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Collagen is no longer just an ingredient listed on anti-aging skincare products. Today, collagen powder is a common nutritional supplement recommended by everyone from athletes to beauticians.
Collagen is a natural component of the human body. As a structural protein, collagen acts as a building block to pad connective tissues like the joints and ligaments, support muscle mass, maintain skin elasticity and hydration, and help hollow organs like the gut and blood vessels to stay strong and elastic as we age. Collagen synthesis occurs naturally throughout our youth but gradually slows as we age. Joint pain, lack of mobility, sagging and wrinkled skin, and muscle atrophy are common side effects of this decrease in collagen production.
Collagen supplements have many health benefits. When consumed, collagen is broken down into its amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids then stimulate the body's natural collagen production to get collagen stores back up to high, youthful levels. Collagen can help to decrease joint pain, improve gut health by strengthening the gut lining, support skin health, speed up wound recovery, and improve bone health.
Many animals also rely on collagen protein for structural support. While there are numerous sources of collagen, marine collagen is collagen sourced from fish skin and scales. Other common sources of collagen include bovine collagen (from cows), porcine (from pigs), and chicken collagen.
The benefits of marine collagen are very similar to other collagen sources. Each of these different sources of collagen also contains different types of collagen. Because marine collagen powder primarily contains type I collagen (the most abundant type of collagen in the human body), it is especially good for joint health, hair and skin health, and muscle growth. Marine collagen peptides are also the most bioavailable or easily absorbed type of collagen, meaning that more of the supplement can be used by the body and less goes to waste.
Last but not least, marine collagen supplements can also be the cleanest and most sustainable source of collagen. Whereas chickens and pigs spread disease easily and the use of antibiotics runs rampant, wild-caught fish have less of a risk of contamination. Because the fish scales and skin are commonly discarded by large-scale fishermen, it also makes the product more sustainable and less wasteful than other sources.
However, it's important to understand that just because the product is made from marine collagen, without the proper sourcing, purity is not guaranteed. Here's why the source and processing methods of marine collagen matter to the end product.
Many heavy metals like zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese are essential to the body. However, if large concentrations of these metals accumulate in the body, organ damage can result. Many of these metals are also considered probable carcinogens. The heavy metals most commonly associated with the poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.
Farmed fish run the same risks as other mass-farmed animals. They can spread disease or pass along antibiotics in their meat. Because mercury, pollutants, and other toxins can also be found in our natural waterways, many people are also wondering if wild-caught fish run the risk of heavy metal contamination. There are two important things to know about marine collagen and potential heavy metal contamination.
Firstly, sourcing fish from pristine waters is crucial to avoid heavy metal contamination. The waters of the North Atlantic are an ideal location for clean and healthy fish. Secondly, mercury builds up in the fat of fish. Unlike seafood or fish oil, marine collagen supplements are pure protein sourced exclusively from fish skin and scales, hence a very low risk of mercury contamination. One 2012 study conducted on rats found that administering various amounts of marine collagen hydrolysates (derived from salmon skin) daily resulted in "no higher risk of chronic toxic effects...than in the rats fed with a basal rodent diet."
In general, many supplements have been found to have unsafe levels of heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium. However, this is largely due to processing issues rather than the source itself. While some plant-based proteins also contain heavy metals, they are not scrutinized as much as protein powder sourced from fish.
To ensure that your supplements have not been contaminated at any stage of the process, you can seek out independent certifications like cGMP Certification. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not closely regulate the safety and efficacy of supplements, independent certifications, such as the ones outlined in this blog, can assure buyers that their supplements are effective and clear of any heavy metals or other potential toxins.
At Amandean, our dedication to providing clean and effective supplements begins with sourcing. Our Premium Marine Collagen Powder is sourced from the skin and scales of cod, sustainably caught in the pristine waters of the North Atlantic. It is certified non-GMO and processed at a certified cGMP facility in the United States. Our simple, one-line ingredient list ensures no added sugars or potentially irritating ingredients like gluten, soy, fat, or carbs. Each scoop contains 10g of hydrolyzed fish collagen protein and does NOT contain shellfish. However, if you have any sensitivities to seafood or fish, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to see if marine collagen is a fit for you.
Marine collagen is a great choice for pescatarians and anyone looking to improve their skin, joint, and gut health. It has a lower molecular weight than gelatin or bovine collagen, which makes it more bioavailable and therefore more effective. This also makes it easier to blend into both cold and hot beverages and foods without a fishy aftertaste. If you have any questions about the purity of our Marine Collagen or any of our premium supplements, feel free to contact Team Amandean at any time.
As a structural protein, collagen acts as a building block to pad connective tissues like the joints and ligaments, support muscle mass, maintain skin elasticity and hydration, and help hollow organs like the gut and blood vessels to stay strong and elastic as we age.
Marine collagen supplements are the cleanest and most sustainable source of collagen.
Unlike seafood or fish oil, marine collagen supplements are pure protein sourced exclusively from fish skin and scales, hence a very low risk of mercury contamination.
Amandean Marine Collagen is sourced from the skin and scales of cod, sustainably caught in the pristine waters of the North Atlantic.
