One of the most abundant proteins in the human body is collagen. It can be found in the ligaments, skin, tendons, bones, blood vessels, and muscles. It also plays an important role in maintaining the overall structural integrity of the body. However, our bodies produce around 1% less collagen with each passing year and were are consuming less of it from natural sources. This is why there are lots of food and supplements brands out there that are starting to create products that contain collagen.
Among the many collagen products in the market today, one of the best is marine collagen. But what is it really, and what benefits can you get from it? If you are also curious, you’re in the right place. Read on as we’re going to discuss more what marine collagen is and its benefits.
What is Marine Collagen?
The majority of the marine collagen that you can find today is derived from fish, such as snapper or cod, most especially their skin and scales. When the collagen protein is removed, it is broken down into smaller units of protein, which are also called collagen peptides, through a process called hydrolysis. This is why you will also hear the term hydrolyzed collagen. Making into smaller bits enables marine collagen peptides to dissolve easily, whether in hot or cold liquids. This is why it is great to add them to coffee, oatmeal, and smoothie. Marine collagen is also tasteless and odorless.
However, like other sources of collagen, the body does not simply absorb marine collagen whole and supply it directly where it needs to be supplied. What happens is that it breaks the collagen down first into its individual amino acids. Then, these will then be absorbed and used by the body. Marine collagen contains 18 amino acids and is characterized by high levels of hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline. Though, note that marine collagen only has eight out of nine essential amino acids. Therefore, it is not considered a complete protein.
Marine collagen is a type 1 collagen. It has the highest and most bioavailable source of collagen available on the market today. It can be used as a supplement. It comes in different forms, such as liquid, pill, or powder. There are also creams that are made using marine collagen.
The Benefits of Marine Collagen
Marine collagen comes with many different benefits. Here are some of them:
Marine collagen supports skin health.
When we age, the natural production of collagen declines, which slowly robs us of the natural support that keeps our skin looking nice and plump. But marine collagen may help support this process. Based on research, consuming marine collagen can help maintain dermal viscosity by encouraging the quantity and movement of skin fibroblasts or cells in the dermis that yields collagen and other fibers. In one study, a woman who took a supplement that has hydrolyzed type 1 collagen that came from tilapia had better-supported skin with less appearance of lines, photo-aging, and better-maintained moisture levels.
Marine collagen promotes quality sleep.
Glycine is the most abundant amino acid in marine collagen, and it has great support when it comes to quality sleep. According to one study, ingestion of glycine before sleeping helped maintain satisfactory levels of self-perceived sleep quality. In addition to that, it also suggested that it may also help maintain core body temperature, which is also connected to better sleep. Marine collagen can also help maintain blood sugar levels to avoid erratic spikes and dips that interfere with quality sleep.
Marine collagen encourages gut health.
Too much stress and poor diet can damage the delicate tissues that line the intestines. When this happens, it can lead to a “leaky gut,” which is a condition in which external particles can go into your bloodstream and cause disorder in your body. This can increase inflammation and put you at risk for autoimmune diseases. But marine collagen can help support your gut with its amino acid profile. It is also easily digestible.
Marine collagen is good for the bones.
Marine collagen does not contain the minerals that are usually linked with bone health. But based on studies, it may help support the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals into the body. This is also associated with the activity of osteoblasts, which are cells in the bone responsible for synthesizing and mineralizing bone. They secrete collagen to make the unmineralized part of the bone called the osteoid.
Marine collagen supports hair and nail growth.
Marine collagen supplements can also help achieve healthier-looking hair and nails. This is because it allows the dermis to repair, keeping the hair and nails stronger as they start to thin and weaken over time.
Marine collagen can effectively support your workout.
Marine collagen contains concentrated glycine that helps the body produce creatine. Creatine, in turn, helps support muscle mass and exercise performance. In addition to that, it is also a great source of proline, an antioxidant that helps monitor cellular damage that may cause achiness after a workout.
Conclusion
At the present time, many scientists are still studying the effectiveness of marine collagen as a supplement and beauty product. Since our stomachs are breaking down most of the food we eat before they are absorbed into the bloodstream, it is quite unclear whether or not our bodies are benefitting from collagen supplements. Also, note that marine collagen supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, if you are thinking of using them either as a supplement or skincare, it is important to consult with your doctor first to know if it is good for you. We hope this helped you learn more about marine collagen.