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11 marine collagen questions answered | Everything you wanted to know about marine collagen supplements

Updated April 25, 2023

We have picked out your top questions about marine collagen to help you understand everything you need to know about the ingredient before starting your supplement journey. This article responds to a range of marine collagen queries backed by the latest scientific findings.

Click on one of the questions below to jump to the answer

What is marine collagen?
What are marine collagen peptides?
Does marine collagen work?
How much marine collagen per day is best?
What is marine collagen good for?
Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen for the skin?
Is marine collagen vegan?
Which marine collagen is best?
Does marine collagen taste fishy?
How long does marine collagen take to work?
Is marine collagen safe?

1. What is marine collagen?

Collagen is an abundant protein found throughout the human body, particularly in the skin and connective tissue. Collagen makes up 70-80% of the skin and contributes to skin elasticity. Collagen is only found in animals and can be taken from various sources; marine collagen is taken from the skin and scales of fish.

Many people take fish collagen supplements for the skin because marine collagen contains predominantly Type I collagen fibres, the same collagen fibres that make up most of human skin. Type I collagen is believed to be the most bioavailable for the skin.

2. What are marine collagen peptides?

Marine collagen protein can be found in fish skin or broth in its more natural form. However, marine collagen protein from solid food can take hours to be digested and absorbed. On the other hand, marine collagen peptides (hydrolysed collagen or collagen hydrolysate) are smaller pieces of marine collagen commonly used in supplements for easy absorption and digestion. Collagen peptides are rapidly absorbed, entering tissue within 20 minutes of consumption, as opposed to hours with solid foods.

Peptide supplements are also popular because they can be dissolved in water and added to smoothies or juices; they can even be taken in tablet form.

3. Does marine collagen work?

Evidence is emerging on the efficacy of marine collagen; a pioneer study found benefits to taking marine collagen peptides daily for three months. Marine collagen peptides increased the mechanical strength of hair by 13%, improved the appearance of the hair and reduced the appearance of eye wrinkles by 13% and nose wrinkles by 10%.

Hydrolysed collagen has been studied in more depth than specifically marine collagen peptides. Collagen peptides have been shown to stimulate natural collagen formation by encouraging collagen synthesis in fibroblasts (collagen-making cells). Additionally, collagen hydrolysate has been shown to increase skin hydration, and elasticity and reduce wrinkles after 90 days.

4. How much marine collagen per day is best?

Studies that have proved the efficacy of marine collagen supplementation have used at least 500mg of marine collagen. As a result, we recommend this as a minimum dose; however, more potent effects may be observed with higher doses. Beauty Complex sachets contain 7,000mg of marine collagen peptides and seven other nutrients known to support hair, nail and skin health.

Bird’s eye view of Beauty Complex sachets placed next to a glass of orange collagen drink

5. What is marine collagen good for?

Marine collagen is considered a Type I collagen for its high proportion of Type I collagen fibres. Since this is also the predominant collagen type in our skin, it is considered very bioavailable for supporting the skin. In fact, marine collagen peptides have been found to reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration.

Marine collagen may not only support the skin. Skin collagen sits in the dermis layer and creates a robust and elastic structure (matrix) when intact. The hair follicles sit in this same layer, and maintaining a robust and elastic collagen matrix may help to maintain hair strength.

6. Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen for the skin?

Choosing the best collagen source depends on your goals. Marine collagen, taken from fish skin, contains a high proportion of Type I collagen fibres, so it is classified as such. As we know, Type I collagen is the most beneficial for the skin.

Bovine collagen from cows is taken from the skin or bones and cartilage. The source/collagen type is often not specified on supplement labels. Bovine bone and cartilage (Typically used in bone broth) contain higher proportions of Type II collagen, which is not as abundant in the skin but more so in the joints and tendons. Bovine collagen supplements, being more likely to contain type II, may be less beneficial for the skin.

A beautiful young woman with long blonde hair and smooth, clear skin looking to the right of the shot.

7. Is marine collagen vegan?

Collagen, by nature, cannot be vegan as it is a protein that is only produced from animals. Since marine collagen is sourced from fish, it is suitable for pescatarians but not vegetarians or vegans. Vegan collagen supplements do exist; however, they contain no actual collagen. Instead, they have other nutrients that support natural collagen production in the body.

Read about vegan collagen supplements here

8. Which marine collagen is best?

Deciding on marine collagen supplements is the first step to finding the best collagen supplement. You will also need to decide on the format of supplements, the dosage, and the sourcing of ingredients.

Powder and peptide formulas are the best collagen supplements for effective nutrient delivery since the body can quickly absorb them. Powder supplements often contain higher doses. You will want to choose a supplement with at least 500mg of Peptan marine collagen peptides. Peptan marine collagen is the leading marine collagen product on the market.

Finally, you will want to consider ingredient combinations. Certain nutrients pair well with marine collagen to increase its efficacy.

9. Does marine collagen taste fishy?

Marine collagen proteins in their rawest forms, such as fish skin and broth, taste fishy. However, marine collagen peptides have been isolated into a powder form, which can be dissolved into water, juice, smoothies, or shakes. Marine collagen peptides are tasteless and odourless, so they will not affect the smell or taste of your food/drink.

10. How long does marine collagen take to work?

Current studies have found that marine collagen supplementation is effective after 90 days. For this reason, we recommend taking Beauty Complex for at least nine weeks. Since collagen levels continuously decline in the body after the age of thirty, consuming marine collagen from your thirties may be beneficial. This is because taking marine collagen does not prevent natural collagen loss.

11. Is marine collagen safe?

Marine collagen is not safe for those with a fish allergy. However, typically, marine collagen is well tolerated. Overconsumption of any nutrient can be harmful, so it is best to opt for a food supplement that contains controlled doses of marine collagen and other ingredients. Beauty Complex daily sachets contain an adequate amount (7,000mg) of Peptan marine collagen peptides and additional nutrients known to support the skin, hair and nails, including vitamin C, Selenium, hyaluronic acid, biotin and phytoceramides.

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