Collagen has become one of the most popular health and beauty supplements worldwide. However, as more and more people explore collagen products, terms like fish collagen and collagen peptides often cause confusion. Are they the same? Are fish collagen peptides any different? This blog will explain the differences and similarities between them and explore fish collagen peptides.
What is Fish Collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein that makes up roughly 30% of the protein in the human body. It is the main component of connective tissues such as skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and blood vessels. Collagen molecules form a triple-helix structure, giving tissues strength and elasticity.
Fish collagen is a type of collagen extracted specifically from fish skin(deep-sea cod) and scales(tilapia). Fish collagen is naturally rich in Type I collagen, which is the most abundant collagen in human skin and connective tissues. This makes fish collagen particularly popular for beauty and skin-focused supplements.
Fish collagen can exist in native form (unprocessed collagen) or as hydrolyzed collagen peptides. The latter form is referred to as fish collagen peptides, which are highly bioavailable and widely used in nutraceuticals.
What are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen, are collagen molecules that have been enzymatically broken down into smaller peptides. This process reduces the molecular size, making them easier to dissolve in liquids, digest, and absorb in the human body.
Key characteristics:
- Small molecular weight: Typically 1,000–10,000 Da, allowing for quick absorption.
- Various Sources: including bovine (cow), porcine (pig), chicken, and fish.
- High solubility: Can easily mix into drinks, smoothies, or food products.
Similarities Between Fish Collagen and Collagen Peptides
1. Support Skin, Hair, Nails, and Joints
Both provide amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which stimulate collagen synthesis in the body.
2. Protein Source
Both are derived from natural protein sources, whether marine or terrestrial.
3. Health Benefits
Both contribute to improved skin elasticity, hydration, joint flexibility, and tissue repair.
Differences Between Fish Collagen and Collagen Peptides
| Feature | Fish Collagen | Collagen Peptides |
| Source | Fish (skin, scales) | Multiple sources: bovine, porcine, chicken,fish |
| Form | Native collagen (large molecules) | Hydrolyzed peptides (small molecules) |
| Absorption | Lower (unless hydrolyzed) | High (rapid absorption) |
| Application | Skincare, cosmetics, some dietary supplements | Dietary supplements, functional foods,beverages |
| Molecular Size | High | Low (easier digestion) |
Fish collagen refers to collagen sourced from fish, while collagen peptides refer to the processed form of collagen that is hydrolyzed for better bioavailability. Fish collagen peptides offer the best of both worlds: a fish source in a highly absorbable form.
Fish Collagen Peptides: The Best of Both Worlds
Fish collagen peptide is a high-molecular-weight functional protein extracted from fish scales and fish skin. Its molecular weight ranges from 500 to 5000 Daltons. It can be divided into two categories: oligopeptides and polypeptides and is easily absorbed by the human body.
Fish collagen peptides have excellent bioavailability due to their small molecular size. Studies show that marine collagen peptides are absorbed faster than bovine or porcine peptides, allowing for more efficient utilization in skin, joints, and connective tissues.
Preparation Process
1. Extraction: Fish by-products are cleaned and treated to extract collagen.
2. Hydrolysis: Collagen is broken down enzymatically into smaller peptides.
3. Filtration and Purification: Impurities are removed to obtain high-purity collagen peptides.
4. Drying: Spray-dried into powder form, soluble in water and beverages.
Why choose fish collagen peptides?
- Type I Dominance: Fish collagen is almost exclusively Type I, which is the most abundant type in the human body (making up about 90% of our collagen). It's the foundational building block for skin, hair, nails, bones, and tendons.
- Superior Absorption: Some studies suggest that due to their smaller molecular size and different amino acid profile, fish collagen peptides may have even higher bioavailability than bovine or porcine peptides.
- Safety & Sustainability: For those with dietary restrictions, fish collagen is a safe choice. It's ideal for people who avoid pork (Halal/Kosher) or beef. It's also a highly sustainable choice, utilizing parts of the fish that would otherwise be discarded.
- Hypoallergenic: It's generally not associated with common allergens found in land-based animal collagens.
Applications
- Nutricosmetics: Anti-aging powders, capsules, and beauty drinks.
- Functional foods and beverages: Protein shakes, smoothies, and fortified drinks.
- Health supplements: Joint, bone, and gut health products.
- Cosmetics: Some topical creams contain hydrolyzed fish collagen for hydration support.
How can you be sure you're getting a quality product? Identification Methods
Fish collagen peptides can be identified and characterized using:
Molecular weight analysis (SDS-PAGE, gel filtration chromatography)
Amino acid composition analysis (HPLC)
Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to verify the collagen structure
Solubility tests to confirm hydrolyzed peptide form
What we can provide to manufacturers and distributors?
As a fish collagen peptides manufacturer, UNDERSUN offers brand manufacturers and distributors a comprehensive solution to meet product development, formulation, and market demands.
1. High Purity & Safety Standards: Rigorous testing for heavy metals, microbial contamination, and allergens.
2. Traceability: Clear sourcing and documentation for transparency and quality assurance.
3. Tailored Specifications: Particle size, molecular weight, purity, and solubility adjusted to meet your needs.
4. OEM Services: Customized formulations and branding support for finished products.
5. Flexible Packaging: Small or bulk packaging options for different production scales.
6. Research & Development Collaboration: Support in new product development, including ingredient blending and innovative applications.
Ready to take your products to the next level with premium fish collagen peptides? Whether you need bulk supply, custom formulations, or private labeling, we will help you maximize your returns.
Contact us today to request a quote and COA!