Marine collagen has become a familiar ingredient in the world of nutrition and wellbeing. From powders to capsules and ready-to-drink products, it appears in a growing range of supplements.
But what exactly are marine collagen peptides, how are they made, and what should you consider before adding them to your routine?
Here's a straightforward guide.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found throughout the human body. It forms an important part of the structure of skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and other connective tissues.
Like other proteins, collagen is made up of amino acids. Its structure contains particularly high proportions of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.
Our bodies produce collagen naturally using amino acids obtained from food. Vitamin C also plays an important role in normal collagen formation.
What makes marine collagen different?
Marine collagen is derived from marine sources, usually fish.
Unlike bovine collagen, which comes from cattle, marine collagen commonly contains collagen extracted from fish skin, scales or other fish-derived materials.
Marine collagen products often contain a high proportion of Type I collagen, although the precise composition depends on the source and manufacturing process.
The source matters for people with dietary preferences or allergies. Fish-derived collagen is not suitable for vegans.
Important allergen information: Nutryx Marine Collagen Powder is labelled as containing fish (cod) and crustacean shellfish allergens. It is unsuitable for anyone allergic to either. Always check the complete product label before use.
What are collagen peptides?
You may see the expressions collagen peptides and hydrolysed collagen on supplement packaging.
Hydrolysis is a process that breaks collagen proteins into smaller peptide fragments.
These peptides can be incorporated into powdered supplement formulations. Once consumed, they are digested and absorbed through the digestive system.
However, the fact that collagen has been broken into smaller peptides does not establish that taking it will improve a particular part of the body.
Does taking marine collagen provide proven skin benefits?
This is an important question because marketing claims can be confusing.
Some clinical studies have investigated oral collagen supplementation and skin-related outcomes. However, study quality, formulations, dosages and results vary.
In Great Britain, there are currently no authorised health claims for collagen supplements relating to improvements in skin, hair or joints.
Consumers should therefore distinguish between a product's ingredients and claims that its benefits have been conclusively established.
What should you look for in marine collagen powder?
When comparing products, consider:
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Source: Is the collagen marine-derived, bovine-derived or from another source?
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Ingredients: Does the manufacturer explain what the formulation contains?
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Serving size: Is the recommended daily serving clearly displayed?
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Allergens: Is fish clearly identified where relevant?
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Manufacturer information: Can you find product information and contact details?
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Price: What does the product cost per recommended serving?
A transparent label can be more useful than impressive-sounding marketing terminology.
Introducing Nutryx Nutrition
At Nutryx Nutrition, we believe choosing a supplement should start with understanding its ingredients.
Our premium marine collagen powder combines marine collagen peptides with biotin and vitamin B12 in a convenient 300g pouch.
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair, while vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. These are recognised nutrient functions, subject to the relevant conditions of use.
Discover our Nutryx Marine Collagen Powder and explore the ingredients behind our premium formula.
Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Always follow the product's usage instructions.
