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Top 7 Marine Collagen Supplements, An RD’s Best Picks

We highlight the top marine collagen supplements, compare it with bovine collagen, and provide alternative options if you’d rather stick with bovine.

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Have you walked down the vitamins and supplements aisle of your local grocery store of health foods store lately? If so, you’ve probably noticed that collagen supplements are a hot new item. Collagen isn’t new to our bodies, but it’s only been recently that people have started to supplement with it. This protein is part of our skin, bones, joints and muscles. It’s a key component of anti-aging. Our natural collagen production starts to drop in our 30s, which is why these products have started to come out.

If you’re like me, then you want to know everything there is to know about a specific nutrient or product before you start taking it. As a registered dietitian, I want to make sure that I can recommend high quality items to my clients that will benefit them; not harm them. Collagen is something that we require in order to protect various parts of our body, but not all supplements may be as pure and effective as one would hope.

Collagen can be sourced from a few different places, such as bovine and marine sources. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to give you a rundown of the best marine collagen products on the market, and why you should consider buying one for daily use. But first, let’s talk a little more in-depth about what marine collagen is and the benefits it can provide.

What Is Marine Collagen?

Marine collagen (or marine peptides) is sourced from various sea animals such as pangasius, tilapia, jellyfish and shellfish. It can come from the bones, flesh, skin and scales of fish. The extraction process is pretty intricate, requiring the flesh of the fish to be removed and cleaned. It is then subjected to a hydrolysis process using enzymes and acids to remove as high of collagen levels as possible.

Marine collagen is considered to be type I collagen, which is the form of collagen that we find most commonly in the human body. Type I collagen benefits our skin, tendons, bones, hair and nails. Marine collagen can also include lower levels of types II and IV collagen, depending on what marine source the collagen came from.

Some people just prefer marine collagen because it’s a pescetarian-friendly option that doesn’t include any collagen from land animals.

Benefits of Marine Collagen

People will often turn to marine collagen instead of something like bovine collagen, because marine collagen tends to be absorbed by the body better. If you’re looking to reap the most benefits from the supplement you’re taking, marine is the way to go. Here are some of the benefits that you can potentially achieve with the regular use of a high-quality marine collagen supplement.

Promotes Better Skin Health

Marine collagen consists of amino acids such as praline, glycine and hydroxyproline. All of these ingredients help boost the healing ability of the skin while also stimulating the production of collagen. You can use marine collagen to improve the health of your skin, hair nails, etc. It’s a powerful anti-aging supplement that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve hydration, increase elasticity, clear up breakouts, prevent breakouts and enhance a youthful glow.

Delay Aging

When it comes to delaying aging, you want to give your marine collagen supplement enough time to work. It may take as long as 12 weeks to see any kind of change. Studies have shown that collagen supplementation can reduce wrinkles by as much as 35 percent. It also improves the elasticity and firmness of your skin, which can affect how youthful you look as well.

Supports Joint Health

Collagen peptides from marine sources support joint and bone health pretty substantially. It is suspected that collagen improves the absorption of other essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium. These minerals help create strong joints and bones, while also increasing the production of osteoblasts. These are cells that are an important part of bone mineralization.

The Best Marine Collagen Supplements

It’s time to take a look at what I think are the seven best marine collagen supplements on the market. I’ve recommended these products to a number of my clients as a way to increase collagen intake to benefit the skin, hair, joints, bones and body overall.

#1. ONEST Marine Collagen Powder

onest marine collagen powder

Onest’s Marine Collagen contains 100 percent hydrolyzed collagen, so it has been broken down into smaller amino chain peptides that are easier to absorb. This very important protein that is made up of amino acids will deplete as we age, leading to poor joint health, unhealthy looking skin, wrinkles, inflammation and so much more. The marine-sourced collagen supplement can reverse common signs of aging while benefiting your body as a whole.

Inflammation and joint pain are also something that people often experience as they get older. While these symptoms can be caused by other issues, decreased collagen production often plays a big role. Marine collagen from Onest Health can support your joints so they’re more flexible and comfortable. You can even add Glycine and Glutamine to your diet by way of this supplement. These amino acids support your digestive tract so it’s less inflamed and more balanced.

Pros

  • Makes your skin healthier and more youthful
  • Improves your hair and nails
  • Decreases inflammation in the body
  • Balances your gut
  • Stimulant free
  • Improves joint health

Cons

  • You may need to take up to two full scoops each day

#2. Further Food Premium Marine Collagen

further foods marine collagen

Further Food Premium Marine Collagen contains 6,600 milligrams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides per serving. This collagen has been sustainably sourced from wild-caught North Atlantic codfish, and it contains types I, II and III collagen. This is one of the most bioavailable forms of collagen that you will find compared to porcine and bovine-sourced collagen. It’s tasteless, odorless and pescatarian-friendly. No preservatives or artificial ingredients have been added.

