Most of us are familiar with the anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil for joints, but did you know that collagen sourced from fish also has benefits for joint mobility and pain?
Numerous clinical trials have reported the benefits of marine collagen on joints, via their actions of down-regulating inflammation and helping protect and regenerate the mechanical structure and integrity of cartilage (the component of joints that acts like a shock absorber).1-4
One such marine collagen with proven results to support joint health is Cartidyss®. It contains collagen peptides and chondroitin sulfate that help maintain healthy cartilage and reduce joint discomfort. A clinical trial using Cartidyss®, showed that taking 1000mg of marine collage daily, for 1-3 months, significantly improved mobility, joint comfort, and reduced knee pain while walking and at rest.
What is collagen? And why do we need collagen?
Collagen is a vital protein in our bodies that is the main component of skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons and ligaments, providing structure, strength and elasticity.
Collagen comes from the Greek meaning “glue producing”. You can think of collagen as the body's natural scaffold and adhesive, keeping everything firm and flexible. Without it, your skin would sag, your joints would ache and your bones would become brittle.
As we age, our body's collagen production naturally decreases and maintaining natural collagen levels becomes increasingly challenging. This decline leads to a decrease in joint flexibility and an increase in joint stiffness and pain.
Different types of collagen for joint health
There are over 28 types of collagen identified in the body, each serving different purposes. The most common forms, necessary for structural support and resistance to mechanical stress in connective tissues, are: 2,3,5,6
- Type I: The most abundant type of collagen, found in our skin, tendons, ligaments, bones and teeth. Type I is essential for maintaining skin's strength and elasticity.
- Type II: The main constituent of cartilage, Type II collagen is crucial for joint health and repair.
- Type III: Present alongside Type I, Type III helps keep our muscles and blood vessels elastic.
- Type IV: Located in the layers of our skin, Type IV provides structure and support to various skin cells.
Why use marine collagen for joints?
Marine collagen, containing amino acids and peptides, is rich in Type II collagen, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of cartilage of the joints. Studies have shown that the high bioavailability of marine collagen allows for more efficient delivery of peptides to the joint tissues, helping to repair and maintain cartilage, reduce inflammation and improve overall joint function.5
Better absorption
Marine collagen like Cartidyss® is known for its superior absorption. Its smaller molecular size means it can be more easily digested and used by the body.7 This enhanced bioavailability ensures that more collagen peptides reach the skin, joints and other connective tissues where they’re needed most.
Additional nutrients
Additionally, marine collagen often contains higher levels of essential amino acids, such as glycine and proline, which are vital for collagen production and joint repair. These amino acids can help lessen joint pain and stiffness, making marine collagen a popular option for people looking to improve their joint health.3,5,6,8
Sustainably-sourced and quality-controlled
Marine collagen has other benefits too. It's safe, sustainable, and doesn't have any religious restrictions. Also, collagen from marine sources, especially those harvested from sustainably-managed fisheries, is less likely to be contaminated and is free from diseases that can affect land animals, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), better known as mad cow disease.3,6
Cartidyss® marine collagen stands out from other collagens due to its unique sourcing and processing methods and offers several advantages over traditional collagen supplements. Cartidyss® marine Type II collagen comes from fish cartilage, mainly harvested from the pristine coastal waters off Brittany, France. It is specifically selected from sustainable marine sources, to ensure superior quality.9 This makes it an eco-friendlier option compared to traditional bovine or porcine collagen forms.10
Cartidyss® marine collagen undergoes rigorous testing for heavy metal content, microbiological factors, purity and safety, meeting and surpassing the stringent standards set by the European Regulations and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia.
Interested in learning more? Click here for more information on the benefits of marine collagen.
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This article was written by Stephanie Berglin, Nutritionist and Herbalist
References:
- Yves H, et al. Oral supplementation with fish cartilage hydrolysate in an adult population suffering from knee pain and function discomfort: results from an innovative approach combining an exploratory clinical study and an ex vivo clinical investigation. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023;24(1):748.
- Wang H. A review of the effects of collagen treatment in clinical studies. Polymers (Basel) 2021;13(22):3868.
- Geahchan S, et al. Marine collagen: A promising biomaterial for wound healing, skin anti-aging, and bone regeneration. Mar Drugs 2022;20(1):61.
- Czajka A, et al. Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing. Nutr Res 2018;57:97-108.
- Martínez-Puig D, et al. Collagen supplementation for joint health: The link between composition and scientific knowledge. Nutrients 2023;15(6):1332.
- Rahman A, et al. Unlocking the therapeutic potential of marine collagen: A scientific exploration for delaying skin aging. Mar Drugs 2024;22(4):159.
- Campos PMBG, et al. Oral supplementation with hydrolyzed fish cartilage improves the morphological and structural characteristics of the skin: A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Molecules 2021;26(16):4880.
- Xu N, et al. Marine-derived collagen as biomaterials for human health. Front Nutr 2021;8:702108.
- Abyss Ingredients. Cartidyss 2024, https://www.abyss-ingredients.com/en/cartidyss
- Siahaan EA, et al. Potential cosmetic active ingredients derived from marine by-products. Mar Drugs 2022;20(12):734.