Hydrolyzed Collagen: Benefits, Types & Recommended Dosage

For the skin

Collagen is THE main component of our skin, at around 80%. Together with elastin, collagen forms the supporting corset that gives our skin and the underlying connective tissue firmness and elasticity. In addition, collagen also has plumping effects due to its water-binding properties.

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From the age of around 25, the body’s own collagen production begins to decline by about 1.5% per year, leading to ever more visible changes. From this age onwards, the targeted intake of hydrolysed collagen is therefore worthwhile and is an ideal strategy to counteract natural skin ageing and to nurture the beauty of the sensitive outer barrier from within.

Hydrolysed collagen enters the small intestine when taken orally, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream in the form of small collagen peptides and free amino acids. It thus has a dual effect.

• Firstly, the free amino acids serve as building blocks for the formation of collagen and elastin fibres.
• Secondly, the collagen peptides stimulate the formation of new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Building muscle

While in the beauty world, nothing beats collagen hydrolysate, peptide powder is still considered a secret tip among athletes. Although there are isolated studies on muscle growth for collagen hydrolysate that demonstrate a benefit for fat-free mass and strength, there are certainly more suitable sources of protein specifically for muscle growth. Nonetheless, collagen hydrolysate is a good suggestion for athletes for the regeneration and strengthening of their musculoskeletal system. More about this in the following point.

Muscles, cartilage & joints

Collagen is always found where the tissue has to withstand high tensile stress – whether in muscles, ligaments, tendons or cartilage. These structures are subject to enormous forces, particularly when under sporting stress. The fact that the targeted use of collagen hydrolysate not only strengthens the collagen-dependent structures of the musculoskeletal system, but in certain cases can be useful even in the case of already existing problems, has been shown, among other things, by a randomised placebo-controlled interventional study. In this study, 147 athletes with arthritis-related joint pain received either collagen hydrolysate (10 g daily) for 24 weeks or a placebo. After the end of the study, the results analysis showed that there was a partially significant reduction in pain in the collagen hydrolysate group.

The branded raw material NATICOL® has undergone a variety of clinical studies with a beauty focus, which were conducted in collaboration with research institutes as well as specialist clinics and hospitals.

A double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled study published in investigated the anti-ageing potential of 5 g Naticol® fish collagen peptides in 60 healthy female subjects aged 35 to 70 years. The test zones included the facial skin, abdominal skin and forearm skin.

After 8 weeks of regular intake of 5 g Naticol®, significant improvements in skin firmness on the abdomen, face and forearms as well as a reduction in wrinkles were found. The results also suggested that Naticol® could have a preventive effect against dehydration in cold weather conditions.

Would you like to dive even further into the subject and read more in studies on collagen or collagen hydrolysate? Under the item "In-depth studies", you will find some of the studies that we consulted in our various collagen research.

Conclusion: Collagen is not only a beauty booster for our skin, it also benefits our muscles, cartilage and tendons. If you want to get the most out of the various benefits of structural protein, collagen hydrolysate from fish is to be particularly recommended. This is not only considered easy to digest and absorb, it also mainly supplies the highly sought-after type I collagen in a particularly bioavailable peptide form.

Further reading:

Asserin, J. et al. . The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol. Dec;14(4):291-301. doi: 10./jocd.. Epub Sep 12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Choi, F.D. . Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. Jan 1;18(1):9-16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

De Miranda, R.B. et. al. . Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. Dec;60(12):-. doi: 10./ijd.. Epub Mar 20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Evans, M. et al. . A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 20(3):825–834. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Sibilla, S. et al. . An Overview of the Beneficial Effects of Hydrolysed Collagen as a Nutraceutical on Skin Properties: Scientific Background and Clinical Studies. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal. 8(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

De Almagro, M. C. . The Use of Collagen Hydrolysates and Native Collagen in Osteoarthritis. AJBSR. 7(6):530–532. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Hong, H. et al. . Preparation of low-molecular-weight, collagen hydrolysates (peptides): Current progress, challenges, and future perspectives. Food Chemistry. 301:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Campos Mbg, P. M. . An Oral Supplementation Based on Hydrolyzed Collagen and Vitamins Improves Skin Elasticity and Dermis Echogenicity: A Clinical Placebo-Controlled Study. Clin Pharmacol Biopharm. 04(03). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/_An_Oral_Supplementation_Based_on_Hydrolyzed_Collagen_and_Vitamins_Improves_Skin_Elasticity_and_Dermis_Echogenicity_A_Clinical_Placebo-Controlled_Study

