Collagen Sources & Marine Collagen

You may hear a lot of different collagen sources, but one of the most much-discussed sources is marine collagen. Is it as good as it seems? And which are the other sources? Let’s explore them together! 

                                                                       The sources of collagen

 

Most supplements are made of hydrolyzed collagen made by a process that breaks down the proteins into peptides. Hydrolyzed collagen has lower molecular weight and higher water solubility so it can be easily dissolved in foods and drinks. The main sources of collagen are animals and the following:

 

 

Marine collagen seems to be the best and most reliable source of collagen. Marine collagen is a type I collagen, the most abundant in the human body and the type involved in skin’s and bones’ health. The biggest advantage of marine collagen is its high bioavailability compared to other types of collagen. It is absorbed more easily and 1.5 times faster than the other(especially if it is in liquid form) and that means that it can work faster and you can experience the first results even 2 weeks after continuous use.

Another advantage that makes it the best source is that it is the “cleanest” of all the other types. Marine collagen is mostly wild-caught and compared to bovine and chicken supplements, it is nearly impossible to be contaminated through hormones and diseases. That means that marine collagen is free from Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy(''mad cow disease''), Hoof-and-Mouth disease, and/or Bird Viruses. Also, marine collagen does not have a high calcium risk as there is little trace of calcium in the scales and skin of fish and reduces the risk of Hypercalcemia, a condition associated with collagen supplements.

Furthermore, marine-derived collagen is a more environmentally friendly choice as it reduces fish waste by turning the useless parts into collagen supplements. It’s a great source of collagen for vegetarians and especially pescatarians and there’s no fishy taste so it can be easily used in all of your drinks and recipes.

However, marine source supplements are not suitable for people with allergies to seafood as depending on the purity of the supplements, there might be allergic reactions.

Generally, marine-derived collagen is not only a good source but it’s the best source of collagen. You may think that bovine collagen supplements seem better as they contain type I and III collagen but that’s not exactly how it works. These two types of collagen are almost the same while type I is the most abundant, strongest, and effective especially when it comes to skin health. Marine collagen seems the best solution not only due to its effectiveness but also due to the safety that provides and the environmental facts.