Absolute Collagen's Specific Formula
Absolute Collagen is not just any collagen supplement; it is a precisely formulated product containing hydrolysed Type 1 marine collagen. This means it originates from fish, specifically tilapia and pangasius, which are farm-raised for human consumption. This choice of source and processing method is critical to the product's purported effectiveness. By using marine collagen, the company offers an alternative to the more common bovine (cow) and porcine (pig) sources, which may have religious or dietary limitations for some consumers. Furthermore, marine collagen is seen by some as a more sustainable choice as it utilizes by-products from the fishing industry.
The Importance of Hydrolysis
Collagen is a large, complex protein. In its native form, it is difficult for the body to digest and absorb efficiently. Hydrolysis is a process that uses enzymes to break down these large collagen molecules into smaller, more digestible particles called collagen peptides. Absolute Collagen's formula is hydrolysed, leading to a much higher bioavailability and absorption rate, which the company claims is up to 95%. This superior absorption allows the body to utilize the collagen more effectively, delivering it to the deep layers of the skin, hair, and nails where it is needed most.
Why Type 1 Marine Collagen?
There are several types of collagen found in the human body, but Type 1 is the most abundant, making up about 90% of the body's total collagen. It is a critical structural component of the skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissues. Since Type 1 collagen production naturally decreases from around the age of 25, supplementing with this specific type can help replenish declining levels. Marine collagen is almost exclusively Type 1, making it a targeted solution for those primarily concerned with the health of their skin, hair, and nails.
The Added Boost: Vitamin C
In addition to the marine collagen peptides, Absolute Collagen supplements are formulated with Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the body's natural collagen synthesis process. Without sufficient Vitamin C, the body cannot effectively produce or utilize collagen. The inclusion of this essential nutrient enhances the overall efficacy of the supplement, ensuring the body has the necessary cofactors to make the most of the collagen peptides provided.
Comparison of Collagen Types
To understand why Absolute Collagen opts for marine collagen, it helps to compare it to other common sources.
| Aspect | Marine Collagen | Bovine Collagen | Porcine Collagen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Source | Fish scales and skin | Cow hides and bones | Pig skin and bones |
| Collagen Types | Mostly Type 1 | Types 1 and 3 | Types 1 and 3 |
| Bioavailability | High, especially when hydrolysed | Lower than marine, though still good | Lower than marine |
| Target Benefits | Excellent for skin elasticity, hydration, hair, and nails | Supports skin, hair, nails, muscles, and organs | Supports skin, hair, nails, muscles, and organs |
| Sustainability | Uses fish by-products | Variable, depending on sourcing | Variable, depending on sourcing |
| Allergies | Avoid if allergic to fish | Generally safe, but be cautious with allergies | Generally safe, but be cautious with allergies |
Benefits of Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen
The combination of Type 1 marine collagen and the hydrolysis process is designed to deliver a range of specific benefits. Research and user feedback suggest the following potential advantages:
- Improved Skin Elasticity and Hydration: Studies indicate that regular supplementation can help increase skin moisture and elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Stronger Hair and Nails: Marine collagen provides the building blocks for keratin, the protein that makes up hair and nails, which can lead to reduced brittleness and thicker hair.
- Support for Joint Health: While known primarily for beauty benefits, marine collagen provides amino acids that support connective tissues and may help improve joint mobility, though it contains less Type 2 collagen than bovine sources.
- Antioxidant Protection: Hydrolyzed collagen has antioxidant properties that may help protect the skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress.
- Enhanced Absorption: As mentioned, the hydrolysed nature ensures the body can absorb and use the collagen peptides efficiently, leading to faster and more noticeable results.
Conclusion
In summary, Absolute Collagen is a highly absorbable supplement containing hydrolysed Type 1 marine collagen sourced from fish. The company specifically chose this source and processing method to maximize bioavailability and target aesthetic benefits related to skin, hair, and nails. By including Vitamin C in their formula, Absolute Collagen further supports the body's natural ability to synthesize new collagen. While other collagen types offer different benefits, Absolute Collagen's formula is designed for optimal skin rejuvenation and visible beauty results based on its targeted composition. For more information on the effectiveness of hydrolysed collagen, authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health provide valuable context, as seen in their published studies like this one on the impact of collagen supplements on skin(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8944283/).
