BENEFITS OF MARINE COLLAGEN TYPE 1

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body. It is the ‘glue’ that holds our bodies together and represents about 70% of our body’s skin and connective tissue when we are young. Natural collagen levels decrease with age and as a function of lifestyle choices (smoking, alcohol, fast-food & lack of sleep etc all accelerate collagen loss).

Collagen is essential for the creation and maintenance of skin, cartilage, bones and muscles, it gives structure to our skin and provides the foundation for the retention of elastin and hyaluronic acid. Elastin is an elastic protein present in our skin alongside collagen that helps maintain skin and body contours, while hyaluronic acid cushions and retains moisture to keep our skin hydrated. There is a natural correlation between collagen, elastin & hyaluronic acid levels : the more collagen we have in our skin, the more elastin and hyaluronic acid we have too, leading to a firmer, smoother, younger looking complexion.

With age and environmental damage, collagen is lost and our body's natural production decreases. It is estimated that beyond the age of 25 the body's natural collagen levels typically reduce at a rate of 1.5% per year, leading to a 20% - 25% loss of collagen by the time we are 40, a process accelerated by the free radicals created through smoking and processed food. As collagen production slows, we also lose elastin and hyaluronic acid and the structure of our connective tissue begins to break down; Damage to the structure of the skin reduces its ability to maintain elasticity and retain moisture, and this leads to a thinner, drier complexion, wrinkles and the tell-tale signs of aging.

To counteract this evolution it can be very beneficial to consume bioavailable marine collagen Type 1. Marine collagen Type 1 is of very low molecular weight and therefore passes easily from our digestive system into the bloodstream, making it very bioavailable and well assimilated into our connective tissue and skin.

Clinical studies have found that Marine Collagen type 1 can stimulate increased collagen synthesis, thicken the epidermis and contribute to the maintenance of healthy skin, joints, bones, hair and nails. Researchers at Beijing University's School of Public Health in China explored the effects of marine collagen peptides on the skin of aging mice. In findings published in the Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine in April 2008, the researchers reported that test animals fed marine collagen peptides showed a significant thickening of their epidermis compared to mice in the control group. Researchers also reported a sharp increase in the number and activity of collagen producing fibroblasts in the skin of mice treated with marine collagen.

Other Studies also support these conclusions that supplementation with bioavailable marine collagen Type 1 increases the development of new collagen in our skin¹.