10 things you should know about Marine Collagen

10 things you should know about Marine Collagen

The public’s interest in collagen supplements has rocketed over the past year, with Holland and Barrett reporting a 94% rise in sales of collagen supplements during 2022. You can find this trending ingredient in pills, gummies, smoothie powders -  even coffee creamer!

But what exactly is it?

It is the most abundant form of protein in the human body. Collagen accounts for the structure of our skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and blood vessels. As we age our natural collagen supplies begin to decline; hence skin loses its elasticity and joints become weaker and prone to injury.
 
Collagen supplements first appeared on the market in the 1970s, primarily targeted at women wanting to achieve a more youthful appearance. Taking collagen for bone and joint health is something that has been recognised in more recent years. Mounting pressure on our appearances and the prevalence of health conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis have no doubt led to the rising demand for collagen supplements.

Alongside vital vitamins and antioxidants, our Bone & Joint gummies contain 100mg of marine collagen to help maintain bone health and provide support for the growth and repair of cartilage tissue. Below are 10 facts about this sought-after ingredient…

1. A type I collagen 

There are 3 types of collagen: I, II & III. Although each has its own benefits, type I accounts for the majority of the body’s total collagen content. As marine collagen is classified as type I, it has a versatile array of benefits for the skin, tendons, ligaments and bones. It is also reported to be the most absorbable form because the molecules in type I collagen enable it to be broken into individual amino acids which are then utilised by the body.

2. Promotes bone health

Supplementing marine collagen contributes to healthy bone density and strength because of its ability to increase collagen synthesis. Studies have also shown that taking marine collagen can assist the delivery of vital minerals such as calcium into the bone matrix.

3. Eco-friendly option 

Fish scales and bones are often discarded by the fishing industry, but can be processed into gelatin and subsequently converted into collagen peptides. This makes marine collagen a more sustainable option as it makes use of what would otherwise be considered a waste product.

4. Skin improvement

There are two ways that marine collagen can help delay viable signs of ageing. Firstly, by helping replenish the body's natural collagen levels, supporting the elasticity and structure of the skin. Secondly, two of the amino acids in marine collagen: proline and hydroxyproline, work as antioxidants that protect against free radicals. Free radicals are partly responsible for the depletion of collagen stores in the first place.

5. Sleep better 

Marine collagen contains high levels of glycine, an amino acid that helps to calm the nervous system and maintain a steady body temperature. Both of these attributes work to improve sleep quality by helping us to feel calm and unwind.

6. Healthier joints

Our joints are cushioned by cartilage which is composed of 60% collagen. Taking marine collagen can help sustain collagen that naturally deteriorates as we age. Moreover, the high levels of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline specifically found in marine collagen help to reduce existing inflammation in the bones and joints.

7. Stronger nails 

Marine collagen helps to provide our nail beds with an amino acid called arginine. This helps to strengthen the nails and promotes growth.

8. Muscle health

The amino acids glycine and arginine are used by the body in the formation of creatine. Creatine is stored in our muscles and works to improve post-workout recovery. Marine collagen can help to improve muscle health by providing both the aforementioned amino acids.

9. Better hair 

Although keratin is the protein most commonly associated with hair, collagen plays an important role in hair health by repairing the follicles from which our hair grows. Supplementing marine collagen can in turn keep roots healthy and strong.

10. Gut health

Glycine and glutamine, two of the amino acids found in marine collagen, contribute to maintaining gut health. Glycine helps by managing inflammation, and glutamine is necessary for the health of cells in the gut. Both of which are essential for strengthening and repairing the lining of our digestive tract.