Fish Collagen – What's Behind Marine Collagen?

What is marine collagen?

Marine collagen – also called fish collagen – is hydrolyzed collagen derived from fish. Unlike bovine collagen (from cattle), marine collagen comes from fish skin, fish scales, or fish bones.

Like bovine collagen, marine collagen is a Type I collagen – the most common type of collagen in the human body, found in skin, tendons, bones, and connective tissue.

Note: For collagen peptides, no health claims are permitted in the EU under the Health Claims Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006. This article is for general information only. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation – this is the only permitted health claim in this context (EU Regulation No. 432/2012).

Fish Collagen vs. Bovine Collagen – What's the Difference?

Origin

• Marine Collagen: From fish skin, fish scales, or fish bones – often wild salmon, cod, or tilapia
• Bovine Collagen: From cattle hide or bones – predominantly grass-fed EU cattle

Collagen Type

• Both primarily provide Type I collagen
• Bovine collagen also contains Type III collagen

Molecular Size

• Marine collagen typically has a lower molecular weight than bovine collagen – often ~1500–2000 Daltons
• Smaller molecules dissolve faster

Amino Acid Profile

Both collagen sources have a similar amino acid profile:

• Glycine: ~33% – primary building block of the collagen triple helix
• Proline: ~12% – structural
• Hydroxyproline: ~10% – stabilizes the triple helix

Why do some people choose marine collagen?

• Religious or personal reasons: No beef (Halal, Kosher, personal preference)
• Sustainability aspects: Marine collagen can be obtained from fish waste (skin, scales) – a byproduct of the fishing industry
• Molecular size: Often lower molecular weight than bovine collagen

Our marine collagen products

Marine Collagen Peptides (~2000 DA) – 120 Capsules

Marine Collagen Peptides (~2000 DA) – 120 Capsules – practical capsule form for on the go, no mixing required, precisely dosed. Made in Germany.

Collagen Marine Plus (1500 DA) – 50 Wild Berry Shots

Collagen Marine Plus (1500 DA) – 50 Wild Berry Shots – ready-to-drink marine collagen with 1500 Dalton molecular weight, wild berry flavor, 50 shots of 10ml each. Particularly low molecular weight, ready to drink instantly.

Vitamin C – the only approved collagen claim

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones, cartilage, teeth, and gums – an approved health claim according to EU Regulation No. 432/2012. Those supplementing with marine collagen should ensure an adequate intake of vitamin C.

What to look for when buying?

• Origin of the fish: Wild-caught or aquaculture? Transparent labeling is important
• Molecular weight: Indication in Daltons as a quality feature (e.g., ~1500 DA or ~2000 DA)
• Purity: Without artificial flavors, fillers, or additives
• Manufacturing standard: Made in Germany as a quality signal
• Dosage form: Powder, capsules, or ready-to-drink shots

Conclusion

Marine collagen is a high-quality alternative to bovine collagen – with the same Type I collagen and a similar amino acid profile. The choice between fish and bovine collagen depends on personal, religious, or practical preferences – biochemically, both are well-researched.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is marine collagen?

Marine collagen (fish collagen) is hydrolyzed Type I collagen derived from fish skin, fish scales, or fish bones. It has the same amino acid profile as bovine collagen: Glycine (~33%), Proline (~12%), Hydroxyproline (~10%).

What is the difference between marine and bovine collagen?

Both provide Type I collagen with a similar amino acid profile. The main difference lies in the origin (fish vs. cattle) and molecular weight: marine collagen is often ~1500–2000 Daltons, bovine collagen typically ~2000 Daltons. Bovine collagen also contains Type III collagen.

Is marine collagen Halal?

That depends on the fish species and certification. Fish is considered Halal in many Islamic schools of law – however, an official Halal certification should be requested from the manufacturer.

Are there approved health claims for marine collagen?

No. For collagen peptides – whether marine or bovine – no health claims are permitted in the EU under the HCVO (EC) No. 1924/2006. The only approved claim in this context applies to vitamin C: Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation (EU Regulation No. 432/2012).

How much glycine is in marine collagen?

Marine collagen hydrolysate contains approximately 20–22g of glycine per 100g of product – identical to bovine collagen. Glycine is the most common amino acid in collagen and makes up about one-third of the total structure.

What is the difference between 1500 DA and 2000 DA marine collagen?

1500 Daltons and 2000 Daltons describe the molecular weight of the collagen peptide chains. The smaller the Dalton value, the finer the hydrolysis and the faster it dissolves. CollMeCell offers marine collagen in both sizes: 1500 DA as ready-to-drink shots and 2000 DA as capsules.

Can marine collagen be combined with Vitamin C?

Yes. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones, cartilage, teeth, and gums – an approved health claim according to EU Regulation No. 432/2012. There are no approved HCVO claims for marine collagen itself.