This Premium Marine Collagen supplement from Further Food has the potential to help reduce wrinkles, strengthen your hair and nails while also improving the health of your gut and joints. Even if you’re looking to boost your weight loss routine, marine collagen can improve feelings of satiety so you consume less calories and can reduce food cravings. There are 18 amino acids included in this formulation, so you reap the most benefits possible from a collagen supplement.

Pros

  • Can promote youthful radiant skin
  • Has the ability to strengthen your hair and make it grow faster and healthier
  • Builds stronger bones
  • Supports gut health
  • Includes highly bioavailable collagen
  • Contains types I, II and III collagen

Cons

  • Some intestinal discomfort may occur when you first start taking this product, but your body should adjust rather quickly

#3. Nordic Naturals Beauty Marine Collagen

nordic naturals marine collagen

Nordic Beauty Marine Collagen has been formulated for optimal absorption. It delivers small, hydrolyzed collagen peptides along with pure vitamin C to aid in the stimulation and support of the collagen-producing cells that are located throughout the human body. There are 4200 milligrams of bioactive collagen peptides included in each dose, with type I collagen being the most prevalent inclusion. Sourced from Arctic cod, Nordic Naturals Beauty Marine Collagen has been third-party tested to confirm its purity and quality.

Nordic Naturals Collagen is made from completely non-GMO ingredients. This is a brand that creates supplements with consistency and quality in mind. You can even view their certificates of analysis right on their website (https://www.nordic.com). This specific collagen supplement can be mixed easily into any hot or cold liquid, but keep in mind that is has a mild strawberry flavor to it.

Pros

  • Contains vitamin C for optimal skin health
  • Formulated for optimal absorption
  • Stimulates and supports collagen-producing cells
  • Has a mild strawberry flavor
  • No fishy aftertaste
  • Third-party tested

Cons

  • Some people find collagen powders and other powdered supplements to be inconvenient and messy
  • Flavored with strawberry, so you might be limited with how you can use it

#4. One Ocean Beauty Marine Collagen Capsules

one ocean beauty marine collagen

One capsule of One Ocean Beauty Marine Collagen each day helps combat skin aging from the inside out. This fish collagen is chock full of vitamins, nutrients and essential fatty acids to help slow down your loss of collagen that is inevitable with age. It can also fight back against common issues like irritation and inflammation, so you look younger and healthier.

This is truly a beauty-focused marine collagen thanks to additional ingredients like lycopene, evening primrose oil and pomegranate. These antioxidant-rich components protect the skin from free radical damage, reduce inflammation and prevent wrinkles from forming. The One Ocean Beauty brand has invested in studies to confirm the effectiveness of their product. They claim that when used regularly, One Ocean Beauty Marine Collagen Capsules can prevent the loss of collagen by just over 50 percent. After 30 days, there was a 21.3 percent decrease in wrinkle depth.

Pros

  • Comes in a convenient capsule form
  • Clinically proven results
  • Inspired by a Mediterranean diet
  • Slows the loss of collagen
  • Accelerates skin rejuvenation
  • Brightens the complexion

Cons

  • Definitely one of the higher priced marine collagen supplements I’m mentioning in this article
  • Some people prefer a powdered supplement over capsules so they can control their dose

#5. CODEAGE Wild-Caught Marine Collagen

codeage marine collagen

CODEAGE Wild-Caught Marine Collagen contains hydrolyzed marine collagen types I and III along with 10,000 micrograms of biotin and vitamins C and E. To further boost your beauty routine, CODEAGE has also included hyaluronic acid, amla berry, lemon powder, rose hip extract, tremella mushroom along with amino acids. This is a completely meat-free supplement that is also keto-friendly.

This is a very affordable marine collagen supplement. You get 120 capsules for just over $30. However, the serving size is four capsules per dose. Not only will you be able to reap the benefits of increasing your collagen intake with the use of CODEAGE Wild-Caught Marine Collagen, but you’ll notice a shift in your energy and overall well being thanks to the included functional mushrooms and other natural ingredients.

Pros

  • Includes types I and III collagen
  • Also includes biotin and hyaluronic acid
  • Comes in capsule form for ease of use
  • Keto-friendly
  • Third-party testing is utilized
  • Sustainably and wild caught

Cons

  • You may experience digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, diarrhea or pain when adjusting to this product
  • Biotin is included at over 33,000 percent more than the recommended daily value

#6. Truvani Marine Collagen (Wild Caught)

truvani marine collagen

This is a very well-rounded marine collagen supplement from Truvani that covers a lot of bases in regard to your health. Sourced from wild caught cod, haddock, pollock, redfish and flounder, Truvani Marine Collagen can promote healthy and vibrant skin by increasing elasticity, hydration, tone, texture and appearance. It supports your joints by repairing connective tissues. You can even strengthen your fingernails and hair with regular use.

