Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen that has been extracted from its original source and broken down into smaller molecules to make it easier for us to absorb into our bodies. This process is known as hydrolyzation.
Before hydrolyzation, collagen is typically extracted from bovine (cows), porcine (pig) or marine (fish and sea life) sources.
Once hydrolyzed, collagen also takes on antioxidant properties. This means it might be able to fight free radicals and help prevent cellular damage in the body.2 After undergoing the hydrolysis process, the collagen molecules are also known as ‘collagen peptides.
How is hydrolyzed collagen created/sourced?
In their whole form, collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed by our bodies.
Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down in a lab to separate the tough, tightly bound chain of amino acids into smaller strands. This is done in one of two ways:
- by thermal treatment (heating), followed by the addition of enzymes
- by adding an acid (such as acetic acid) to the collagen
Both these methods rearrange the chemical structure of the collagen and result in a lower molecular weight, which allows it to pass through the gut lining and be absorbed into the body.
Hydrolyzed collagen is then available as collagen pills, collagen powder, and various types of collagen drinks.
Once the microscopic molecules have been absorbed into the bloodstream, it’s thought that your body’s natural collagen function is triggered, and you begin to synthesize collagen more rapidly.
Why take collagen?
Collagen is a protein that makes up a large proportion of the tissues in the bodies of animals and humans. Body parts that contain collagen in large amounts include the skin, tendons, bones, muscles, connective tissues, ligaments, gums, and eyes. Collagen is probably best known for the role it plays in skin health. It’s what gives your skin its structure and bounce and keeps it strong and smooth, with the ability to retain moisture.5
Collagen is also found in abundance in healthy and well-functioning cartilage and joints.
Your body makes its own collagen – but there are two important things to remember.
1. Your body needs the right fuel to make collagen
The body’s process of creating collagen is called collagen synthesis. For this, your body needs protein, which it breaks down into a variety of amino acids. These amino acids are then bound together into a long, rope-like chain. Therefore, you need to eat a healthy diet packed with protein and vitamin C to fuel the collagen synthesis process.
2. Your collagen production will slow over time
The rate at which you synthesize collagen slows as we age. Babies, children, and teenagers produce collagen at a rapid rate, while in older adults the collagen synthesis rate drops each year. The age at which we start to produce less collagen is thought to be as early as 20.
In recent years, collagen supplements have become increasingly popular as a way to stimulate the body into collagen synthesis and give natural collagen levels a boost.
Why would you opt for hydrolyzed vs any other type of collagen?
The appeal of hydrolyzed collagen lies in its bioavailability. It’s more easily absorbed into the body than non-hydrolyzed collagen, meaning it’s likely to be more effective and offer more noticeable results.
Studies on hydrolyzed collagen supplementation have been promising for both improving the overall appearance of skin and for improving joint health. Studies confirm that hydrolyzed collagen that is taken orally (such as in a powder or capsule form) can then be detected in the bloodstream, meaning that it has been absorbed. Taking hydrolyzed collagen has been found to improve skin properties such as elasticity and the ability to retain moisture.
Marine collagen is a type of collagen protein sourced from fish and other sea life, such as jellyfish. It’s a growing market, with public demand increasing following a series of successful studies into its effectiveness.
Marine collagen is renowned for its high collagen content. It’s also absorbed well by the body and is considered as being more eco-friendly and sustainable than other collagen sources.
How is marine collagen created?
Marine collagen is derived from the skin, bones, and scales of fish. After the flesh of the fish is removed for food, the fish viscera (that’s everything that’s left) is cleaned and the collagen is extracted.
What is hydrolyzed marine collagen?
Sometimes, the collagen is then hydrolyzed, which means the long, rope-like chains are broken down into shorter chains, which are easier for us to absorb through our gut and into our bloodstream.
Hydrolysation can be done chemically, using acids, or by physical methods, such as heating.
What’s left is concentrated collagen that’s sold in the form of marine collagen powder or added to drinks, tablets, or even, coffee whitener.
Why take collagen?
The body has a remarkable ability to produce its own collagen – the protein that gives skin its bounce, elasticity, and plumpness.
