What Does Marine Collagen Contain? An In-Depth Analysis

December 9, 2025 •

2 min read

Recent studies show that marine collagen supplementation can improve skin elasticity. Derived from fish, it contains a unique profile of amino acids, which supports several aspects of human health.

Quick Summary

This article explores the composition, benefits, and applications of marine collagen.

Key Points

Key Amino Acids: Marine collagen is rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Type I Collagen: It is primarily Type I collagen, important for skin, hair, and nail health.
High Bioavailability: Hydrolyzed marine collagen is easily absorbed.
Sustainable Source: Often sourced from fish by-products.
Supports Multiple Systems: It helps skin elasticity, joint, and bone health.
Third-Party Testing: To avoid heavy metal contamination, third-party testing is important.
Pescatarian-Friendly: Marine collagen is suitable for those following a pescatarian diet.

What is Marine Collagen?

Marine collagen is a type I collagen extracted from fish skin and scales. It comes from the by-products of the fishing industry, making it a sustainable choice. Hydrolyzed marine collagen is broken down into smaller peptides, which are easier for the body to absorb.

Amino Acid Composition

Marine collagen is rich in amino acids, especially glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

Glycine: Supports collagen synthesis, sleep, and digestion.
Proline: Important for collagen stability and wound healing.
Hydroxyproline: Helps stabilize the collagen structure.
Other Amino Acids: It also contains alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid.

Marine vs. Bovine Collagen: A Comparison

Here is a comparison of marine and bovine collagen:


Feature	Marine Collagen	Bovine Collagen
Source	Fish skin and scales	Cow hides and connective tissues
Type	Primarily Type I	Type I and Type III
Benefits	Skin, hair, and nail health	Joints, gut, skin, and muscles
Bioavailability	Potentially higher	High when hydrolyzed
Dietary Suitability	Pescatarian-friendly	Not suitable for pescatarians
Heavy Metal Risk	Possible risk from polluted waters	Low risk from reputable sources

Health Benefits

The composition of marine collagen offers benefits through its amino acid content and Type I collagen.

Skin Health and Anti-Aging

Marine collagen helps the skin by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles.

Joint and Bone Support

It provides amino acids to strengthen cartilage and tendons, which supports joint and bone health. Supplementation may reduce joint pain.

Hair and Nail Strength

Marine collagen can strengthen brittle nails and promote healthier hair.

Gut Health

Amino acids like glycine and glutamine help repair and strengthen the digestive tract.

Potential Risks

People with fish or shellfish allergies should avoid marine collagen. There's a risk of heavy metal contamination. Individuals with kidney issues or taking blood thinners should consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Marine collagen contains essential amino acids, important for structural health. This Type I collagen from fish by-products provides benefits for skin, hair, and nails, as well as support for joints, bones, and gut health. Choosing high-quality, hydrolyzed, and third-party tested products is recommended. It is a popular supplement option. {Link: National Institutes of Health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8780088/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Marine collagen is mostly Type I collagen, found in skin, bones, and connective tissues.

The key amino acids in marine collagen are glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which support the structure of collagen.

The choice depends on the user’s goals. Marine collagen is beneficial for skin, hair, and nails, whereas bovine collagen offers wider support for joints and muscles. Marine collagen is also pescatarian-friendly.

Yes, there's a risk of heavy metal contamination if the fish come from polluted waters. Choose brands with third-party testing.

Marine collagen is typically hydrolyzed, meaning it is broken down into small peptides for easier digestion and absorption.

Those with fish or shellfish allergies should avoid it. Those with kidney issues or taking blood thinners should consult a doctor.

Benefits include improved skin elasticity, stronger hair and nails, and better joint and bone support.