Castillo-Briceño, P. et al. . A role for specific collagen motifs during wound healing and inflammatory response of fibroblasts in the teleost fish gilthead seabream. Mol Immunol. 48(6–7):826–834. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Geahchan, S. et al. . Marine Collagen: A Promising Biomaterial for Wound Healing, Skin Anti-Aging, and Bone Regeneration. Mar Drugs. 20(1):61. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Duteil, L. et al. . SPECIFIC NATURAL BIOACTIVE TYPE 1 COLLAGEN PEPTIDES ORAL INTAKE REVERSE SKIN AGING SIGNS IN MATURE WOMEN. J Aging Res & Lifestyle. :1–9. https://www.jarlife.net/-specific-natural-bioactive-type-1-collagen-peptides-oral-intake-reverse-skin-aging-signs-in-mature-women.html

Lugo, J. P. et al. . Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: A multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutr J. Jan 29;15:14.  doi: 10./s-016--8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Zdzieblik, D. et. al. . Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Nutr. Oct 28;114(8):-45. doi: 10./S. Epub Sep 10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Mohammed A., He S. . A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Type II Supplement in Alleviating Joint Discomfort. Nutrients. Jul 18;13(7):. doi: 10./nu. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

 Li W, Sun K, Ji Y, Wu Z, Wang W, Dai Z, Wu G. Glycine Regulates Expression and Distribution of Claudin-7 and ZO-3 Proteins in Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cells. J Nutr. May;146(5):964-9. doi: 10./jn.115.. Epub Mar 30. PMID: . https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Howard A, Tahir I, Javed S, Waring SM, Ford D, Hirst BH. Glycine transporter GLYT1 is essential for glycine-mediated protection of human intestinal epithelial cells against oxidative damage. J Physiol. Mar 15;588(Pt 6):995-. doi: 10./jphysiol... Epub Feb 1. PMID: ; PMCID: PMC https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Wu G, Bazer FW, Burghardt RC, Johnson GA, Kim SW, Knabe DA, Li P, Li X, McKnight JR, Satterfield MC, Spencer TE. Proline and hydroxyproline metabolism: implications for animal and human nutrition. Amino Acids. Apr;40(4):-63. doi: 10./s-010--z. Epub Aug 10. PMID: ; PMCID: PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC/

Zhu S, Huang M, Feng G, Miao Y, Wu H, Zeng M, Lo YM. Gelatin versus its two major degradation products, prolyl-hydroxyproline and glycine, as supportive therapy in experimental colitis in mice. Food Sci Nutr. Apr 16;6(4):-. doi: 10./fsn3.639. PMID: ; PMCID: PMC. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Asserin, Jérome et al. . The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 14,4 (): 291-301. doi:10./jocd. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Damodarasamy, Mamatha et al. . Hyaluronan enhances wound repair and increases collagen III in aged dermal wounds. Wound repair and regeneration: official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society vol. 22,4 (): 521-6. doi:10./wrr. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Clark, K.L., et al. . 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. May;24(5):-96. doi: 10./×. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Dressler, P. et al. . Improvement of Functional Ankle Properties Following Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides in Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability. J Sports Sci Med. Jun; 17(2): 298–304. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Oertzen-Hagemann, V., et al. . Effects of 12 Weeks of Hypertrophy Resistance Exercise Training Combined with Collagen Peptide Supplementation on the Skeletal Muscle Proteome in Recreationally Active Men. Nutrients, 11(5). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Kirmse, M., et al. . Prolonged Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Resistance Exercise Training Affects Body Composition in Recreationally Active Men. Nutrients, 11(5). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov//

Lebensmittelchemische Gesellschaft. : https://www.gdch.de/fileadmin/downloads/Netzwerk_und_Strukturen/Fachgruppen/Lebensmittelchemiker/Arbeitsgruppen/kosmetik/db_proteine1.pdf, Zugriff: 1.10.

Wondering about major sources of collagen? Fish collagen definitely tops the list.

While there are benefits associated with all animal collagen sources, fish collagen peptides are known to have the best absorption and bioavailability due to their smaller particle sizes compared to other animal collagens, making them antioxidant powerhouses. Bioavailability is highly important since it largely determines the efficacy of any nutrient you ingest.

Fish collagen is absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently into the body and has superior bioavailability over bovine or porcine collagens. Since it’s absorbed more efficiently and enters the bloodstream more quickly, it’s considered the best collagen source for medicinal purposes.

