Marine vs. Hydrolized Collagen: Here’s What You Need to Know

Collagen is a very important protein in the body. Its role includes providing structure for the skin and various organs. It also is important in creating blood clots. It is the most plentiful protein in the human body because it is the major building block for many of the parts of the body, including bones, muscles, and corneas.

Various lifestyle activities and health issues can damage collagen. As a person ages, collagen production can decrease. This makes it important for people to find a method for restoring lost or damaged collagen to remain healthy and youthful.

There are many types of collagen products on the market. These supplements often contain one of two types of collagen: hydrolyzed and marine. It is important for individuals who are considering collagen supplements to make an informed decision on which product is best for them.

The Benefits of Hydrolyzed Collagen

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements can help in maintaining bones and joints. The collagen is necessary for maintaining and repairing bones and joints when they are damaged or injured by excessive movement or age. The hyrolyzed collegen benefits include healthier skin, hair, and nails.

Hydrolyzed collagen provides many more benefits than any other type of collagen supplement because of the hydrolyzation of the collagen proteins. This means the proteins are broken down into smaller particles. These particles are much easier for the body to absorb.

When the body can absorb the collagen easier, it allows more of the substance to be utilized by the body. Adding these hydrolyzed collagen supplements to a person’s daily supplement routine can provide benefits for people of all ages.

Hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to aid in overall joint health in athletes. It helps to reduce pain and promote healing in sore joints. Hydrolyzed collagen has also been shown to help build muscle mass. Studies show that elderly men that add this supplement to their diet can help increase body mass that was lost due to age.

In addition to these benefits, collagen has been shown to help aid in smooth muscle health. This means that it can play a major role in reducing damage to blood vessels and even the intestinal tract. This shows promising benefits for cardiovascular and GI health.

The Benefits of Marine Collagen

Marine collagen is a collagen supplement derived from marine life. This means that the collagen is removed from fish, crustaceans, and other sea life. The parts of the marine life are boiled down to make gelatin. This gelatin can then be hydrolyzed to provide an easier method for absorbing these collagen particles.

There is strong evidence that shows marine collagen can be more effective in aiding joint and skin health. In general, however, marine collagen has not been shown to be more effective than most other products for other collagen needs.

Marine collagen, however, is considered to be a more sustainable method of obtaining collagen. It also provides a more humane option for sourcing collagen than utilizing other methods. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to using marine collagen.

Negative Aspects of Marine Collagen

Although it can provide a great source of collagen, marine collagen does have some drawbacks that should be considered before purchasing. One problem with it is that the industry is small and can lead to inconsistencies in the product. It is also less available than other types of collagen.

Marine collagen is also known to have a fishy smell that can make it difficult for some people to consume regularly. Also, even though it is considered sustainable, many products are not certified sustainable.

Another main problem with marine collagen is its source. It can be difficult to know precisely where and with what the marine collagen was created. If the marine life was sourced from an area that is high in toxins, those toxins could be in the supplement. One toxin, BMAA, that is linked to ALS, is not tested before the product is marketed.

Other Types of Collagen

Collagen can be sourced from land animals as well. There are various types that can come from beef or pork to provide the same benefits as marine collagen can provide. Unfortunately, many people who have concerns with the beef or pork industries may have reservations about using these products.

However, these types of collagen products can provide a source that is more transparent to ensure only safe animals are used in production. It can remove concerns about water pollutions that infect sea life getting into the product.

Bovine collagen is developed from cows. This form of collagen has some benefits over marine collagen. It has been shown to have increased abilities to prevent bone loss. It is also shown to have more improved results when used to reduce the signs of aging in the skin.

Porcine collagen is another type of collagen developed mostly from pigs. This type of collagen has shown increased benefits in aiding hair and skin. Again, the type of collagen a person chooses will often depend on their personal needs and beliefs.

Gelatin forms of Collagen

There are types of collagen supplements that are not hydrolyzed. These are often made directly from the gelatin product created when sourcing collagen from the various animals used for the product. This gelatin can be easily transformed into tablets, powders, or other products for easy consumption.

Although the gelatin forms of collagen can be consumed and absorbed to provide the various benefits of collagen, it takes longer to digest, and some collagen may be lost in the process. In general, however, both products are roughly equivalent in the amounts of proteins and amino acids.

Although hydrolyzed collagen may be easier to digest and can provide additional benefits for arthritis pain, gelatin has some benefits over the hydrolyzed form. Gelatin forms of collagen seem to have great benefits in the gut.

Gelatin has been shown to normalize the hormones in the gut and help those with obesity. It is also great for restoring the mucosal layer and healing leaky gut. There are also some great culinary uses that can be found by using gelatin.

There are numerous benefits that can be enjoyed when using collagen supplements. It is important to research each type and find the best option to suit the needs of an individual. A conversation with their healthcare provider can also help determine the best option for an individual’s personal health needs.