But like other forms of protein, there is debate over the best sources of collagen.
Marine Collagen
What Is Collagen, and What Does Eating It Do for You?
What Are the Health Benefits of Marine Collagen?
This is why some formulations use collagen peptides, or hydrolyzed collagen, which has been partially broken down.
This is similar to what happens when you eat collagen.
Whether this is accurate, and how effective it is, is still unclear.
Measures of skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness also improved.
Its difficult to know whether fish collagen alone was responsible for these results.
What Is the Difference Between Collagen and Marine Collagen?
Whether marine collagen is actually any healthier is still a source of debate.
At a chemical level, theres little difference between the two.
Collagen molecules themselves are structurally similar, regardless of the source they are derived from, says Zeichner.
What Other Benefits Does Marine Collagen Have?
Marine collagen does have some other known advantages, however.
Notably, it is a far more sustainable source of protein than other kinds.
A previously mentionedreviewnoted, Marine organisms and their wastes can be a sustainable, eco-friendly source of collagen.
Does Marine Collagen Have Any Side Effects?
If you are allergic to fish, you should absolutely not take marine collagen.
Also, since collagen is a protein, you should consider this a protein supplement.
One form of marine collagen powder fromVital Proteinscontains 11 g of protein per two scoops.
How Long Does It Take for Marine Collagen to Work?
If you want to try marine collagen, follow the instructions on the label for the dosage.
Does Marine Collagen Make You Gain Weight?
Two scoops 12 g or a half ounce are 45 calories, perVital Proteins.
The Bottom Line on Marine Collagen
Marine collagen supplements differ from eating fresh fish.
Its unclear whether collagen supplements are superior to eating a well-balanced diet with adequate protein, says Zeichner.
Supplements can offer a higher dose.
And compare the amount of collagen peptides in a serving of capsules versus powder, as they may differ.
Alison Ozgur, RDN, is a wellness expert with advanced training in whole-food, plant-based nutrition.
Ozgur has led numerous lectures and workshops at the Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa in Tucson.
She is pursuing a third masters degree in global health from Arizona State University.
She was previously an assistant editor atPreventionwhere she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.
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