If you’ve recently gotten in the habit of adding collagen to your diet, you may have come across numerous new terms to describe the plethora of products currently available on the market.
Marine Collagen and Collagen Peptides are likely to be some of the new terms you’ve encountered, so let’s break down the key difference between the two:
- Marine Collagen is only extracted from marine sources, primarily fish
- Collagen Peptides may be extracted from any of the main three collagen sources: beef, pig or fish
Confusion may arise from the fact that term ‘Collagen Peptides’ simply designates a production process, which breaks down collagen into a form that’s more easily digestible by our bodies. Let’s dig deeper into this process and see how it impacts our choice of collagen supplements.
What are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate, are short chains of amino acids that are derived from collagen - a protein that is abundantly found in the connective tissues of animals. It provides structural support and strength to various parts of the body, such as the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
The process of obtaining collagen peptides involves hydrolysis, where collagen is broken down into smaller peptide chains through enzymatic or chemical treatment. This hydrolyzation process results in collagen peptides, which are easier for the body to digest and absorb compared to intact collagen found in food sources.
Collagen peptides can be sourced from various animals, including bovine (cow), porcine (pig), chicken, and marine (fish). Each source may have slightly different amino acid compositions and potential benefits. For example, bovine collagen peptides are primarily type I and type III collagen, which are beneficial for skin health, while type II collagen from chicken is known for its support to joint health.
What is Marine Collagen?
Marine collagen is most commonly derived from fish, and in the case of Zen Principle’s Marine Collagen, the fish in question is North Atlantic Cod. Due to its marine origin, marine collagen is sometimes considered a more sustainable option than collagen sourced from land animals like cows or pigs, as it can help reduce waste by utilizing parts of the fish that might otherwise go unused. It is usually extracted from fish by-products, such as fish skin, scales, or bones, that would otherwise be discarded as waste during fish processing.
Does Marine Collagen also come in the form of Peptides?
Yes! In fact, the highest quality of supplemental Marine Collagen powder on the market comes in the form of collagen peptides.
In this case, the collagen sourced from fish is further hydrolyzed, meaning it is broken down into smaller peptides to increase its bioavailability and make it easier for the body to absorb. Be sure to check the packaging to make sure that the collagen powder you are taking comes in the form of peptides.
