Collagen products are profusive, and for good reason. Collagen is the most abundant protein shared by all members of the animal kingdom, which underscores how necessary it is. As we move through life, our collagen production wanes, resulting in wrinkled, sagging skin, and impaired movement.

Perusing the collagen beverages, powders and supplements can cause confusion for several reasons. One is “collagen peptides” and “collagen.” Collagen peptides are preferable as they are already broken down for easier assimilation by your body. You will also see this called “hydrolyzed collagen,” as hydrolyzation is the process that disassembles the collagen into its peptides.1

There are bovine (cow) collagens, chicken sternal collagens (used primarily for joint support products), vegan-friendly collagens and collagens derived from fish (marine) sources. Marine collagen is harvested humanely from freshwater fish scales, skin, and bones.

Collagen from the skin of fish such as tilapia contains more of the amino acids – glycine, proline and hydroxyproline that improve the stability of the collagen triple helix compared to other sources. The hydroxyproline content is characteristic of fish-sourced collagen.2

Glycine, proline and hydroxyproline in fish collagen hasten the healing process of skin cells while also generating new collagen production through stimulation of fibroblasts. This results in maintaining clear, healthy skin, and improving nail and hair growth.3

Fish collagen is becoming the preferred collagen for brands to use because they know that it consists of small particles that are easy for the body to absorb and use, compared to the larger particles of bovine (beef) collagen.2

Labels also differentiate between collagen types – such as type 1, type II and type III. The human body has 28 types of collagen and only seven are essential to healthy functioning. These include types 1 (found throughout the body) and III (found in skin, blood vessels and muscles). Bovine collagen supplements provide collagen types 1 and III, while fish collagen is pure type I.3

Fish collagen is much more sustainable than bovine and has no exposure to hormones. Additionally, fish collagen is lower in sodium than beef collagen.4

The value of fish collagen in supporting beauty from within is backed by a sizable
library of studies. For example, in one study of 64 participants, those who consumed fish collagen daily for 12 weeks showed noticeable improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkling over those who took placebo.5 Another 12-week study showed that those consuming fish collagen exhibited a 35% decline in wrinkle score and the participants reported significant improvements in skin radiance, firmness and elasticity. 6

Other benefits attributed by researchers to fish collagen include supporting the ability of the liver to detoxify and repair itself, improved energy production from glucose, and supporting bone health through assisting absorption of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that stimulate osteoblasts, which help build bone strength and mineralization 4, 5

Another factor to consider is the dose amount: most bovine and chicken collagens have high dose recommendations that can amount to about five pills per day, which many people find unmanageable. JBA Brands’ delicious Collagen-B beauty infusion powder beverage delivers the full activity of collagen in just one packet of 5,000 mg per day.

When considering adding collagen to your daily natural health and well-being regimen, look for the collagen that will provide noticeable gains for the long-term, is highly absorbed in the body and that is a cleaner, more sustainable source. Try the delicious collagen-infused beverage blends from JBA™, including mocktails and caffe lattes.

Reference Links

1. https://letstalkcollagen.com/difference-between-collagen-and-collagen-peptides/
2. Marine vs Fish vs Bovine vs Vegan Collagen – What is the difference? – Nutraceuticals Group Europe
3. https://healthplugged.com/marine-collagen/
4. Marine Collagen vs. Beef Collagen: What You Need to Know – Mama Natural
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29949889/
6. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.13676