Marine collagen has become a beauty buzzword recently, and some have even called it the next health superfood. Research suggests marine collagen health benefits range from weight and muscle maintenance, to bone and joint support, to promoting healthy tissue growth of the hair, skin and nails.* Collagen is also an important component of the gut’s connective tissue and may help support the protective lining of the digestive tract.* In this post we will explore the unique health and beauty benefits of marine collagen peptides.
What is marine collagen?
Marine collagen is a pure form of hypoallergenic protein produced from the skins of fish. Fish skins remaining from food production are thoroughly washed, then hydrolyzed by an acid and a food grade enzyme to yield marine collagen peptides, which have a low molecular weight for easy digestion and absorption.
Although all collagen is composed of the same amino acids, marine collagen differs from bovine or porcine-derived collagen in that it contains higher amounts of the amino acids Glycine and Proline, which have been particularly associated with promoting healthy hair, skin and nails.* Marine Collagen is also absorbed into the body faster.*
Marine Collagen Benefits
Marine collagen peptides are comprised of two types of collagen, types I & III. Type I and Type III collagen benefits include promoting healthy hair and nail growth, improving skin elasticity and hydration, as well as supporting joint health and function, bone strength and healthy body composition.*
• Skin elasticity and hydration: Studies have shown that oral supplementation with collagen peptides may improve hallmarks of skin aging, such as elasticity and hydration.* In one recent clinical study, marine collagen peptides were combined with plant-derived antioxidants. Skin properties including elasticity, sebum production, epidermal/dermal thickness and collagen density were remarkably improved after 2 months of supplementation 1 A recommended dose of 10 grams (2 tablespoons) a day of marine collagen is optimal for skin health.*
• Healthy nail growth: One recent study demonstrated that the daily ingestion of bioactive collagen peptides increased nail growth and improved brittle nails in conjunction with a notable decrease in the frequency of broken nails.* 2
• Improved cellulite morphology: Dietary supplementation with specific collagen peptides has been shown to have a body mass index-dependent beneficial effect on cellulite morphology and appearance.* 3
• Bone and joint support: Although Type II collagen is more specific for joint support, hydrolyzed collagen in general is of interest as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, with a strong safety profile.*
• Body composition: Compared with placebo, collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training further improved body composition by increasing lean mass, muscle strength and fat loss in elderly sarcopenic men.4 Marine collagen also helps provide a full feeling (satiety) for consumers who are trying to lose weight, and preliminary animal research suggests it may promote healthy blood sugar balance.*
Why Choose Vital Nutrients Marine Collagen?
Vital Nutrients’ newest product, marine collagen, provides 9.4 grams of protein per serving, and 8 out of 9 essential amino acids. Our hydrolyzed collagen powder contains no odor or taste, is easy to digest, and readily dissolves in hot or cold liquids or soft foods, such as coffee, smoothies, protein shakes, soups or sauces.
Our marine collagen is sourced from fish, but during the extraction process, almost all allergens are removed from the collagen. Of course, anyone with a fish allergy should consult their physician before using marine collagen.
Vital Nutrients Marine Collagen is non-GMO, hormone and antibiotic-free, and gluten-free, and contains no additives, preservatives or sulfites. It is sustainably sourced from cold-water, wild-caught Fish, and certified both Kosher and Halal.
(1) Skin Antiageing and Systemic Redox Effects of Supplementation with Marine Collagen Peptides and Plant-Derived Antioxidants: A Single-Blind Case-Control Clinical Study. De Luca C, Mikhal'chik EV, Suprun MV, Papacharalambous M, Truhanov AI, Korkina LG. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:4389410. doi: 10.1155/2016/4389410. Epub 2016 Jan 19. PMID: 26904164 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Free PMC Article
(2) Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Aug 8. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12393. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 28786550 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
(3) Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S, Proksch E. J Med Food. 2015 Dec;18(12):1340-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0022. Epub 2015 Nov 12. PMID: 26561784 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Free PMC Article
(4) Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial. Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Baumstark MW, Gollhofer A, König D. Br J Nutr. 2015 Oct 28;114(8):1237-45. doi: 10.1017/S0007114515002810. Epub 2015 Sep 10. PMID: 26353786 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Free PMC Article
