Marine Collagen: The superfood for your gut health and digestion
From strong skin, healthy hair and strong nails to supporting joint health, collagen is essential for the body. Marine collagen in particular is becoming increasingly important as it not only firms the skin, but also plays a crucial role in gut health and healthy digestion. Find out how marine collagen regenerates your intestinal mucosa, reduces inflammation in the gut and strengthens the intestinal flora to improve your digestion in the long term.
The collagen context
Before we look at how marine collagen contributes to gut health, let's first understand what collagen is (source). Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is an essential building block for skin, bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and the digestive tract. It plays a particularly important role in intestinal health, as it strengthens the intestinal mucosa and supports tissue regeneration.
Marine collagen contains valuable amino acids such as proline, glycine and hydroxyproline, which help to repair the intestinal wall, reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion. These essential nutrients not only support the intestinal flora, but also help to improve nutrient absorption and strengthen the intestinal barrier.
Fish collagen: an overview
When it comes to sourcing collagen, options range from beef to pork to fish. However, marine collagen, which is derived from the skin, bones and connective tissue of fish, has recently gained popularity due to its unique benefits (source).
Sustainability of marine collagen
Marine collagen is obtained from fish by-products such as skin and bones that would otherwise be disposed of as waste. This resource-efficient use promotes sustainable sourcing and actively contributes to environmental protection without negatively impacting wild fish populations. The use of by-products eliminates unethical farming practices, making fish collagen an environmentally friendly alternative.
Excellent absorption due to marine collagen peptides
Marine collagen peptides have a low molecular weight, which leads to outstanding bioavailability. This property enables particularly effective absorption and utilization by the body. Thanks to this high absorption, high-quality marine collagen not only supports intestinal health, but also promotes healthy digestion and general well-being.
Origin from the deep sea - quality and purity
High quality fish collagen is sourced from deep sea fish, minimizing the risk of contaminants and GMOs. The unique amino acid composition from this deep sea source specifically supports intestinal health and digestion. This natural origin guarantees a premium fish collagen that meets the highest quality standards and is ideal for health-conscious consumers.
The influence of marine collagen on intestinal health
The gut plays a central role in overall wellbeing, and maintaining its health is crucial for efficient digestion, absorption of nutrients and a robust immune system. Marine collagen offers numerous benefits for gut health, making it a popular choice for anyone looking to improve their digestive health through their diet (source).
Improvement of the intestinal mucosa
Thanks to the high bioavailability of marine collagen, it effectively penetrates the intestinal mucosa and improves its function. The amino acids contained in fish collagen, especially glycine, strengthen the intestinal barrier and prevent the penetration of harmful substances such as toxins and bacteria that can lead to inflammation. In addition, marine collagen promotes the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria and supports the regulation of the immune system in the intestine.
Improvement of nutrient absorption
Marine collagen supports the production of digestive enzymes, which are essential for the effective breakdown of food and subsequent nutrient absorption. The rich amino acid composition plays a key role in optimizing nutrient absorption. In combination with a healthy diet, regular consumption of fish collagen can increase the efficiency of the digestive process and thus contribute to a healthier gut.
Support for natural collagen synthesis
With increasing age, the body's own collagen production decreases, which can lead to symptoms such as wrinkles, dry skin and joint pain. Marine collagen provides essential amino acids that support natural collagen synthesis and compensate for the age-related loss of collagen. Regular use of fish collagen can therefore not only promote skin elasticity, but also improve general well-being.
Regulation of stomach acid
Marine collagen contributes to the balanced regulation of gastric juice secretion, which is essential for optimal digestion. By promoting a stable acid supply in the stomach, it helps to prevent excess gastric juices that can lead to heartburn, stomach ulcers and other painful digestive problems. This property makes fish collagen a valuable part of a digestion-friendly diet.
Combine marine collagen supplements with gut-healthy foods
The purest form of collagen is generally tasteless and can therefore be consumed in a variety of ways. Here are some foods that combine well with a collagen product to provide optimal support for gut health.
High-fiber foods
Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in a healthy gut, as it reduces digestive disorders and increases the diversity of the intestinal microbiota. They promote intestinal motility, prevent constipation and support the regular cleansing of the digestive tract. Your daily diet should include fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. These foods help your digestive system to work optimally and stay healthy in the long term.
Probiotic foods
Probiotics are live microorganisms that support the balance of the intestinal flora and promote the growth of healthy bacteria. Probiotic foods such as yoghurt, miso soup and kimchi help to stabilize the intestinal flora and keep the digestive system working smoothly. The regular intake of probiotic foods not only strengthens the immune system in the gut, but also optimizes general digestion - an important building block for sustainable gut health.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to various digestive disorders and long-term health problems. Anti-inflammatory foods therefore play a central role in a gut-friendly diet. Foods such as turmeric, green tea, green leafy vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruits such as blueberries help to reduce inflammation. By eating these foods regularly, you not only support your immune system, but also promote a smooth digestive process and prevent painful complaints.
Conclusion
Marine collagen has been shown to have the potential to promote digestion and gut health due to its high solubility, its richness in amino acids and its role in promoting the growth of good gut bacteria. Regular intake of marine collagen may lead to better digestion and fewer symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230273/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6153947/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9198822/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620305028
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9198822
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8718035/