Marine Collagen

Collagen is an essential protein abundantly present in the body, particularly in the skin, joints, muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments.

This protein ensures the cohesion, elasticity, and regeneration of these tissues, contributing to their structure and strength.

With age, the body’s natural collagen production decreases, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles, less firm skin, and reduced joint flexibility.

Collagen supplementation can help compensate for this decline, supporting skin and joint health.

Contrary to popular belief, ingested collagen does not directly replace the body’s collagen.

Once digested, it is broken down into peptides that stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production. This process promotes the formation of new collagen fibers, helping to maintain skin firmness and the strength of connective tissues.

Marine and bovine collagen are the two most common sources of collagen in dietary supplements. The first is extracted from fish skin, while the second comes from bovine skin and bones.

At Novoma, we prefer marine collagen for several reasons:

• A more eco-friendly option: aquaculture generates seven times fewer greenhouse gas emissions than cattle farming, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.
• Better biological efficiency: marine collagen has a higher protein yield, with a more efficient conversion of ingested proteins into nutrients beneficial to the body.
• Enhanced action: the Naticol® collagen we use has interesting anti-inflammatory properties, optimizing its effects on the skin, hair, nails, and joints.

Collagen can be classified into different types, with the most common being types I, II, and III. Each plays a specific role in the body: type I, the most abundant, is found in the skin, tendons, and bones; type II is mainly present in cartilage; and type III contributes to the structure of muscles, organs, and blood vessel walls.

However, when collagen is hydrolyzed, it is broken down into small peptides, making it easier for the body to absorb. This hydrolysis process reduces the distinctions between collagen types, as once absorbed, these peptides are used globally by the body, regardless of their origin.

The classification by type is mainly useful to understand the source of the collagen. What truly matters is not just the type of collagen, but more importantly, the quality of the hydrolysate, its molecular weight, and its bioavailability, which determine its effectiveness and benefits for the skin and connective tissues.

Not all collagens are equal! For optimal effectiveness, several criteria should be considered when choosing a collagen supplement:

• Low molecular weight: Choose hydrolyzed collagen with a low molecular weight, ideally around 2000 Daltons. This characteristic allows the peptides to be easily absorbed by the body and act efficiently.
• High-quality collagen source: Collagen can come from bovine, porcine, or marine sources. Marine collagen is often preferred for its high protein yield and lower environmental impact compared to bovine collagen.
• Responsible and sustainable origin: Opt for collagen sourced from sustainable practices, such as marine collagen derived from responsible fishing.
• Presence of complementary active ingredients: A good collagen supplement is often combined with ingredients that enhance its action. Vitamin C, for example, is essential as it contributes to the body’s natural collagen synthesis. Hyaluronic acid, zinc, or biotin can also optimize its benefits for the skin, hair, and nails.
• Pure collagen without unnecessary additives: Always check the composition! A “Clean Label” collagen, free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, or unnecessary additives, ensures a healthier consumption for your body.