Marine Collagen Benefits & Side Effects

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Many people are unaware of the main marine collagen benefits, but it can represent a great boost to your skin health and various internal processes!

Marine Collagen

Marine collagen is collagen that is sourced from marine life, usually fish scales or skin, rather than a bovine source. It is often found in the form of collagen peptides. Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen, are a form of collagen processed so that it is soluble in cold water and easily digestible. Collagen is a protein that is critical to the elasticity and regeneration of connective tissues in the body, such as tendons, ligaments, bone, and skin. The body naturally produces collagen itself, but as we age, collagen production slows, which can lead to signs of aging like saggy skin or aching joints. [1]

Many people take collagen peptides as a daily supplement, and marine collagen is widely considered the best source for many reasons.

A counter top full of bathroom supplies in white color

Marine collagen is eco-friendly & sustainable as it uses parts of the fish that are normally thrown away. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Marine Collagen Benefits

The most important benefits of marine collagen are as follows.

More Effective Absorption

Marine collagen has the smallest supplemental collagen molecules available. This allows the collagen to be easily absorbed through the intestine wall so that it can enter the bloodstream, and be more efficiently used by the body. [2]

Type 1 Collagen

Marine collagen is almost entirely composed of Type 1 collagen and the vast majority of collagen used in the body is Type 1 collagen. Type 1 collagen is an essential ingredient for strong ligaments, bones, skin, fascia, muscles, and teeth. A study conducted by Sarah E.Catheline, Eric M. Schott and Qurratul-ain Dar et al., at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY, demonstrated that Type 1 collagen was effective in reducing pain and damage from osteoarthritis. [3]

Good Source of Amino Acids

Marine collagen provides eight of the nine essential amino acids the body requires. It is a great source of proline and glycine, amino acids that are important for the regulation of glucose, building muscle, and protecting cells from free radicals. Proline also helps the body synthesize more collagen on its own. [4]

Side Effects of Marine Collagen 

People who are allergic to fish or shellfish, pregnant, or nursing should not use marine-sourced collagen products. Furthermore, if you are being treated for any other conditions, or are on medications, be sure to speak with your doctor to ensure that there won’t be any contraindications or negative interactions.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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