However, collagen synthesis (the process of combining different amino acids and components to make new collagen) declines as we age. Which is where marine collagen comes in.
Collagen is a protein that makes up a large part of our bodies – the skin, organs, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It contains the three amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Marine collagen is a type of collagen protein that’s sourced from fish and other sea life, such as jellyfish.
What does marine collagen do?
Marine collagen is classified as being a type I collagen. Type I collagen is the most abundant form of collagen in the body and is found in tendons, ligaments, skin, bones, teeth, hair, and nails.
Marine collagen helps the skin repair itself. The trauma to the healthy tissues causes the growth of thick, fibrous tissues at the wound site, commonly known as scar tissue.
Marine collagen is thought to give your natural collagen production support by triggering your body to ramp up its collagen synthesis.
In 2016, researchers in Russia conducted a study that found that after 8 weeks of marine collagen supplementation, skin elasticity, sebum production and skin thickness and density were ‘remarkably improved.
9 marine collagen benefits
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Supports skin health
Research carried out on animals has found that marine collagen maintains dermal thickness on mice by promoting the number and activity of skin fibroblasts, or cells in the dermis that produce collagen.
Meanwhile, in another study, women who took a supplement that contained hydrolyzed type I collagen had better-supported skin with diminished appearance of lines, photo-aging, and better-maintained moisture levels.
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Improves sleep quality
The amino acid, glycine, which is found in marine collagen, has been linked to having a positive impact on sleep quality.
A review of research found that having glycine before bed helps maintain satisfactory levels of self-perceived sleep quality.
Glycine is also believed to help maintain our core body temperature, which can help with getting a better night’s sleep.
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Gut health
Marine collagen is kind to the gut because it’s easy to digest. What’s more, its amino acid make-up, which includes glycine and glutamine, may support the tissue that lines the digestive tract.
Glycine has been connected with helping with inflammation, and glutamine is necessary for the health of the enterocytes, or epithelial cells, that line the gastrointestinal tract.
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Provides workout support
Collagen is essentially a concentrated source of glycine, which helps the body produce creatine, and can help support muscle mass and exercise performance.
Marine collagen also contains proline, which acts as an antioxidant and helps monitor cell damage that may cause post-workout achiness.
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Bone health
According to one animal study, marine collagen enables the body to absorb calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals.
This is due to its close connection with osteoblasts, the cells in our bones that synthesize and mineralize bones.
Osteoblasts secrete collagen, creating the unmineralized portion of the bone called the osteoid.
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Stronger nails and hair
It’s believed that taking collagen may lead to increased hair and nail growth. However, studies are limited, especially in relation to bovine and porcine-sourced collagen.
According to one 24-week study, people who took bioactive collagen peptides reported a 12% increase in nail growth rate and a 42% decrease in the frequency of broken nails.
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Efficient absorption
Marine collagen reportedly gets to work more rapidly than bovine collagen.
This is because the molecules in type I collagen enable it to be broken into smaller pieces than other types.
Because most marine collagen products contain only type I, they’re believed to absorb into your bloodstream faster than bovine collagen, which contains collagen types I and III.
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Sustainable source of collagen
Most forms of marine collagen come from fish waste that, if it wasn’t used for marine collagen, would otherwise be discarded as a by-product of the fishing industry.
In turn, this makes marine collagen the most sustainable, eco-friendly source of collagen there is, as it’s essentially made from something that would otherwise be surplus to requirements.
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Heart health
Collagen supplements, marine included, may help reduce the risk of heart-related conditions. Collagen provides a structure within the arteries. Without enough collagen, the arteries may become weak and fragile, which may lead to the disease, atherosclerosis.
In one study, 31 healthy adults took 16g of collagen a day for 6 months. They reported a significant reduction in artery stiffness compared. Their levels of good cholesterol had also increased by an average of 6%.
Marine collagen is classified as a type I collagen – it’s the most abundant form of collagen in the body and is found in tendons, ligaments, skin, bones, teeth, hair and nails.
Just as there are several benefits to taking bovine collagen, there are several benefits associated with taking marine collagen, ranging from skin and gut health, to improved bone strength and muscle mass.
