Sea of Benefits: Why Marine Collagen is Essential

Sea of Benefits: Why Marine Collagen is Essential

Collagen is arguably the most hyped ingredient in skincare and has since made the leap to dietary supplements. As evidence and research surrounding the benefits of edible collagen continue to grow, the popular protein has become a firm favorite in the supplement world. 

While research surrounding marine collagen benefits and its impact on the human body is lacking, evidence does exist to suggest that it carries similar benefits to mammalian collagen, which supports the regeneration and maintenance of multiple vital structures around the body, such as skin, hair, teeth, blood vessels, muscles, and cartilage. 

What is Marine Collagen?

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body and is a vital building block of bone, cartilage, and skin. As we get older, collagen synthesis naturally decreases, which can negatively impact skin elasticity, bone density, wound healing, and immune function.

Marine collagen is a type of collagen that strictly derives from fish scales, skin and bones. It is believed to contain multiple health benefits, including supporting healthy hair, skin, and nails as you age. However, evidence supporting these claims of marine collagen is somewhat limited in humans. 

Marine Collagen vs. Other Collagens

The primary source of supplemental collagen comes from mammals, such as bovine and porcine. While both of these sources are fairly similar to marine collagen, mammalian collagen has some noticeable unique characteristics. 

Firstly, a small percentage of the population is allergic to bovine collagen. Additionally, outbreaks of animal diseases like spongiform encephalopathy and foot-and-mouth disease can directly impact the availability of collagen derived from these sources. 

Some cultures are not allowed to consume bovine and porcine collagen due to strict dietary restrictions and religious beliefs. Due to these issues, further research and exploration into marine collagen and its health benefits and effects on the human body is quickly gaining momentum. 

How Does it Work?

Multiple different forms of collagen are present in the boy, with types 1-5 being the most common. Over 90% of collagen found in the human body is type 1, which is primarily found in marine collagen.

Type 1 is crucial for providing structural support and facilitating the regeneration of bone, teeth, skin, nails, and tendons. Types 2-5 can be found in other tissues and organs, like cartilage, blood vessels, hair, eyes, muscles, and cell membranes, where they are also involved in structural support. 

How Long Does it Take to Work?

When starting any new supplement regime, it is normal to want to see benefits right away. However, this simply isn’t realistic. Experts suggest that with regular consumption, you will start to see the skin benefits of marine collagen in 8 to 12 weeks after your skin has had time to repair and turn over. 

If you want to start including marine collagen in your diet, carefully follow the dosage instructions on the label. Additionally, many healthcare professionals recommend consulting with your local GP before taking any new supplements to ensure their safety. 

Top Benefits

Marine collagen supplements are a newer product, which means there is less research available on their effects and possible health benefits. However, they are believed to offer a range of advantages, including antioxidant properties that work to neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are naturally formed as part of regular cellular metabolism but can also result from exposure to other sources like environmental pollutants, alcohol, and tobacco smoke. 

In addition, marine collagen may potentially improve general skin health, increase hair growth, aid in wound healing, and lower the possibility of menopausal osteoporosis. However, most evidence of its health benefits comes from in vitro studies or studies in animals, with limited human application. 

Possible Side Effects

If you have a fish allergy of any kind, it is best to avoid marine collagen and opt for an alternative option instead, as it could result in an allergic reaction. Collagen also has the potential to interact with certain medications and supplements, and you should consult with your doctor before starting marine collagen supplements. 

Furthermore, collagen is protein and should be viewed as a protein supplement. If you have severe kidney disease or any other illness that requires you to limit your protein intake, it is essential to count the grams of protein consumed through marine collagen in your daily intake. 

Supplement Options

Collagen supplements are typically sold in the form of peptides to aid in proper digestion. Collagen is broken down into peptides thanks to a process called hydrolysis, allowing it to be easily absorbed. When researching supplement options, terms like hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate refer to peptide formulations. 

Supplements come in various forms, including liquids, gummies, and powders, and the right formula largely depends on personal preference. Be sure to assess the entire ingredient list before purchasing to ensure you understand what you are consuming. 

Regardless of the form you prefer to use, it is crucial to purchase options through trusted brands that use wild-caught fish and are third-party verified. This will ensure you are taking high-quality and tested supplements that are free from harmful contaminants and only contain the ingredients listed.

Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.





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