Before diving into the ocean of multiple benefits of marine collagen, let’s understand, what actually collagen is? Collagen is a type of protein that is naturally produced by the human body and is present in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues. The intake of collagen is widely known for its benefits for skin, nails, and bones. Similarly, a deficiency of collagen can lead to skin issues like dullness and wrinkles, making your skin age faster. To replenish your skin’s collagen reserves in the body, you can use marine-sourced collagen, which is commonly available in tablet or capsule forms. Read the following blog for detailed skin health benefits of marine or fish collagen.
What is Marine Collagen?
Marine collagen is obtained from the skin, scales, bones, cartilage, etc., of fish, the part that is not usually consumed in the diet. Marine-based collagen is widely preferred by health and fitness enthusiasts for healthy, glowing skin and improved joint and nail health. Most collagen supplements contain hydrolyzed collagen, famously known for its anti-aging properties. Hydrolyzed collagen is more easily absorbed by the body as it contains peptides that are broken down.
Out of the 28 types of collagen obtained from different land and water animals, marine sources are the richest in type I collagen. This type of collagen is most beneficial for skin health, promoting wound healing and repairing connective tissues in bones and ligaments. Marine collagen benefits not only enhances skin health, but also it helps strengthen bones and improve nail and joint health. Let’s explore the detailed marine collagen powder benefits for the skin and other body parts in the following sections.
Benefits of Marine Collagen for Skin
The most common marine collagen benefits for skin are listed below:
Improves Skin Tone
Using high-quality fish collagen benefits your skin’s appearance and tone. It fights dullness, enhances the radiance of the skin. You may also notice reduced signs of discolouration and experience your skin becoming softer and more supple.
Combats Signs of Aging
The body’s production of the protein collagen slows down with age, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, saggy skin, etc. Marine-derived supplements can be taken after the age of 30 or 40 to slow down the signs of aging. There are multiple benefits of marine collagen for improving skin elasticity and firmness. It replenishes the skin’s collagen reserves and helps reduce skin wrinkles and sagginess. Anecdotal evidence suggests the marine collagen before and after results are quite promising.
Reduces Skin Dryness
This is one of the notable benefits of marine collagen for skin, that it is a great source of providing hydration to the skin. With its continuous use, marine collagen skin benefits dry skin by increasing hydration levels. This is why people with dry skin are advised to increase their fish intake, as it not only provides collagen but also vitamin E, known to be the hero ingredient for skin health.
Benefits of Marine Collagen for Bones
Here’s how using marine-based collagen can improve your bones:
Repairs Damaged Cartilage
Hydrolyzed collagen is easily absorbed by the bones. This way, it enters the joints and helps repair the cartilage damage. This is especially beneficial for people with osteoporosis, as joint tears are quite common with age.
Alleviates Joint Pain
Multiple studies have shown that increasing collagen intake is beneficial for reducing joint pain in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis.
Benefits of Marine Derived Collagen for Nails
Using collagen from cold fish is also ideal for improving nail health. Here’s how:
Treats Brittle Nails
Collagens of marine origin are packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties, which are great for reducing inflammation and combating the issue of brittle nails.
Promotes Nail Growth
As per a study, boosting one’s collagen intake can lead to an increase in nail growth of up to 12% after just four weeks of treatment.
Precautions to Take When Using Marine Collagen
Here is a list of things to keep in mind when using collagen from marine sources:
- Avoid overconsumption, as it may lead to nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and dizziness.
- Consult a doctor before use if you already have gastrointestinal issues.
- Consult a doctor before use if you are pregnant, lactating, or taking medications.
Conclusion
Marine collagen differs from eating fresh fish as it is derived from parts of the fish that one normally does not consume, like the scales, cartilage, and fins. This means that marine collagen supplements typically contain a higher amount of collagen as compared to fresh fish. While 28 types of collagen have been identified, marine collagen is known to be the highest in collagen type I, which is the most beneficial for the skin. While it is safe for use for all, people who are allergic to fish should consume it only after consulting with their medical practitioner. To seek the maximum benefits from marine collagen, it should be consumed daily in a dosage recommended for the skin issue you are trying to address.
