If you’ve started using or researching peptides, you might have encountered two types: marine collagen and collagen peptides. But what’s the difference between them? If you’ve found yourself confused, wondering which one to take, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll learn more about these different types of collagen and which one might be right for you. We’ll also talk about how you can find all sorts of natural supplements to support your health and wellness journey at The Root Brands. So, let’s dive into this information and answer some of your questions about peptides!
Why Do We Take Collagen?
Collagen is an essential part of human health. It makes up about 30% of the body’s protein and helps keep our muscles, joints, bones, skin, and connective tissue healthy. As we get older, our natural collagen production decreases. This is why our skin wrinkles and our joints become stiff. This is especially true for women who have gone through menopause. Studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen in the first five years of menopause.
So why does this happen? The older we get, the more difficult it becomes for the body to absorb or synthesize nutrients and the amino acids needed to produce collagen. That’s why it can benefit your health to eat meals high in collagen, use collagen protein, or take a collagen supplement. These can aid your body in overcoming some of the absorption issues and help you produce more collagen.
For your body to boost its collagen production, it requires:
Proline: An amino acid found in bone broth, fish, meat, and dairy.
Glycine: An amino acid needed to maintain hormones and connective tissues. Glicine can be found in gelatin, salmon, eggs, legumes, and lentils.
Vitamin C: A nutrient your body needs to produce blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and collagen in your bones. Foods rich in vitamin C are bell peppers and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits.
Zinc: An essential nutrient that plays an important role in helping our immune system, skin health, and cell growth. It can be found in a variety of nuts and seeds, milk, cheese, chickpeas, lentils, beans, pork, beef, lamb, and seafood.
Copper: A mineral that helps with collagen absorption and plays a role in making red blood cells and maintaining nerve cells. Organ meats, whole-grain products, wheat-bran cereals, shellfish, chocolate, seeds, and nuts are good sources of copper.
Marine Collagen vs. Collagen Peptides: What Are They?
Marine collagen powder or fish collagen is exactly what it sounds like – it’s collagen sourced from fish scales, fish skin, and the bones of fish and other sea creatures. It is an excellent option for those who don’t eat meat products since it’s pescatarian-friendly.
On the flip side, other collagen peptides can come from various sources, including bovine (cow), porcine (pig), and, yes, marine sources. The important thing to know is that both types of collagen are great for your skin and joints and can support your overall health. The main difference is the source of the collagen.
You may have also heard of hydrolyzed collagen (HC). This means the collagen has gone through hydrolysis and can be more easily broken down into peptides. Hydrolyzed collagen supplementation is usually promoted for its anti-aging properties since it has a favorable effect on the skin. It seems to increase the ability to retain and absorb moisture, as well as enhance elasticity, joint health, wrinkles, nail health, and healthy skin.
Are Marine Collagen Peptides Better Than Collagen Peptides?
It’s difficult to say which is better because talking about bovine collagen peptides and marine collagen is like comparing apples and oranges. Both collagen peptides have their own benefits for the human body.
For example, marine collagen is famed for its bioavailability, meaning your body can absorb and use it more efficiently. This can be especially great for your skin health. On the other hand, bovine collagen is often celebrated for its health benefits that support a broader range of body parts, including bones, connective tissue, and joints. This is all thanks to its collagen types I and III.
So the ultimate question is: Which should you choose, bovine collagen peptides vs. marine collagen? The answer depends on what you hope to gain from a collagen supplement and your dietary restrictions. If you don’t eat meat and you’re looking to focus on reducing wrinkles and hydrating the skin, marine collagen might be your best bet. This is because it’s mainly type I collagen, which is the most abundant type in our skin.
If you’re looking to support overall wellness, such as improving the health of not just your skin but also your hair, nails, and bones, bovine collagen – which contains both type I and III – might be the best choice for you.
Can You Mix Both Marine Collagen and Collagen Peptides?
Yes, you absolutely can! The body needs all three types of collagen, so mixing the different types of collagen into your diet is not only safe but can be beneficial, allowing you to reap the various rewards of each type. Collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen peptides, whether marine or bovine, work by accumulating in the skin and cartilage when ingested, helping to improve things like aging skin and osteoarthritis. The variety ensures you’re covering all bases, from skin elasticity to joint function.
Are There Any Negative Effects of Taking Collagen Peptides?
While collagen supplements are generally safe, supplements like collagen aren’t regulated by the FDA. This means there is the potential for adverse effects caused by things being added in, like preservatives, additives, and heavy metals, leading to inflammation, rashes, or acne breakouts. These contaminants can also impact gut health, cause kidney stones, increase calcium levels, potentially lead to allergic reactions, decrease serotonin levels, and interact with medications. To reduce the risk of negative side effects, make sure you’re choosing high-quality collagen and consulting with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Marine Collagen Peptides?
Marine collagen might only be suitable for some. People with allergies to fish, shellfish, or eggs should steer clear, as marine collagen supplements can contain allergens from these sources.
Those following these types of diets may want to avoid marine collagen due to its animal origins:
Kosher
Halal
Vegetarian
Vegan
Additionally, some individuals may experience bloating and nausea after taking fish-based supplements.
In the vast ocean of supplements, choosing the right type of collagen—marine collagen or collagen peptides from other sources—boils down to personal health goals, dietary preferences, and ethical considerations. Whether you’re aiming for skin health, robust joints, or overall wellness, there’s collagen out there that can help you.
Where To Get Collagen Supplements
The Root Brands is a nutraceutical company that harnesses the power of nature to unlock the potential of the mind, body, and spirit and support overall wellness. Our products stand out for their health and wellness benefits. Two products in particular can help your body boost its collagen production and maintain a healthy lifestyle: Crush and Sculpt.
Crush is a blend of nine essential amino acids and four branched-chain amino acids that are crucial for healthy muscle development, support the immune system, and increase collagen production. The amino acids included in Crush, like L-Leucine, L-Lysine, L-Tyrosine, L-Valine, and many others, help your body synthesize proteins like collagen.
Though not a collagen peptide supplement, Sculpt can also support your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Sculpt consists of natural ingredients like white kidney bean, Panax notoginseng, and gymnema sylvestre that keep you feeling fuller for longer, increase fat burning, and regulate blood sugar levels – all of which can support healthy body weight and composition.
So, let The Root Brands help you propel your wellness journey with our naturally formulated products!