Collagen has been a major health buzzword these last few years . It has made a name for itself for its ability to support skin health and joint comfort. While most collagen peptides are sourced from bovine, today we are digging deeper into marine collagen. Although not as popular as its bovine counterpart, marine collagen has its own unique abilities that all collagen lovers can benefit from!
What is collagen?
For those in need of a refresher, collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is the main structural component of all the tendons, ligaments and tissues in the body. After the age of twenty, our bodies naturally begin to decrease collagen production by approximately one percent each year; that percentage varies per person. As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity and our joints suffer inflammation and injury. By supplementing with collagen, we can provide our body with the structural support it needs.
Marine collagen is a source of type one collagen, the most abundant collagen in the human body. The main difference between bovine collagen and marine collagen is simply the sourcing. Most marine collagen is sourced from common fish, such as salmon, white fish and red snapper. The scales and skin of a fish is often hydrolyzed into an odorless, tasteless powder that can be effortlessly added to any smoothie, hot beverage or food of choice.
The Importance of Bioavailability
The benefit of marine collagen is in the bioavailability. When collagen is hydrolyzed, or broken up into smaller peptides, they are more readily absorbed in the body. Your body will absorb higher amounts of hydrolyzed collagen over non-hydrolyzed collagen because of the peptide size.
Collagen can be taken in many forms nowadays. It has been made into everything from an unflavored powder to a delicious protein bar. If you’re looking to supplement for skin health or joint comfort, ten to twenty grams of marine collagen is an option. Add a scoop to your morning coffee or throw a serving into your post-workout smoothie and enjoy the skin-loving results!
Have any thoughts on collagen and its continued popularity? Have a favorite collagen product you want to share with us? Let us know in the comments below!