The company is the world’s best hydrolyzed fish collagen manufacturers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Fish collagen’s ability to be more easily absorbed by our bodies is thanks to its lower molecular weight and size, which allow the collagen to be absorbed at a higher level through the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream and carried throughout the body. This leads to collagen synthesis in the joint tissues, bones, skin dermis and many other essential body systems.

Since we don’t tend to eat the parts of the fish containing collagen (mainly skin and scales), making homemade fish stock or supplementing with collagen is the next best thing.

What Is Fish Collagen?

Fish collagen is a complex structural protein that helps maintain the strength and flexibility of:

• skin
• ligaments
• joints
• bones
• muscles
• tendons
• blood vessels
• gums
• eyes
• nails
• hair

It’s a type I collagen, which is the most abundant collagen in the human body. Type I is best known for providing the foundation for beautiful skin, strong connective tissues and sturdy bones.

Fish collagen peptides have very specific amino acid compositions with a high concentration of glycine, hydroxyproline and proline.

When fish collagen is ingested, hydroxyproline peptides are not completely digested to free amino acids and can be detected in the blood. These hydroxyproline peptides stimulate cells in the skin, joints and bones, and they lead to collagen synthesis through cell activation and growth.

The scales, skin, bones and fins of fresh or saltwater fish are used for the creation of fish collagen supplements. Since these parts are considered waste products during fish processing, using them to create other products helps reduce environmental pollution.

Health Benefits

1. Anti-Aging

Since fish collagen is a type I collagen and type I collagen is what our skin consists of, it’s not surprising that it can benefit the skin. It helps prevent and improve any signs of skin aging, making it a great anti-aging food.

Possible skin benefits of consuming this collagen include improved smoothness, better moisture retention, increased suppleness and prevention of deep wrinkle formation.

Hydrolyzed fish collagen is composed of small, low molecular weight peptides, which are easily digested, absorbed and distributed by the human body.

Research published in in the Open Nutraceuticals Journal states how numerous clinical trials have now been performed showing the efficacy and benefits of collagen peptides on skin properties, including hydration, elasticity and reduction of wrinkles. Researchers conclude that hydrolyzed collagen is a smart weapon in the everyday fight against the undesirable yet visible signs of aging.

2. Bone Healing and Regeneration

Fish collagen has shown its ability to increase the body’s own natural collagen production. In the past, studies have demonstrated that collagen peptides from fish skin might have a positive effect on bone health by increasing bone mineral density and exerting anti-inflammatory activity on osteoarthritis.

The goal of one study was to determine effects of fish collagen peptides on collagen synthesis, quality and mineralization. Findings of the study show that the fish collagen has a positive effect on collagen synthesis and collagen quality.

Researchers also found that the fish collagen was helpful in the matrix mineralization of bone-synthesizing cells in vitro. While this study did not involve human subjects, it does show how fish collagen is biomaterial that can aid bone healing and regeneration.

Furthermore, researchers from the NC Oral Health Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry examined the effects of fish collagen peptides in an osteoblastic cell culture system. They found that fish collagen peptide supplementation “exerts a positive effect on osteoblastic cells in terms of collagen synthesis, quality and mineralization, thereby suggesting the potential utility of FCP for bone tissue engineering.”

3. Wound Healing

Fish collagen might help your next scrape, scratch or more serious wound to heal better and faster. The ability of a wound to heal is ultimately based on collagen, which is essential to wound healing because it helps the body form new tissue.

Type I collagen is the most abundant structural component of the dermal matrix so it makes perfect sense that having more type I collagen in your body might help wounds to heal faster.

It was previously believed that collagens were just structural supports. Now we know that collagen and collagen-derived fragments control many cellular functions, including cell shape and differentiation, cell migration, as well as the synthesis of a number of important proteins.

Collagen also plays a critical role in all phases of wound healing: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling.

4. Increased Protein Intake

By consuming fish collagen, you don’t just get collagen — you get everything that collagen contains. Fish collagen is over 97 percent protein with no fat, sugars or carbohydrates, making it one of the absolute best protein foods on the planet.

It also has a very distinctive amino acid profile.

Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. They, along with proteins, are the building blocks of our bodies.

By increasing your protein intake through consuming collagen, you can improve your workouts, avoid muscle loss (and prevent sarcopenia) and have a better recovery post-workout. More collagen protein in your diet also always helps with weight management.

5. Antibacterial Abilities

Research out of Canada published in found that fish collagen has yet another impressive component: collagencin, which is an antibacterial peptide from fish collagen. This study found that collagencin completely inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as staph or staph infection.

