What is marine collagen and what benefits does it have?

When we talk about cosmetic medicine, we refer to that branch which, due to its wide field of research, as well as the interactions and contributions from other different studies, such as botany, anatomy, dermatology, and aesthetics, can be considered complex enough to be framed within the definition of science in its own right, since a large number of factors are required to carry it out.

Among all of them, as well as the immense variety of research proposed in this area, one element stands out above all others, studied to be synthesized and used for our benefit, thanks to the potency of its properties and active ingredients. We are talking about collagen, an essential molecule in cosmetics, which can be found in different media and forms, to be extracted, synthesized and given an invaluable worth within beauty and topical care products.

Among its many sources, some specialists highlight marine collagen as a revolution in science, as it can be obtained easily and without much effort, is economical, easy to process, and above all, helps in the conservation of fauna and the environment, as it is extracted from remains of marine animals. Even so, not only its ecological benefits are important, but also those that it can directly contribute to our organism.

If you want to learn about the most effective supplement for this protein, thanks to its unique manufacturing, we invite you to read What is hydrolyzed collagen and what are its benefits

Function of Collagen

Before talking about the obtaining and capabilities of this product, we must know its interaction with our organism, since unlike other supplements (whether topical or ingestible), collagen does not seek to directly alter or replace a nutritional or beneficial element for the body, such as, for example, vitamins and antioxidants, among others, but rather seeks to support the internal production of this same molecule.

To summarize it in a simple way, humans also produce collagen, just like the animals from which it is extracted for use, being this a small point within the immense chain of elements that the body creates for itself. In its case, it is produced by specific cells, which are located and form the structure of the connective tissue, that is, the one that connects various more extended tissues, such as muscles or skin.

It is a protein molecule, with a fiber structure, responsible for the production of another special particle, called elastin, which is the one that actually performs a task in these and other tissues directly. So, although it is elastin that we ultimately need, collagen is just as vital, since it is the only molecule in the body capable of creating, producing, storing, and releasing elastin in organs, muscles, joints, and more.

It is responsible for giving cohesion to the organic structure of our body, since, when secreted by the protein in question, it adheres to the different tissues to give them elasticity, resistance, firmness, tone, and strength, not only in themselves but in their conjunction with other adjacent tissues. Put another way, elastin is an essential part of everything the body needs to stay together, firm, and resistant.

Its function can be seen, in a more direct and visible way, in the case of the skin, the largest and heaviest organ in our body, as well as the one located in a more external or superficial manner. Being that layer that protects the softer or more sensitive tissues, such as internal organs, muscle fibers, and joints, the dermis needs all the characteristics that collagen and elastin can offer.

In order for the movements and actions of everyday life not to affect the nerve endings, electrical and neural networks, as well as the blood vessels and other elements that run through the different layers of the skin, it is necessary that it be resistant, firm, strong, and above all, elastic. The same goes for internal tissues, such as muscles, responsible for protection and strength, as well as joints, whose main role is to allow bodily movement.

As a synthesized supplement

This is where synthetic supplements come in, such as marine and terrestrial collagen, both obtained from different animal species, with the difference, noticeable in their name, that the former is obtained from remains of fish such as sardine, mojarra, catfish, and especially, from the fins and cartilage of sharks, while the latter is extracted from the processing of bones, skin, cartilage, and tissue from cattle, pigs, deer, sheep, and other farm species.

They can be found in various presentations; for example, topically, to be applied on the skin and thus convey its benefits directly (either independently or as an ingredient in creams and topical ointments). Similarly, for those who require an increase in the levels of collagen and elastin throughout the body, it is possible to acquire an ingestible supplement, which is taken in the form of syrup, pills, or tablets.

Its function is simple, to increase and support the own production of this fiber within our organism, since with the passage of the years, as a consequence of aging, diseases, injuries, or pathologies, as well as genetic causes, the collagen produced by the connective tissue becomes less and of lower quality, hence the need to supplement it with this synthesized from animal origin, specially for consumption or application in humans.

Collagen and Cosmetics

Of course, if a fiber directly affects the shape and structure of the skin, it is obvious that its lack can also affect the image of the skin. When the levels of this begin to decline, the loss of firmness and tone, as well as the elasticity of the superficial organ, becomes visible, which leads to the appearance of various imperfections, such as age marks, expression lines, wrinkles, dark circles, sagging, and dryness.

For this reason, to combat such damage to the aesthetic image of the dermis, many of the most used cosmetic products, such as creams, serums, and topical ointments, whether anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, nourishing, moisturizing, or of any kind, contain among their components the important synthesized collagen, which harmonizes with the rest of the ingredients in the formula, to give the skin a higher quality, health, and image.

Marine Collagen and Its Differences with Terrestrial Collagen

Living up to its name, this product is called so just because of its origin, as mentioned before, since it is obtained from the methodological processing of different fish, among which the shark stands out, specifically in the areas of the fins (especially the dorsal fin) and the cartilage inside its organism. Other saltwater specimens from which it comes are sardines, catfish, cod, mojarra, manta ray, kingfish, dogfish, and many more, although these are the main ones.

The remains of these specific fish are used for their composition, since they are the ones that produce and maintain the highest amount of this protein in their bodies. The great difference with the product of terrestrial origin is that for each fish (from which especially the remains are used after processing for food), a smaller amount of fiber can be obtained, so a good amount of raw material must be used for its synthesis.

However, the commercial fishing of coastal countries is very extensive, so a huge amount of material is actually obtained to be synthesized, thus fulfilling the ecological premise that every part of an animal must be used. This is different in the case of the shark fin, as in many countries it is considered a delicacy, so instead of being a leftover, it is completely edible.

