Marine collagen is considered a precious nutrient recognised for its multiple benefits. It contributes, for example, to significantly improving the elasticity of the skin and protecting the joints. It is available in the form of food supplements.
In this article, we help you discover the interest of a collagen peptide supplementation within the framework of a sports activity such as bodybuilding and fitness.

What is marine collagen?

Marine collagen is a composition of specific amino acids whose chemical structure is similar to the collagen produced by the human body. It helps to improve the tone, elasticity and vitality of the epidermis, thus restoring the skin’s strength and suppleness. As for the joints and tendons, in simple terms, it is the « glue » that helps hold the body together.

Natural collagen is synthesised by the body and forms a chain of amino acids that is the richest source of protein in glycine. It is also the most abundant source of protein in all structures of the human body. It is present in ligaments, tendons, skin, eyes, lungs, liver, kidneys, arteries, nails, hair and the placenta.

However, collagen production does not remain constant throughout life. It decreases with age (from the age of 25), resulting in a decrease in muscle tone, thinning of joint cartilage, loss of skin tone, and fragile nails and hair. Women over the age of 40, but also men, see their collagen production rate decrease by about 1% per year. Hence the importance of a regular intake of marine collagen to ensure the proper functioning of all connective tissues.

What is the use of marine collagen for bodybuilding?

Collagen is not just a beauty cream ingredient. It is above all an excellent binder for the body which serves to hold muscle tissue together. Marine collagen is extracted from the skin of fish. It is more precisely described as a collagen hydrolysate, a fibrous macromolecule of the glycoprotein type. It acts as a support structure and anchors the cells to each other. It therefore gives the muscles strength and elasticity.

Its consumption for bodybuilding exercises is highly recommended. It acts by providing peptides that strengthen joint ligaments, cartilage and tendons. This collagen improves the flexibility of the athlete’s joints as well as their bone mineral density. It therefore makes the human body strong and flexible. For a person who regularly does fitness exercises, marine collagen will prevent inflammatory conditions and tendonitis which could limit his movements.

Muscular training in general has become an essential part of the world of sport. Professional and amateur sportsmen and women have understood its importance and include it in their physical preparation. The process requires sustained work to force the development of muscles. The aim of bodybuilding is both functional and aesthetic, as it also helps to create a firm and imposing body shape for the athlete.

A collagen supplement can only be very beneficial in these conditions to support mechanical resistance and allow the muscles to recover quickly after exercise. Consumed before exercise, collagen can promote blood oxygenation and increase the athlete’s endurance. Note that marine collagen has no side effects and is not recognised as an allergen.

How to choose marine collagen?

At this point, it is useful to point out that there are several types of collagen, with three main types classified as follows:

  • Type I collagen, representing 90% of the collagen in the human body, found in bone tissue, skin and tendons;
  • Type II collagen is mainly found in cartilage
  • Type III collagen found in muscles and vessel walls.

Marine collagen is generally presented as a neutral powder of hydrolysed peptides. But it also exists in other formats: capsules, creams, liquids, solutions… The diversity of functions of marine collagen and its natural origin favour its clinical versatility and its various medical applications.

The hydrolysate form of collagen is more successful because of its bioavailability. This is because hydrolysed collagen is easily assimilated by the bloodstream, unlike non-hydrolysed collagen which has large molecule sizes. Added to food, drinks or other preparations of your choice, it is used as a food supplement to enrich your daily intake. In order to reinforce its action, marine collagen is sometimes combined with certain active ingredients such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

Indeed, our current dietary habits, which are not very focused on collagen sources, cannot cover the daily needs of an adult individual. Collagen food supplements are therefore the ideal alternative to support our intake necessary for the good resistance of the tissues. Generally speaking, the recommended daily dose is 10g of collagen hydrolysate powder or 3 collagen capsules. By observing a regular consumption of the powder, you gain in intake for more than 97% of protein.

Where can I buy marine collagen?

If you want to buy organic marine collagen, the best way is to turn to approved distributors. In this case, pharmacies, parapharmacies and online shops specialising in the distribution of organic products. Also take into account the criteria that guarantee the nutritional quality of your marine collagen:

  • its bioavailability: your marine collagen food supplement will only be more effective when it is easily absorbed by your body. So opt for marine collagen hydrolysate;
  • its origin: to take full advantage of the properties of your marine collagen, we advise you to favour sources of uncultivated fish (wild fish). This is an essential point to guarantee the organic nature of your supplement.