Inside of this Truvani Marine Collagen is glycine, which is very important for liver health and function. Some people even notice that they’re able to sleep better at night when they supplement with collagen. Stronger bone structure and promoting lean body mass round out the impressive list of benefits you can achieve with the use of Truvani Marine Collagen.

Pros

  • Supports the health of your hair, joints, and bones
  • Promotes vibrant skin
  • Wild caught and sustainably sourced
  • Promotes lean body mass
  • Supports liver health
  • Provides support against free radicals
  • Thousands of reviews are listed on the brand’s website for this specific product

Cons

  • This product is manufactured in a facility that processes a lot of the common major allergens like nuts, eggs, milk and wheat
  • Some people found the powder was a little difficult to dissolve

#7. Vital Proteins Marine Collagen

vital proteins marine collagen

Twelve grams of collagen peptides are included in each dose of Vital Protein’s Marine Collagen. There is a non-marine version of this collagen that is also very popular, but this meat-free variety is preferred by many people. The brand offers this collagen in different forms, which is nice if you don’t like using a powdered product or you want more control with your dosage amount. You can choose between powder, capsules or even travel packets.

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen contains a full panel of amino acids that can benefit your body by strengthening your hair, skin and nails, by turning back the hands of time so you look more youthful and by improving your joint and bone health. As the glue that holds everything together, supplementing with Vital Proteins Marine Collagen can help you feel younger, more vibrant and healthier.

Pros

  • Various packaging options available
  • Easy to mix powder formula
  • Supports healthy bones and joints
  • Offers skin, hair and nail support
  • Highly bioavailable

Cons

  • Powdered collagen can sometimes be a messy option
  • May cause some GI discomfort at first

Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: What’s Better?

There are a number of differences between marine collagen and bovine collagen. If you’re following a very strict diet that doesn’t include meat, then you’re going to prefer a marine-based product for the reason that it’s sourced from fish. However, marine collagen tends to be more beneficial for things like skin, nail and hair health (beauty in general).

If you’re looking for a more balanced form of collagen that can do it all, bovine may be the way to go. Bovine collagen contains types I and III collagen and a vast amino acid profile. Essentially, you’ll achieve more benefits from a whole-body perspective when you use a bovine collagen product.

Here are some options for Bovine Collagen

If you think bovine collagen would be a better option to try for your collagen supplementation, here are some of my top products.

Primal Harvest Collagen

Primal Harvest collagen contains premium collagen peptides that are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. Containing hydrolyzed collagen types I and III, this product doesn’t contain any antibiotics or hormones. It can be used for beauty purposes, but it’s also optimal for supporting healthy bones and joints. It comes in powder form, so you can mix it into liquids like coffee, tea, water or juice.

primal collagen powder

1st Phorm Collagen with Dermaval

A low-temperature process is used to create 1st Phorm’s Collagen with Dermaval. The purpose of this is to ensure that the collagen is as bioavailable to the body as possible. There are five different forms of collagen included in total in this supplement, along with one of the best amino acid profiles around. 1st Phorm has opted to include Dermaval in their collagen, which is a phytonutrient complex that increases the production of elastin in the body. This reduces wrinkles, supports bone health, increases the speed of hair growth that you experience, and you can also use it to boost joint health as you age.

1st phorm collagen powder

Manna Liposomal Collagen Peptides

Containing types I and III collagen, Manna Liposomal Collagen (read review here) is extremely beneficial for beauty purposes like improving the elasticity of your skin, smoothing out wrinkles, etc. This collagen has been sourced from grass-fed bovine that has never been treated with hormones, antibiotics or steroids. Manna has used their specialty NanoFuse technology to increase bioavailability of the collagen in their Manna Liposomal Collagen Peptides. It’s a liquid collagen supplement, so you can drink it right out of the bottle or mix it into any liquid you choose.

manna collagen liquid

Conclusion: Should You Try Marine Collagen?

As a registered dietitian, I understand that there are a lot of benefits to eating a plant-based lifestyle. For people that enjoy focusing on less meat and more fish and produce, there can still be the option for using collagen for a variety of health benefits. If you’re looking for a type of collagen that focuses quite a bit on improving your beauty routine, I recommend marine collagen.

Bovine may be a better option if you’re looking for a fuller profile of nutrients and benefits. This is not to discount marine collagen. It’s still an extremely potent product that can help you focus on your health and wellbeing.

Seeing as how we experience a great loss in collagen production as we age, I think this is definitely a key supplement to keep in mind. Collagen is something that is very natural and produced within our own bodies. We just have to fill in the gaps sometimes so we can still reap the benefits of ample collagen.

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Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD

Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, earned her masters degree in Nutrition and Foods from the University of Georgia. She's a Registered Dietitian at Morrison Healthcare and has a strong passion in helping people improve their wellness!

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