What is Fish Collagen?

You’ve probably heard about collagen and its benefits, but what makes pure fish collagen stand out? Is it really better than other types? And how does it support the body beyond just skin and hair?

In this article, we’ll break it all down – what pure fish collagen is, how it works, and why it’s gaining so much attention.

What is fish collagen and what is it made of?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, after water, so it’s definitely an important one! It is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles.

Besides giving you radiant skin and silky-smooth hair, hydrolysed collagen (the broken-down and more easily digestible form) has some serious health perks. Studies have shown that it can benefit heart, brain and bone health and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Fish collagen is made from the skin, scales, and bones of fish, which are naturally rich in collagen proteins. These parts undergo hydrolysis, a process that breaks down the collagen into smaller peptides and amino acids, making it easier for the body to absorb.

Chuckling Goat Pure Fish Collagen peptides are made from the skin of wild-caught cod fish.

The key components of fish collagen include glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Because of its smaller peptide size, fish collagen is highly bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs and utilises it more efficiently than some other collagen sources.

Three main types of collagen:

Type I – The most abundant collagen type in the human body. It helps makes up hair, bones, skin, teeth, ligaments, and tendons. Marine and fish collagen is the best source of collagen type I.
Type II – This collagen type makes up joint cartilage, helping to keep you feeling agile, strong and flexible.
Type III – Helps makes up the connective tissue of muscles, and improves the elasticity properties in ligaments and tendons.

After the age of around 25, your body’s natural collagen production begins to slow down and continues to do so as you get older. Some people like to keep their collagen levels topped up through their diet, whereas others prefer to take supplements.

Let’s take a look at why our Pure Fish Collagen ranks amongst the best for replenishing and rebuilding your body’s natural levels.

Why choose fish collagen?

When choosing which collagen to take it is important to consider the source. Our fish collagen comes from wild-caught, North Atlantic cod, so you can be sure that it is free from antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, chemicals, etc.

It utilises the skin of the fish which would otherwise be discarded, so the process is a sustainable one.

Marine and fish collagen is renowned for its benefits¹, including:

Reduce wrinkles, improves skin elasticity and enhances the overall structure and appearance of skin.
Improves hair growth and strength leading to thicker looking hair.
Promotes bone strength, joint function and promotes muscle mass.
Supports gut lining integrity. It is rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which help strengthen and repair the intestinal barrier, potentially aiding in conditions like leaky gut.
Promotes gut healing. Helps stimulate collagen production within the gut, which may support tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
Aids digestion. Glycine supports stomach acid production and bile flow, which can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Supports microbiome balance. Some research suggests that collagen peptides may have a prebiotic-like effect, helping to support a healthy gut microbiome.

Check out our full guide on fish collagen benefits to learn more.

Photo of Chuckling Goat Pure Fish Collagen beside scoop and glass on white background.

What is the difference between fish collagen and marine collagen?

Fish collagen and marine collagen are essentially the same thing, but it’s important to pay attention to their particular sources.

Fish collagen comes from fish, mainly fresh water and sea fish such as pangasius, tilapia and cod. Marine collagen also comes from those sources, but can also include sharks, jellyfish and sponges.

Why choose fish collagen over bovine collagen?

The biggest difference between fish collagen and other types of collagen is the source. Fish collagen comes from fish, while bovine collagen comes from cows. Bovine is created from cowhides, and fish collagen is made from fish skin and scales.

Unlike bovine collagen, fish collagen is similar in size to human collagen and easier to digest. Marine and fish collagen is also absorbed into the body more efficiently than bovine collagen, making it a preferred option.

How does fish collagen differ to fish oil?

Fish oil and fish collagen both have important health benefits, but they are very different products. Fish oil is a valuable source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are nutrients that help build and maintain a healthy body.²

Fish collagen, on the other hand, is a complex structural protein that helps maintain the strength and flexibility of skin, ligaments, joints, bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, gums, eyes, nails and hair.

How much fish collagen should you have?

We recommend 1.5 tablespoons of Pure Fish Collagen (10g) a day. Pure Fish Collagen is highly bioavailable, meaning it’s easily digested and absorbed by the body, making it a great supplement to add to your morning routine.

What are the side effects of fish collagen?

Side effects to taking collagen are rare. It is worth noting people with allergies to fish, seafood, shellfish and marine creatures should avoid taking fish collagen. While unusual, mild digestive issues such as bloating, nausea and diarrhoea can occur in people with sensitive systems.

If you have a sensitive or reactive system, we recommend starting with a small dose, such as 1/2 teaspoon, and slowly building up to the recommended dose or a tolerable level.

How to include fish collagen into your diet

Our Pure Fish Collagen is one of the three elements of our Gut Health Protocol – kefir, Complete Prebiotic Powder and Pure Fish Collagen taken together daily to start you on your gut healing journey. Check out all our gut health essentials here!

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via Live Chat weekdays 8am to 8pm. Want to know more about Chuckling Goat? Check out our About us page.