Hydrolyzed marine collagen or native marine collagen? What are the differences?
Contents
In recent years, dietary supplements containing collagen have attracted many people seeking to improve joint comfort or enhance their skin's radiance. And if you're reading this, you're probably one of them!
As a structural protein of body tissues, collagen contributes to the elasticity and suppleness of the epidermis, as well as the strength and flexibility of ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.
But when it comes to choosing a collagen supplement, a question arises: hydrolyzed marine collagen or native marine collagen? Not much is said about the difference between hydrolyzed collagen and its native (or denatured) version, yet it's not a trivial matter!
What are the specific characteristics of hydrolyzed marine collagen VS native collagen? What are the conclusions of recent scientific studies? What criteria should you check before making your choice?
☝️ We answer the question that many of our customers ask us (and we've delved deeply into the topic too!)
A preliminary reminder: what is collagen?
Collagen: an essential role in the body
Collagen is the major protein in the human body (and throughout the animal kingdom).
Like a "binder", it provides mechanical resistance to stretching and helps maintain the flexibility and elasticity of body tissues, from cartilage to skin!
Collagen is primarily produced by fibroblast cells, as well as chondrocytes and osteoblasts, until around the age of 25. After that, the amount of collagen in the body gradually decreases (and permanently).
This decrease is correlated with the natural aging of the skin (and our first wrinkles), reduced joint resistance, and a longer recovery time after injury. Certainly, aging isn't very appealing!
In the food, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement industries, it can be extracted from mammals (beef, pork, chicken) or fish and shellfish.
☝️ Note: We will only discuss marine-sourced collagen here, as we believe it is the best collagen, in line with our values: quality, high bioavailability, traceability, and sustainability.
We recommend
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Powder
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen powder of types I & III.
- ✅ Fine powder easy to dissolve
- ✅ Available in 3 flavors
- ✅ 1 month supply
- ✅ Made in France 🇫🇷
The different types of collagen
Regarding collagen supplements, formulas specify whether they contain collagen types I, II, or III. This distinction helps identify which part of the body the collagen in the product comes from, specifically from fish.
👉 Collagen type I: rich in hydroxyproline, it is derived from fish skin;
👉 Collagen type II: it is found in fish bones, making it less relevant due to the more complex extraction process;
👉 Collagen type III: it is extracted from the walls of blood vessels, intestines, and internal organs.
At Novoma, we have chosen hydrolyzed collagen peptides of types I and III from Naticol, our trusted partner located less than an hour's drive from our offices. Local all the way! 🇫🇷
Native Collagen VS Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen
Collagen supplements can be distinguished by whether they contain hydrolyzed or native collagen. We explain their differences, advantages, and disadvantages.
Native or Denatured Collagen
❌ Native collagen, also known as denatured collagen, is extracted directly from cartilage without undergoing hydrolysis. Its absorption by the intestines is lower, mainly due to its high molecular weight.
🔍 What does this mean?
Native collagen molecules are "heavier" and not water-soluble. As a result, the body may have more difficulty absorbing it (and benefiting from its properties). Larger and heavier molecules mean lower absorption during ingestion and potentially more inconsistent concentration in the bloodstream!
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen
✅ Hydrolyzed marine collagen provides collagen peptides with a very low molecular weight (2000 Da), associated with high bioavailability and better digestive tolerance.
🔍 What does this mean?
In its hydrolyzed form, long collagen chains are broken down into smaller molecules called "peptides." Hydrolysis makes collagen more water-soluble, thus increasing its ease of absorption by the body and the product's bioavailability! Not to mention, the low molecular weight of hydrolyzed collagen allows the body to absorb it more effectively!
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen: the clear winner? Yes!
Excellent absorption by the body
✅ Regarding absorption and bioavailability, researchers have observed that ingesting hydrolyzed collagen would result in a greater absorption dynamics by the intestine than previously observed with larger molecules.
A similar study published in the Nutrients journal in 2019 revealed that the ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen peptides in a group of 10 men would increase plasma concentrations of amino acids, as well as the absorption rate and bioavailability of collagen, glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
✅ Regarding absorption and bioavailability, researchers have observed that ingesting hydrolyzed collagen would result in a greater absorption dynamics by the intestine than previously observed with larger molecules.
A similar study published in the Nutrients journal in 2019 revealed that the ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen peptides in a group of 10 men would increase plasma concentrations of amino acids, as well as the absorption rate and bioavailability of collagen, glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
➡️ And for the ideal time to take it? Here's when and how to take collagen.
The benefits observed by science
✅ A study published in the Journal of BioMedicine in 2021 reviewed the results of 19 randomized trials on the effects of hydrolyzed collagen on skin aging. The outcome? According to the researchers, ingesting hydrolyzed collagen over a 3-month period showed promising results in reducing wrinkles, and improving skin elasticity and hydration.
Other similar studies have observed a significant increase in the synthesis of macromolecules by chondrocytes.
💡 Did you know? Macromolecules are an assembly of collagen, proteoglycans, elastin, and structural glycoproteins, present in the extracellular matrix.
✅ The results of the study suggest that oral ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen correctly absorbed by the intestine could help people seeking to reduce their joint discomfort.
What are the limits and drawbacks of native collagen in supplements?
Less effective
❌ Due to its high molecular weight, native collagen is harder to absorb and generally less well-tolerated by the digestive system. Its insolubility makes native collagen less bioavailable.
The indispensable addition of other active ingredients
❌ The properties claimed by supplements containing native collagen are made possible by the addition of other active ingredients known for their effect on joint comfort or skin beauty, such as biotin.
In other words, it is sometimes a way to increase the final product's price (no comment!).
Conclusion
The difference between hydrolyzed marine collagen and native collagen is not to be taken lightly! Hydrolyzed marine collagen is more complex to produce, and its price is indeed higher, but its effectiveness (and sustainability 🌿) is more significant.
Our choice of local suppliers and internalizing our logistics has allowed us to minimize the final cost of our hydrolyzed marine collagen, making our products accessible to as many people as possible! 🫂
Any questions? Need advice for a cure tailored to your needs? Don't hesitate to contact us!
FAQ
What is hydrolyzed marine collagen?
Hydrolyzed marine collagen is obtained through a hydrolysis process, resulting in peptides with a very low molecular weight, better assimilated and tolerated by the body.
What is the most effective marine collagen?
While marine-sourced collagen offers significant benefits, its effectiveness depends on several factors: extraction quality, source of raw materials, and the presence of active ingredients to maximize its properties. The presence of Vitamin C may enhance its effectiveness.
Is it good to take collagen every day?
Taking collagen daily is entirely possible, as a supplement, of course, to a balanced and varied diet.
