What Is Fish Collagen?

Fish collagen, often called marine collagen, is collagen obtained from fish-derived materials such as skin, scales and bones. Fish-skin collagen in particular is predominantly Type I collagen, the most abundant collagen type in the human body and an important structural component of skin, bone, tendons and other connective tissues.

Collagen itself is the most abundant protein in the human body. Rather than being a single substance, collagen describes a family of structural proteins that help provide strength and organisation to tissues throughout the body.

Fish collagen has become a popular alternative to bovine and porcine collagen, particularly for people who prefer a marine-derived source.

For a detailed look at marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, how they differ and how to choose, see our Complete Guide to Marine Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein built from amino acids arranged into a distinctive triple-helix structure.

The human body produces collagen naturally using amino acids obtained through the diet, together with nutrients involved in normal collagen synthesis.

Several different types of collagen occur in the body. Type I collagen is the most abundant and is particularly prominent in:

• Skin
• Bone
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Other connective tissues

Fish-skin collagen is generally rich in Type I collagen, which is one reason marine collagen has attracted considerable interest in nutrition and cosmetic research.

What's Naturally Found in Fish Collagen?

Collagen has an unusual amino-acid profile compared with many other dietary proteins.

It is particularly rich in:

• Glycine — the most abundant amino acid in collagen and an important component of its structure
• Proline — another major structural amino acid
• Hydroxyproline — an amino acid strongly associated with collagen and important to the stability of its triple-helix structure

Collagen is therefore quite different nutritionally from proteins commonly consumed primarily for their essential amino-acid content.

What Happens When Collagen Is Consumed?

Dietary collagen does not simply travel intact from a capsule to the skin or joints.

During digestion, collagen proteins are broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids. These can then be absorbed through the digestive system and used within normal metabolic processes throughout the body.

Hydrolysed collagen products undergo additional processing that breaks larger collagen proteins into smaller peptides before consumption. This is a distinct ingredient format from non-hydrolysed collagen, and research conducted on specific hydrolysed collagen peptides should not automatically be applied to other forms of collagen.

Modern research has investigated how collagen-derived peptides are absorbed and how they may interact with tissues involved in normal collagen metabolism.

Fish Collagen, Marine Collagen & Collagen Peptides

Fish collagen refers specifically to collagen derived from fish.

Marine collagen is commonly used to describe fish-derived collagen, although the broader term “marine” can potentially encompass material from other marine sources.

Collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen refers to collagen that has been processed into smaller peptide fragments.

These descriptions refer to different characteristics of an ingredient: its source and its processing method. When comparing collagen products, it is useful to check both rather than assuming all products labelled “marine collagen” are identical.

Fish Collagen vs Bovine Collagen

Marine and bovine collagen are both sources of collagen, but their collagen profiles differ.

Fish collagen is predominantly associated with Type I collagen. Bovine collagen commonly provides both Type I and Type III collagen.

The source therefore affects the collagen profile of the finished ingredient, although processing methods — particularly whether the collagen has been hydrolysed — are also important when comparing individual products.

Fish collagen can also provide an alternative for people who avoid bovine or porcine ingredients for personal, dietary, cultural or religious reasons.

Fish Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid

Fish collagen and hyaluronic acid are often combined because they are quite different substances with complementary structural roles in the body.

Collagen is a protein that forms part of the structural framework of connective tissues. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan naturally present in areas including the skin, joints and eyes, where it interacts strongly with water.

→ Read more: What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

What About Vitamin C?

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation in the human body. Adequate dietary vitamin C is part of the body's normal collagen-production process. Vitamin C is naturally available from many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits and particularly vitamin-C-rich foods such as acerola cherry.

Fish Collagen in Research

Marine collagen and collagen peptides have been investigated across a number of research areas, particularly those relating to skin hydration and elasticity, connective tissue, bone, joint function and collagen metabolism.

The research varies considerably according to the source of collagen, whether the ingredient is hydrolysed, the quantity consumed, duration of use and the population being studied. Findings from studies using a particular standardised collagen peptide preparation should not automatically be assumed to apply to every fish collagen product.

Capsules vs Powder

Powders make it easier to consume relatively large quantities of collagen and can be mixed into drinks or foods. Capsules provide a pre-measured format without requiring mixing or preparation and may be more convenient for people who prefer smaller quantities as part of an existing supplement routine.

Fish Collagen in Our Range

• Fish Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid Capsules | The Maritime Foundation — a marine collagen and hyaluronic acid combination.
• Organic Cayenne, Marine Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid Capsules | The Radiant Catalyst — marine collagen and hyaluronic acid combined with organic cayenne.
• Organic Cacao, Beetroot & Fish Collagen Capsules | Earth, Sea & Fire — fish collagen paired with cacao and beetroot.
• 25-Ingredient Organic Superfood Capsules | The Grand Harvest — a broad multi-ingredient formula containing marine collagen.

Important: Fish collagen is derived from fish and is not suitable for people with a fish allergy. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, seek appropriate healthcare advice before introducing a new supplement.

Further Reading

• The Complete Guide to Marine Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid
• What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
• Nutrition for Healthy Skin — Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Sea Buckthorn & More
• What Is Acerola Cherry?