The key to maintaining a youthful appearance and good health is supporting the body from within. One of the allies in this process – alongside bovine collagen – is fish collagen. In this article, we explain how this ingredient affects the skin, overall well-being, and vitality.
What is fish collagen?
Fish collagen , also known as marine collagen, is a protein obtained from marine sources such as the skin, bones, and scales of fish, such as cod or salmon. Its molecular structure is similar to that of human collagen, which is one of its frequently cited benefits. In dietary supplements, it is primarily found as a hydrolyzed protein, which is broken down into smaller molecules called peptides. This form allows it to be absorbed more easily and quickly in the digestive tract. It stands out primarily for its content of type I collagen, which is the basic building block of skin, bones, and tendons.
The raw material for production is obtained from various species of fish, which is important for the microbiological purity of the final product. Collagen from wild-caught marine fish is often considered purer.
What are the properties of fish collagen?
The main distinguishing feature of fish collagen is its high bioavailability, a direct result of the small size of its peptide molecules. This allows the body to effectively utilize it for regenerative and structural processes. Supplementation with this protein stimulates fibroblasts, or skin cells, to produce their own collagen, which translates into improved skin density and structure. Furthermore, it is believed to have antioxidant potential, meaning it can support cell protection against the harmful effects of free radicals, thus slowing the aging process.
Fish collagen serves as a building protein for many structures in the body. It is essential for maintaining the proper condition of not only the skin. Its regular supply supports the integrity of connective tissue, which is responsible for the elasticity and mechanical strength of organs. Amino acids contained in collagen, such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, are components used by the body to synthesize new collagen fibers, which is important for tissue regeneration and maintenance at the cellular level.
What is the difference between fish and beef collagen?
The main difference between fish and bovine collagen lies in their origin and the profile of collagen types:
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Fish collagen is obtained from fish and contains almost exclusively type I collagen, which is predominant in skin, bones and tendons;
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In turn, bovine collagen, derived from the connective tissue of cattle, is a rich source of both type I and type III collagen.
Type III collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and the structure of blood vessels and internal organs. This combination gives bovine collagen a broader spectrum of benefits, supporting not only beauty but also the overall health of the body's connective tissue. High-quality bovine collagen hydrolysate is found in eatyx LABS Collagen Premium 16,000 mg collagen shots . They are enriched with vitamin C and a complex of B vitamins.
While both types of collagen provide valuable amino acids, it's the presence of type I and III collagen in the bovine variant that makes it exceptionally versatile. It provides solid support for the musculoskeletal system, including joint cartilage, making it an excellent choice for physically active individuals, athletes, and seniors seeking joint health. Regular use promotes the regeneration of tissues stressed by physical activity. Due to the predominance of type I, fish collagen is more often used when the primary goal is to improve the appearance of skin, hair, and nails.
What does fish collagen do?
The action of fish collagen is mainly focused on improving the appearance and health of the skin , hair and nails:
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thanks to the high content of type I collagen, it effectively supports the maintenance of proper hydration, firmness and elasticity of the skin;
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regular supplementation can help reduce fine wrinkles and improve the overall structure of the skin;
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This collagen also strengthens hair follicles, reducing hair loss, and the nail plate, preventing it from becoming brittle and splitting.
What are the effects of regular fish collagen supplementation?
Regular use of fish collagen for at least three months produces visible results, particularly in improving skin condition. After a few weeks of regular use, skin hydration, density, and elasticity increase. This results in a reduction in fine lines and an overall smoothing and firming of the complexion. The skin becomes more radiant and healthier-looking. These effects result from the stimulation of internal collagen production and the provision of essential amino acids to rebuild its structure. Besides the skin, positive changes are also observed in the condition of hair and nails. Hair becomes stronger and less prone to falling out, and nails become harder and more resistant to breakage.
Who is fish collagen recommended for?
Fish collagen is especially recommended for those who want to maintain a youthful appearance and healthy skin. It's an ideal choice for those noticing the first signs of aging, such as loss of firmness, the appearance of wrinkles, or dry skin. Supplementation is also recommended for strengthening weakened, brittle nails and hair prone to falling out.
However, for athletes, those with a very active lifestyle, and seniors, bovine collagen is often a better choice. Thanks to its content of type I and III collagen, it provides comprehensive support for the entire musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Its amino acid profile promotes faster connective tissue regeneration after intense physical activity, which can help reduce the risk of injury and alleviate pain associated with joint overuse. It provides a solid foundation for a diet focused on maintaining physical fitness. Furthermore, it has a lower allergenic potential, which is important for people with intolerances to fish and seafood.
How to use fish collagen?
Fish collagen is available in various forms, most commonly as a powder to dissolve in water, a drinkable liquid, or capsules. The choice of form depends on individual preference. Dosage should always be followed according to the manufacturer's recommendations on the product packaging. To increase the effectiveness of supplementation, it is recommended to choose products enriched with vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis in the body. This should be done regularly over a long period of time. The minimum treatment period is considered three months, as this is the period after which the most significant improvement in skin structure and joint health is observed.
Collagen is well tolerated by the body and can be taken in combination with other dietary supplements, but the recommended daily dose should not be exceeded.
Does fish collagen have side effects?
Fish collagen is considered a safe substance, and its use is rarely associated with side effects. It is well-tolerated by most people. The main contraindication to its use is the previously mentioned allergy to fish and seafood. People with such an allergy should absolutely avoid products based on marine collagen. In such cases, bovine collagen is a suitable option. An additional advantage of eatyx LABS products is the pleasant, fruity mango-passion fruit flavor. Some people note the "fishy" aftertaste of marine collagen supplements, which they are not entirely satisfied with.
Despite its general safety, people suffering from autoimmune diseases, kidney or liver diseases, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consult their doctor before starting supplementation to exclude any potential risks and ensure there are no contraindications.
How to choose the best collagen for your needs?
Choosing the best collagen should be based on individual goals. If improving skin appearance, reducing wrinkles, and strengthening hair and nails are your priorities, high-quality hydrolyzed fish collagen is a good option. Its targeted action on tissues rich in type I collagen ensures quickly noticeable beauty benefits. When choosing, it's worth considering the product's form (hydrolyzate), the collagen dose per serving, and the source of the raw material, preferring those from wild-caught fish, which are considered purer. The presence of additional ingredients, such as vitamin C, is also important.
Bovine collagen, on the other hand, is a better choice for those whose primary goals include supporting the musculoskeletal system, recovering from physical activity, and generally strengthening the body's connective tissue. Its rich profile, including type I and III collagen, provides comprehensive benefits for joints, bones, and tendons. Of course, it also improves the appearance of skin—making it a versatile product. Regardless of the source, the most important selection criteria should be the product's quality and the hydrolyzed form, which guarantees the best effectiveness.