What is the difference between collagen and marine collagen?
Fish collagen is one of the best collagen supplements for pescatarians or those who wish to avoid pork and beef-derived products.
Marine collagen comes from fish waste, which might otherwise be discarded as a by-product of the fishing industry, potentially making it the most sustainable, eco-friendly source of collagen.
Marine collagen is also considered ‘cleaner’ than collagen from land animals, as there is a lower risk of contaminants and no chance of transmissible disease from a fish source.11,12
There are certain cultural and religious factors that could affect the suitability of bovine (cow-derived) or porcine (pig-derived) collagen.
This means marine collagen is the most consumer-friendly type across the world. As marine collagen is a type I collagen, it’s most suitable for promoting healthy skin and bones, and the best collagen powder for anti-aging.
Collagen from bovine and porcine sources is type II collagen – which is found in the cartilage. Therefore, bovine and porcine collagen is more suitable for people primarily concerned with joint health.
Is fish and marine collagen the same?
Yes, it’s the same thing, but just referred to by a different name. Fish and marine collagen is made from fish waste, hence the name ‘fish collagen.’ And, of course, ‘marine’ has a sea/fish connection too.
Finally, marine collagen is known for being bioavailable – which means we can absorb it into our bloodstream. This is because it has a low molecular weight and is able to pass through the gut lining.14
Marine collagen side effects
The side effects of taking marine collagen are said to be minimal. Some of the known side effects include:15
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High calcium levels
According to the US National Library of Medicine, taking collagen supplements may lead to high calcium levels or hypercalcemia. Collagen supplements that come from marine sources, such as shark cartilage or shellfish, may contain high levels of calcium.
High calcium levels can lead to constipation, bone pain, fatigue, vomiting and nausea. It’s therefore not advisable to take marine collagen if you already have high calcium levels or alongside calcium supplements.
Always speak to your GP first before taking any type of supplement to make sure it’s safe for you to do so.
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Allergic reaction
Some people, especially if they have a fish allergy, may find they are allergic to marine supplements that have been made from shellfish or other marine sources.
According to a study published in Allergology International, fish collagen caused an allergic reaction in a 30-year old woman with a known marine allergy, even when the supplement was produced using high-heat methods.
If you are allergic to shellfish or have another type of marine allergy, avoid taking marine collagen supplements.
Doing so could lead to side effects, such as swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat or other parts of the body; wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing; abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
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Unpleasant aftertaste
According to the US National Library of Medicine, some collagen supplements can leave a bad taste in the mouth.
Both marine and bovine collagen supplements reportedly don’t taste or smell very pleasant.
Summary
Fish and marine collagen are the same thing, which have been linked to minimal side effects.
Marine collagen tends to come from fish waste and potentially contains fewer contaminants and transmissible diseases than collagen that’s made from land animals.
Takeaway
Until now, you may have heard of collagen, but not realized that collagen supplements can be made from both bovine and marine sources.
Marine collagen is one of the best collagen supplements for pescatarians or for people who want to avoid pork and beef-derived products.
Because it comes from fish waste, it’s potentially the most sustainable, eco-friendly source of collagen around.
As for its collagen make-up, marine collagen is a type I collagen that’s particularly good for healthy skin and bones for anti-aging.
Collagen powder or collagen protein?
Food sources rich in collagen include lean meat, fish, and dairy products such as milk, cheese, or eggs.
During winter, many of us cut back on fresh fruit and vegetables, which means we could be missing out on nutrients like vitamin C, which helps the body to produce collagen.
Supplementation is still possible though, even if there are certain foods that you cannot or do not eat.
You can take collagen in the form of tablets, combined with vitamin C, to help boost your immune system and the collagen synthesis process.
Collagen protein powders or gelatin powders (clearly not suitable for vegetarians or vegans) are also available, which you can use to make a drink for easier consumption.
Hydrolyzed collagen is often available in powder as a dietary supplement too. There are also plenty of beauty products that contain collagen.
What are the benefits of collagen supplements?
