Collagen is one of the most important proteins for the health of the human body. Renowned for many years in the field of aesthetics, specialists use it to slow down skin ageing and combat the appearance of wrinkles. It has other benefits and appears to have a positive effect on joint health. When taken as a dietary supplement, it limits the inflammation of connective tissues, which is responsible for joint pain and tendonitis. Type I collagen is particularly effective in this case. It is also used to promote cartilage reconstruction and protect the bone attachments of a beloved animal: the horse.

Tendinitis: inflammation of the tendons

Tendinitis is a common condition, prevalent among those who perform repetitive movements or athletes who train intensively. It often occurs in high-impact sports such as football, basketball, tennis or even running. When it occurs, the tendons become painful during movement and may sometimes be swollen.

Collagène, des bienfaits pour vos tendons

It is important to note that tendons, which are one of the strongest parts of the body, are composed of more than 90% collagen in both humans and animals such as horses. Their strength therefore depends on the quality and quantity of collagen they contain.

This is why, as with the skin, ageing has an impact on the health of tendons. The production of collagen, which is naturally present in the body, tends to decrease over time. Where tendons are attached to bones, this can have troublesome consequences.

When collagen tends to disappear or break down, tears appear in the tendon. These tears can cause tendinitis.

It is important to distinguish between tendinitis, which is related to inflammation, and tendinosis, which is more likely to be caused by degeneration of the tendon. The most common types of tendinitis are those that can affect the shoulder or Achilles tendon, resulting in significant stiffness in these joints, which limits movement.

To help relieve the pain of these conditions, marine collagen supplements may be prescribed.

Marine collagen: what is it?

Collagen supplements can be made from three different sources:

  • Beef or pork carcasses.
  • Fish waste (skin and bones).
  • Glycine.

Marine collagen comes from fish skin and bones. These waste products are hydrolysed using a specific process that preserves the integrity of the protein. More expensive than animal collagen, it is more traceable and more effective as a supplement because it is better absorbed by the body.

This type of collagen can be packaged in different forms. The best known is powder. This tasteless and odourless powder is popular with athletes. This collagen is also available in capsules, tablets, sticks and even liquids. Collagen is often combined with other active ingredients in these supplements, particularly hyaluronic acid, which is also renowned for its health benefits.

The benefits of collagen for tendon health

Collagen helps to strengthen the body as a whole. It limits the impact of ageing on the skin and cardiovascular system, but it is also beneficial for joints and tendons.

Joint pain associated with rheumatism, osteoarthritis or certain autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can be effectively relieved by taking marine collagen. Studies show that athletes were able to significantly reduce swelling in their knee caps by taking 10 grams of collagen supplements daily over a six-month period.

Tendons have very few blood vessels. They regenerate very slowly, which can cause problems such as tendinitis. Any unusual effort, poorly controlled pulling, lack of warm-up or repetitive movement can eventually lead to this type of problem, as the type I collagen that makes up these parts of the body disappears over time.

In this case, a marine collagen supplement can promote better tendon recovery. If taken before problems arise, it can preserve the tendon fibres and prevent them from deteriorating. This means they remain effective for longer.

To prevent inflammation from developing in the tendons and causing tendinitis or tendinopathy, marine collagen supplements help maintain a healthy natural environment for these fibrous tissues. In most cases, collagen is combined with other anti-inflammatory active ingredients such as zinc, magnesium, antioxidants or vitamin C.

For athletes, some recommend a combination of collagen peptides with glycine and chondroitin sulphate. This combination is thought to support better joint and muscle recovery and prevent the onset of tendinopathy.

Already widely used in the field of aesthetics, marine collagen is now proving that it can be used in a much broader range of applications. While it certainly helps to combat skin ageing, its benefits go far beyond this. It can also help to relieve other ailments. It prevents cardiovascular disease, supports the immune system and appears to have an impact on the health of connective tissue, cartilage and tendons, promoting good joint flexibility. Taken in the form of supplements and combined with other active ingredients, it appears to be able to prevent, relieve or reduce certain painful conditions such as tendinitis.