It was from this that marine collagen first became known since the consumption of shark fin is quite popular, so it has been studied by various specialists and researchers to discover all the benefits of eating it, among which are, of course, the intake of collagen naturally, which has led the field of cosmetic medicine to recommend gastronomic dishes with this ingredient.

It is clear that the production of quality collagen within the organism can be supplemented, although to a lesser extent, by consuming animal-based foods rich in this protein (since it is only found in fauna and not in plants). Even so, the amount of this protein that is obtained is not enough, nor is it of the necessary quality, so our digestive system does not manage to take advantage of all its benefits.

For this reason, the cosmetic, general health, and nutrition industries, after years of study and experimentation, offer us, as clients and consumers, the possibility to obtain a greater amount of collagen and of better quality, not only by using ingredients with this fiber in their products but also by incorporating in these other components, such as essential vitamin C, which stimulate our body’s own production.

At this point, there are no major differences between the terrestrial and marine origins of this protein, as both provide the same positive benefits when synthesized. Even so, they differ in the ease with which we can adapt to their properties, with marine fiber being superior in terms of its digestibility, as our body can absorb it at a faster rate and in a smoother and lighter way.

Therefore, it is especially recommended for those who have some alteration in their metabolism, with digestion problems, as well as for people who suffer from some pathology or immune disorder that causes the so-called vascular disease of collagen. This causes the immune system to see this protein as a harmful external agent, so it rejects and attacks it, causing its levels to drop drastically.

General Benefits of This Marine Product

Whether you consume it or apply it to the skin, depending on the specific presentation acquired for one purpose or another, there are many benefits that can be obtained from this protein fiber, by increasing its levels within our organism or upon contact. One thing we must bear in mind, as we just mentioned, is that unless we suffer from some pathology of rejection of this protein, there is no greater advantage between marine and terrestrial origins.

Another thing to consider is the quality and truthfulness of the product we are willing to use, as many of them, of dubious origin or not produced under the most appropriate standards, may contain not recommended ingredients, such as chemical preservatives, allergens, or irritants, which not only can cause adverse reactions but can make the organism incapable of processing this protein fiber.

Additionally, as a recommendation from specialists, the best option is to resort to a product manufactured using the hydrolyzed method, which reduces its molecular density, making it lighter and easier for dissolution, so that the skin or the digestive system, in case of ingesting a supplement, can take full advantage of the following capabilities of this ingredient, without losing its properties during digestion and transit through the blood system.

Strengthens Joints

Among all the people to whom the consumption of this fiber can be recommended, patients with arthritis and joint problems, who suffer from pain and weakness at this specific point, stand out. This is because, as already mentioned above, this is one of the tissues that connect various pieces of the organic structure, and therefore, where collagen is most concentrated and where it is most needed.

Helps Increase and Maintain Muscle Mass

Similarly, we know that muscles are mainly made up of a series of resistant fibers, which need proteins to maintain their resistance and shape, as well as other nutrients to maintain the correct size and mass. Here comes into play the capacity of collagen and elastin to maintain the tissue in its proper structure, which allows muscles to increase in volume.

From this point, older people can benefit greatly, as it is known that due to the alterations that the body undergoes with aging, muscle mass can be reduced between 25% and 40% over the years, so a supplement (in this case through ingestion), that allows maintaining musculature, is presented as a priority and necessary measure to counteract this deficiency.

Provides Resistance to the Bone Structure

Just as with the loss of musculature and its mass, the passage of years reduces the ability of bones to retain calcium that maintains their resistance, as they are not capable of binding and adapting this element to their structure. Again, it is possible to counteract this problem with the intake of our star protein, which will help maintain the cohesion of bone mass with calcium, allowing better absorption.

Increases the Recovery of Various Injuries

Many wounds, fractures, tears, bone fissures and muscle, as well as burns and lacerations, among other general injuries, require the structural cohesion of elastin to heal, as it is necessary for tissues, whatever their material, to rejoin correctly. This can be seen in the scarring of a wound or the natural soldering of bones after a fracture.

However, we are not talking about starting to ingest collagen or using a cream with this ingredient as a base, right after suffering the injury, as if it were part of the recovery treatment, as it does not work that way. The increase in recovery occurs when the levels of this protein are kept stable, so it is necessary, in case of a deficiency of the same, to have been supplementing its production beforehand.

Against the Risk of Heart Problems

For those who believe that collagen is not a fundamental part of each and every one of the pieces of our body, it is necessary to know that even the arteries benefit from this, as they allow greater elongation and dilation, which helps eliminate obstructions and pollution that, in the long term, can cause heart problems, respiratory system issues, or even pathologies at the blood level.

Strengthens Skin, Hair and Nails

Just as in the case of creams, we have probably seen at some point nail polishes, shampoos, or hair conditioners with this fiber as an ingredient, although more for cosmetic reasons than for health. This is because marine collagen, which adheres and is absorbed more quickly, is able to integrate into the hair and nails, strengthening and hardening these to give them greater resistance.

If we suffer from the consequence of the decrease of this fiber, it is best to learn here How to increase collagen levels

In the case of the dermis, we have already mentioned all the benefits that we can obtain by consuming or applying this element, such as the increase in resistance, elasticity, firmness, and tone inherent to the skin. In this case, as we said, we should not think that we are integrating a factor that helps with these properties, but rather an increase of them, as the superficial tissue must possess a certain level of cohesion with these characteristics naturally.