What is marine collagen?
Marine collagen is a protein derived from marine sources, mainly fish. It is a natural alternative to bovine or porcine collagen generally used in the cosmetic and food industries. Collagen is essential for maintaining the structure and elasticity of our skin, hair and joints. As we age, natural collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and joint pain.
Origins of marine collagen
Marine collagen comes mainly from the scales, bones and skin of fish. These parts are often considered waste by the fishing industry; their use therefore also allows sustainable development of these marine resources.
Marine collagen production process
The extraction of collagen from this marine waste is done through a process called hydrolysis. Hydrolysis involves breaking chemical bonds between molecules in the presence of hot water under pressure or with the help of specific enzymes to facilitate this chemical reaction. This process thus makes it possible to obtain a purified product rich in collagen peptides (short chains of amino acids), which are more easily assimilated by our body.
The benefits of marine collagen for skin, hair and joints
Marine collagen offers several benefits for our health and beauty:
- For the skin : It helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it promotes skin hydration by retaining water in the deep layers of the epidermis.
- For hair : Collagen helps strengthen hair fibers and helps prevent breakage. It also brings shine and suppleness to the hair.
- For the joints: By maintaining good cartilage quality, marine collagen helps prevent or relieve certain joint pain linked to osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal disorders.
How to consume marine collagen?
Marine collagen can be consumed in different forms: powder, capsules or ready-to-drink drinks. The powder is usually mixed with water or incorporated into smoothies, while the capsules are ingested with a glass of water. Beverages are often enriched with complementary vitamins and minerals for a synergistic effect.
Dosage Recommendations
The recommended dose generally varies between 5 and 10 grams of marine collagen per day, to be adapted according to individual needs. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a healthcare professional in case of uncertainty.
Diet Tips to Boost Natural Collagen Synthesis
To promote the natural production of collagen in our body, it is important to adopt a diet rich in essential nutrients:
- Vitamin C : It participates in the synthesis of collagen. It is found in particular in citrus fruits, kiwi, blackcurrant and even red pepper.
- Zinc: This mineral also plays a key role in the formation of collagen. Oysters, lentils and pumpkin seeds are good sources.
- Silicon: Present in the peel of root vegetables (carrot, beetroot) or even fresh nettle, this mineral contributes to maintaining firm and elastic skin.
Precautions to take
Although marine collagen is generally well tolerated, some people may have allergies to fish or other seafood. In this case, it is best to avoid the consumption of marine collagen or to consult a healthcare professional before considering supplementation.
Who am I ?
Specialist in naturopathy, I am passionate about natural solutions to improve our well-being and our health. Marine collagen is one of the discoveries that particularly interested me, particularly for its benefits on the skin, hair and joints. I share my expertise here in order to inform and guide those who wish to take care of themselves naturally.
