Absolute Collagen's Marine Source: Tilapia and Pangasius
Absolute Collagen's marine collagen is derived from the skin of two specific, farm-raised freshwater fish: tilapia and pangasius. While the term "marine collagen" can sometimes refer to wild-caught marine species, Absolute Collagen clarifies that its source is freshwater, farmed fish. These fish are sourced from reputable, BRC accredited suppliers, and the collagen is a byproduct of fish farmed primarily for human consumption, minimizing waste.
The collagen is extracted from the fish skin and then undergoes a process called hydrolysis. This process breaks down the collagen molecules into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which is key to the supplement's effectiveness.
The Importance of Type 1 Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen
Absolute Collagen exclusively uses Type 1 marine collagen. This is the most abundant type of collagen in the human body, found in skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissues. Its high bioavailability, meaning the body can absorb and utilize it efficiently, is a major reason for its selection. This focus on a highly absorbable and specific type of collagen helps ensure the supplement effectively supports the body's natural collagen production.
- Higher Bioavailability: Hydrolyzed marine collagen has a lower molecular weight than bovine or porcine collagen, allowing for faster and more efficient absorption into the bloodstream.
- Targeted Benefits: Type 1 collagen specifically targets skin, hair, and nail health, aligning with the primary benefits promoted by Absolute Collagen.
- Protection from Diseases: Unlike collagen from cows (bovine) and pigs (porcine), marine collagen is not susceptible to diseases like Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or Foot and Mouth Disease.
Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing
Absolute Collagen emphasizes its commitment to sustainability by sourcing its collagen from the skin of fish that are already farmed for human consumption. This practice re-purposes a byproduct that might otherwise be discarded, aligning with a zero-waste strategy and reducing environmental impact. By choosing farmed fish over wild-caught, the company also ensures a consistent and controlled supply chain.
Why Marine Collagen Over Other Sources?
When comparing collagen types, several factors differentiate them, particularly regarding absorption and sourcing. Marine collagen stands out for its high bioavailability and clean source.
| Feature | Marine Collagen | Bovine Collagen | Porcine Collagen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Fish skin (Tilapia, Pangasius) | Cowhides, bones, ligaments | Pig skin, tissues |
| Primary Type | Type 1 | Types 1 and 3 | Types 1 and 3 |
| Bioavailability | High (smaller molecular weight) | Moderate (larger molecular weight) | Moderate (larger molecular weight) |
| Risk of Disease | Low (not susceptible to terrestrial animal diseases) | Higher (e.g., BSE, FMD) | Higher (e.g., FMD) |
| Sourcing | Often from fish farming byproducts | From meat industry byproducts | From meat industry byproducts |
What are the Key Components of the Supplement?
Beyond the fish collagen, Absolute Collagen includes other ingredients that aid its efficacy and provide additional benefits. For instance, Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis in the body. The liquid supplement also contains water, natural flavorings, and a sweetener derived from stevia. This focus on a clean, simple formula with synergistic ingredients sets the brand apart from others that may use fillers and binders.
Conclusion
In summary, Absolute Collagen uses Type 1 hydrolyzed marine collagen derived from the skin of farm-raised tilapia and pangasius fish. This choice is based on the superior bioavailability of marine collagen compared to bovine or porcine alternatives, its specific benefits for skin, hair, and nails, and the ethical sourcing from the fish farming industry. The inclusion of Vitamin C further enhances its effectiveness, providing a concentrated, science-backed supplement that supports the body's natural beauty from within. For those seeking to address declining collagen levels, understanding the source in Absolute Collagen provides clarity and confidence in their supplement choice.
To see what makes marine collagen stand out, you can explore the comparative benefits discussed by SkinGlo Collagen.
