking a marine collagen supplement, then you should stop using it and get medical advice immediately.
*** However, you should always consult a health professional before you start to take any supplements, and this is particularly important if you are taking any prescription medications, have any allergies or any health conditions.
Do not use a collagen supplement if you are pregnant without advice from a medical professional. ***
How is Marine Collagen taken?
Marine collagen is available in various forms.
We sell pure marine collagen powder, which is soluble in water.
We do not add anything else.
(Many other forms e.g. tablets, contain additional ingredients such as anti-caking agents, bulking agents and glazing agents)
Our marine collagen is a fine powder and can be mixed in with a cold drink.
Most people have reported back to us that it has no discernable taste.
We suggest that you take 10g of our marine collagen daily. Using over 20g/day is inadvisable.
Personally, I add 2.5 heaped teaspoons to a little orange juice, mix well and top up with juice. I wait about half an hour for the collage to dissolve and then drink it. I do this every day.
How long before I see any results from taking Marine Collagen?
The general understanding seems to be that it takes 8-12 weeks of consistent daily use before you can see the effects.
Some people notice a difference before this; some people would say that the collagen has made no difference to them.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to take a collagen supplement is a personal choice and it could be of great benefit to you in supporting a more healthy and comfortable aging.
It is important to explore the options and make your own, informed decision, after consulting a health professional.
We do not make any medical claims for our products and acknowledge that more research is needed before we can do this.
(b) Reilly D, Lozano J. Skin collagen through the lifestages: important for skin health and beauty. Plastic and Aesthetic Research [Internet]. 2021 Jan 7 [cited 2024 Dec 19]; 8:2. Available from: https://www.oaepublish.com/articles/2347-9264.2020.153
(c)Geahchan S, et al. Marine collagen: A promising biomaterial for wound healing, skin anti-aging, and bone regeneration. Mar Drugs. 2022;20(1):61. https://doi.org/10.3390/md20010061
(d) Rahman A, et al. Collagens from marine organisms towards biomedical applications. Mar Drugs. 2022;20(3):170. https://doi.org/10.3390/md20030170
