With so many now being aware of the health benefits of supplementing with collagen, we are often asked to explain why one might choose marine collagen over bovine collagen, especially when it comes to skin health.

As most would be aware, collagen is extracted from gelatine which is usually sourced from either fish or bovine (cows). Gelatine comprises of these large protein chains which, after being digested and transformed into amino acids, enter our circulatory system to hopefully do its job. Regrettably, this doesn’t always happen. It has been found for gelatine to be most effective it needs to be hydrolysed. By hydrolysing the gelatine, it actually breaks the large protein chains contained in the gelatine into smaller chains of amino acids known as peptides. This then enables better absorption through the gut lining and of course allows our body to be replenished of the collagen it requires.

Marine collagen which is obtained from the skin and scales of fish is believed to be the more superior form of collagen especially when supplementing as a skin food. It is an important building block which is integral in sustaining firmness, hydration and elasticity in our skin. It is in fact used in medical procedures to assist wound healing. Marine collagen is known as a type 1 collagen which is the most abundant type of collagen found in our bodies. Interestingly because marine collagen peptides are smaller than bovine collagen, it is believed marine collagen is up to 50% more absorbable. It has been found taking a daily dose of 1 gram can reduce age-related collagen degradation in 6 weeks and improve skin hydration and elasticity and decrease wrinkles by 12 weeks. Because our skin takes between 27 and 42 days to renew itself, we need to take marine collagen for no less than a month to see an obvious difference.

To help enhance our skin and prevent signs of ageing, it can also be helpful to find a collagen formula with added antioxidants.

I would always look to include Vitamin C. Vitamin C isn’t just a vitamin we take in winter to avoid colds and flu. It is a potent and well recognised antioxidant which can neutralise and eliminate oxidants, particularly those found in environmental pollutants as well as exposure to the sun. Our skin is made up of several layers. The epidermal outer layer is highly cellular and provides a barrier to the inner layer. It is then the inner layer which provides the elasticity, strength and nutritional support to our epidermis. Our skin generally contains a large concentration of Vitamin C and importantly, it’s the Vitamin C which increases the collagen synthesis which is an obvious reason to include Vitamin C in a collagen supplement. It is worth noting, Vitamin C has been found to significantly aid wound healing and reduce scar formation. For more information I suggest reading an interesting research paper The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health(1)

Because Green Tea is also an antioxidant, it is believed to help neutralise free radicals, assist in protecting the skin from UV rays and improve our skin tone. Interestingly it is also believed supplementing 1500mg green tea daily may be helpful in reducing acne. The compounds in green tea known as polyphenols may be helpful in preventing the sebaceous glands from producing excess sebum, (oil). We know too much sebum can enable dead skin cells to clog pores causing acne.

For more information on collagen or any health issue, call to see Bev and the team at Go Vita Batemans Bay, 5 North Street, Batemans Bay or call on 0244729737. Don’t forget to tune in to Bev on 2EC every Wednesday at 12.30pm on Go Get Healthy.

(1) ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC579659

• 1 Cup Dates, Soaked
• 1 Cup Almonds
• 2 scoops of NutriVital Collagen Beauty powder
• Juice of Half a Lemon
• 1/3 Cup Goji Berries
• 2 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, Melted
• ½ Cup Desiccated Coconut + extra to roll

1. Soak dates in warm water for 15 minutes, strain and set aside
2. Add Almonds to food processor and blend for 1-2 minutes until almond meal consistency
3. Add all remaining ingredients and blend until well formed
4. Roll into balls and coat in desiccated coconut. Place in the fridge to set for approximately 20 – 30 mins. Enjoy