Staph is a very serious, highly contagious infection caused by bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose. For the future, marine collagens look like a promising source of antimicrobial peptides, which could improve both human health as well as food safety.

Nutrition

The exact nutritional content of fish collagens varies. Here’s an example of a 10-gram serving of hydrolyzed fish collagen, which contains about: (9)

• 45 calories
• 9.4 grams protein
• 0.07 milligrams potassium
• 0.05 milligrams calcium
• 0.04 milligrams iron

Fish Collagen vs. Other Types

• Bovine (cow or beef) collagen: Bovine collagen comes from cows, specifically from their skin, bones and muscles. It’s made of mostly types 1 and 3 collagen, which is a good fit considering these are the most abundant types created and found in the human body. It’s a rich supply of glycine and proline and therefore useful for creatine production, building muscle and also helping the body make its own collagen.
• Chicken collagen: The type of collagen most abundant in chicken collagen is type 2, which is best for building cartilage. This makes this collagen beneficial for joint health, especially since this source also provides chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate — both of which have anti-aging effects. Most supplements containing collagen usually use chicken collagen and provide type 2.
• Fish collagen: Collagen derived from fish has been found to be easily absorbed and provide mostly type 1 collagen, with the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Because type 1 can be found throughout the entire body, consuming more fish collagen has been associated with benefits for the joints, skin, vital organs, blood vessels, digestion and bones. Hydroxyproline is an important component of the collagen triple helix, and lower levels have been associated with joint degradation and therefore symptoms/signs of aging. Hydroxyproline is needed for collagen stability and is created by modifying normal proline amino acids after the collagen chain is built. This reaction also requires vitamin C (to assist in the addition of oxygen), which is why vitamin C deficiency can cause abnormalities in collagen levels.
• Egg shell membrane collagen: Egg collagen, found in the shells and whites of eggs, contains mostly type 1 collagen. It also has type 3, 4 and 10, but by far the most type 1, just like the human body (approximately 100 times more type 1 than type 4). It provides glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and various amino acids that have benefits for building connective tissue, wound healing, building muscle mass and reducing pain/stiffness.

History

• The first time chemists extracted collagen from fish skin appears to be .
• Fish collagen is sometimes called marine collagen, but marine collagen products are sometimes sourced from shellfish and jellyfish, which I don’t recommend.
• Fish collagen is sourced from the scales, skin, bones and fins of fresh or saltwater fish.
• Historically, full use of the fish body can be seen in many dishes, including the heads and eyes.
• In Chile and other parts of South America, fish heads are used in a dish called caldillo de congrio, in which the fish heads are boiled together with vegetables and herbs to make a nutrient-dense, collagen-rich stock. This is used as the base for the soup.
• Fish collagen is high in essential and non-essential amino acids.

How to Use

You can find a fish collagen supplement at your local health store or online. It’s available as a pill, liquid or powder.

You should choose one that comes from a reputable company and is non-GMO and gluten-free. Also, makes sure it has no fillers, sugar, artificial flavors or artificial preservatives.

You might find hyaluronic acid and vitamin C included in your marine collagen supplement because they aid the absorption of collagen. Beware of collagen supplements made in countries with loose manufacturing controls and standards.

When collagen is hydrolyzed, the protein molecules are broken into smaller molecules. Hydrolyzed fish collagen supplements are more easily digested and absorbed by your body.

Fish collagen is different from marine collagen. Many marine collagen products are sourced from shellfish and jellyfish, which I don’t recommend.

Always store collagen products in a cool, dry place.

You might be scared to buy and use fish collagen products because you think they’ll smell and/or taste like fish. Not to worry — there are many fish collagen products on the market today that are tasteless and odorless or have a neutral, non-fishy taste.

You can easily mix powdered collagen with smoothies, coffee, tea or a cup of hot water. You can even add it to soups or sauces.

Want to get your dose of fish collagen first thing in the morning? Try adding fish collagen powder to my Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Recipe — it’s sure to start your day right!

Homemade fish stock is another great way to obtain the collagen benefits of fish. Try a Homemade Fishstock Recipe (wine optional) loaded with collagen and other health-promoting nutrients, along with other fish bone broth recipes.

In addition to adding a fish collagen product to your diet, you can also get this tremendous protein through collagen supplementation, such as collagen hydrolysates. Collagen hydrolysate supplements are easy to find at most health food stores or pharmacies.

Risks and Side Effects

There are no commonly reported side effects of fish collagen.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of fish collagen manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Final Thoughts