When our body lacks something that it needs, it is a good idea to try and replenish it, and there are a number of different ways of doing this.
There are several ways in which you can naturally increase the amount of collagen-rich foods you consume in your diet.
Another key way is through taking collagen supplements, which are either hydrolyzed collagen or gelatin. These can take the form of liquid, powder, or tablets.
Hydrolyzed collagen has been broken down into smaller peptides than the usual large protein, making it easier for the body to absorb.
Collagen supplement powders are a versatile form of a supplement as they can be mixed into a range of smoothies and other foods to make them easier to take. You can read more on ‘What is hydrolyzed collagen?’ via our Health Hub.
Collagen supplements are thought to have a number of different benefits. They are thought to help increase muscle mass and strength; however, they should not be used as a substitute for a dietary protein that has been designed to balance blood sugar levels and fuel metabolic functions.
Collagen does bolster the connective tissue, which supports your active muscles, meaning that injury recovery time can be reduced.
Collagen has been shown to be beneficial in cases of joint pain and weakness, and it is believed that collagen supplements can also play a role in managing the symptoms of arthritis. It has also been found to support healthy bone mineral density in older women.
Collagen is perhaps best known for its ability to improve the elasticity of the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.
There are now a number of collagen liquid supplements on the market which are taken on a daily basis in very small amounts in order to try to help support collagen production in the skin.
Is collagen a complete source of protein?
Collagen is a unique type of protein, as it does not have all nine of the essential amino acids that a complete protein requires.
It does contain some essential amino acids that are lacking in many modern diets and are effective in recovery and repair.
That means taking a collagen supplement can be effective in acting as the glue that holds much of our bodies together, keeping us strong and flexible, but it should not be taken as your main protein source.
Which is the best collagen supplement?
When taking a supplement, you should always ensure that you are giving your body exactly what it needs.
Collagen supplements are not a form of complete protein, so you should make sure that you are taking a product that meets the requirements of your body.
Always take care in introducing a new supplement into your diet.
If you are unsure or experience any adverse effects, you should consult your doctor.
Find out all more collagen, including what it does, the benefits of taking it, and how much you might need in our Health Hub article ‘Collagen: benefits, dosage, side-effects.
Dosage
How much collagen is safe to take?
As there are different types of collagen, dosage recommendations vary from product to product.
The upper limit is around 2000mg of collagen per day. However, collagen is non-toxic and there are no known drug interactions.
Recipes
- Makes: 6 biscuit cups
- Prep time: 20 mins
- Cool time: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 45g desiccated coconut
- 30g ground almonds
- 30g rolled oats
- 15g coconut oil
- 90g pitted dates
- 100g organic peanut butter
- 2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
- 70g dark chocolate
Method
- Soak the pitted dates in a bowl with boiling water for 5 minutes, then pat dry.
- In a food processor, blitz the coconut, ground almonds, and rolled oats together to a fine crumble.
- Add the coconut oil and dates, and blitz again until the mixture can be squeezed together in your hands.
- Line a cupcake or muffin tin with 6 cupcake cases, and divide the mixture evenly between the cases.
- Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, carefully push the mixture to the sides of the tin to form the base and sides of the cups, ensuring there are no gaps.
- Place the tin in the fridge for the cups to firm up while you prepare the peanut butter.
- Heat the peanut butter slightly in the microwave or a pan, so that it becomes easier to work with, and then stir in the collagen.
- Pipe or add a dollop of peanut butter into each of the cups, leaving enough space at the top for the chocolate.
- Place the tin back into the fridge until the peanut butter firms up.
- Melt the dark chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, or over a pan of boiling water, and drizzle on top of the peanut butter. Return to the fridge for the chocolate to set.
- Enjoy! Best kept in the fridge!
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collagen
- https://doi.org/10.1074%2Fjbc.M110709200
- https://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21727059-genetic-engineering-used-make-leather-without-animals-leather-grown-using
- https://doi.org/10.1074%2Fjbc.R400034200
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09506608.2020.1750807
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3081477
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4717516
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065323305700097
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC34664
- https://doi.org/10.1107%2FS0907444909028741
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