What is Marine Collagen and Where Does It Come From?

By Dr B

With collagen sustaining that top spot in the vogue of supplements, I often get asked which type of collagen should I take - bovine and marine?  Or why did you use marine collagen in GEN.  Marine collagen is a highly bioavailable form of collagen derived from fish skin and scales. Rich in Type I collagen, it is commonly used to support skin, hair, nails, bones and connective tissue health. As natural collagen production declines with age, many people choose marine collagen supplements as part of their daily wellness routine.

At GEN Collagen, we use premium Peptan® marine collagen peptides sourced from responsibly managed fisheries, combining quality, sustainability and convenience in every serving.

What Is Marine Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for approximately 30% of the body’s total protein content. It provides structure and strength to the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues.

From our mid-20s onwards, collagen production naturally begins to decline. This gradual reduction can contribute to visible signs of ageing, including fine lines, reduced skin elasticity, brittle nails and changes in joint comfort.

Marine collagen is a form of collagen sourced from fish and is particularly rich in Type I collagen, the most abundant collagen type found in the skin, hair, nails and bones.

To improve absorption and usability, marine collagen is hydrolysed into smaller peptides through a process known as hydrolysis. These collagen peptides dissolve easily and can be incorporated into powders, capsules and ready-to-drink products like GEN Collagen.

Where Does Marine Collagen Come From?

Marine collagen is typically sourced from fish skin and scales, materials that would otherwise become by-products during fish processing.

Rather than allowing these valuable resources to go to waste, they are carefully processed and purified to create collagen peptides suitable for supplementation.

At GEN Collagen, we use Peptan® marine collagen peptides, produced using strict quality standards and rigorous testing procedures to ensure consistency, purity and traceability.

This approach helps maximise resource efficiency while delivering a premium collagen ingredient consumers can trust.

Why Is Marine Collagen So Popular?

Marine collagen has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its high concentration of Type I collagen and its versatility within wellness and beauty routines.

Many people choose marine collagen because it:

• Supports healthy skin structure
• Contributes amino acids needed for hair and nail health
• Fits easily into a daily wellness routine
• Is suitable for pescatarians
• Can be sourced using sustainable production methods

As awareness of healthy ageing continues to grow, marine collagen has become one of the most widely used collagen supplement formats available today.

Marine Collagen at a Glance

 

Feature	Marine Collagen	Bovine Collagen
Absorption	Higher — smaller peptides	Moderate
Collagen Type	Type I	Type I & III
Popular For	Skin, hair and nails	General connective tissue support
Source	Fish skin and scales	Cow hides & bones
Pescatarian Friendly	Yes	No
Sustainability	Uses fish by-products	Uses cattle by-products
Taste & Mixability	Neutral, dissolves easily	Can have stronger taste/texture

 

Quick Summary

Marine collagen is particularly popular among those looking to support skin, hair and nail health because it is naturally rich in Type I collagen. Bovine collagen contains both Type I and Type III collagen and is often chosen for broader connective tissue support.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our guide to Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: Which Is Better?

Benefits of Marine Collagen

Supports Skin Health

Collagen is one of the key structural components of the skin.

As collagen levels decline with age, skin may gradually lose elasticity and hydration. Marine collagen provides amino acids that support the body’s natural collagen-building processes and is often used as part of a healthy skincare and wellness routine.

Many consumers begin supplementing with collagen to support smoother, firmer and more hydrated-looking skin over time.

Supports Hair and Nail Health

Hair and nails are made primarily from keratin, a protein that relies on amino acids for its production.

Marine collagen contains amino acids that contribute to the body’s natural protein-building processes, which is one reason it has become popular among individuals looking to support stronger nails and healthier-looking hair.

For more information, read our guide to Does Collagen Help Hair Growth and Stronger Nails?

Supports Healthy Ageing

Natural collagen production declines every year after our mid-20s.

This process accelerates during periods of hormonal change, including menopause.

By supporting collagen intake through nutrition and supplementation, many people aim to maintain healthy skin, connective tissues and overall wellbeing as they age.

Learn more in our article on Marine Collagen and Menopause: What the Research Shows.

Supports Bone and Connective Tissue Health

Collagen is a key component of bones, tendons and ligaments.

Maintaining adequate collagen levels may help support the structural integrity of connective tissues throughout life.

For this reason, collagen supplementation has become increasingly popular among active individuals and those seeking to support healthy ageing.

Why We Chose Peptan® Marine Collagen

Not all collagen supplements are created equal.

At GEN Collagen, we selected Peptan® marine collagen peptides because they are among the most researched collagen ingredients available globally.

Peptan® is manufactured using carefully controlled processes designed to ensure:

• Consistent peptide size
• Excellent solubility
• High purity standards
• Full traceability
• Reliable quality control

This commitment to quality helps ensure that every serving delivers the same premium collagen experience.

Understanding the differences between collagen sources is also important. Read our guide comparing Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Consumers increasingly want products that support both personal wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

Marine collagen offers an opportunity to utilise fish skin and scales that would otherwise become waste products.

By transforming these by-products into high-quality collagen peptides, valuable resources can be used more efficiently and sustainably.

At GEN Collagen, sustainability is an important part of our sourcing philosophy. We believe consumers should not have to choose between quality, effectiveness and environmental responsibility.

How Much Marine Collagen Should You Take?

The optimal collagen intake varies depending on individual goals and lifestyle factors.

Many scientific studies investigating collagen supplementation use daily doses ranging from 5g to 10g of collagen peptides.

Each serving of GEN Collagen contains 8g of premium marine collagen peptides, providing a convenient way to incorporate collagen into your daily routine.

Consistency is often more important than timing, and most studies assess outcomes over several weeks or months rather than days.

Learn more in our guide on How Much Collagen Should You Take Per Day?

Why GEN Collagen Contains 8g of Marine Collagen

One of the most common questions we receive is why each serving of GEN Collagen contains 8g of marine collagen peptides.

The answer is simple: we wanted to provide a meaningful daily serving that aligns with the amounts commonly used in collagen research while remaining convenient to consume every day.

Scientific studies investigating collagen supplementation have used a range of doses, typically between 5g and 10g of collagen peptides per day, depending on the health outcome being studied.

At 8g per serving, GEN Collagen provides a substantial daily amount of premium marine collagen peptides in a convenient, ready-to-drink format.

We also chose a liquid format because consistency is one of the most important factors in any wellness routine. By making collagen easy to consume, we aim to help people incorporate it into their daily lives without the need for mixing powders or swallowing multiple capsules.

Combined with premium Peptan® marine collagen peptides, this approach allows us to deliver quality, convenience and consistency in every serving.

 

Try GEN — The UK’s First Sparkling Collagen Drink

Ready to experience the benefits of GEN’s sparkling marine collagen drinks?
Explore our collagen drinks

Your wellness routine starts here — sustainably sourced, scientifically proven, and refreshingly different.

Related Articles

• Does Collagen Help Hair Growth and Stronger Nails?
• Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: Which Is Better?
• How Long Does Collagen Take To Work?
• How Much Collagen Should You Take Per Day?
• Marine Collagen and Menopause: What the Research Shows

Frequently Asked Questions

What is marine collagen made from?

Marine collagen is typically derived from fish skin and scales that are processed and purified into collagen peptides suitable for supplementation.

Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen?

Both collagen sources offer benefits. Marine collagen is rich in Type I collagen and is particularly popular for skin, hair and nail support. Read our full comparison of Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: Which Is Better?

How long does marine collagen take to work?

Most collagen studies evaluate results over 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Individual experiences may vary. Learn more in our guide to How Long Does Collagen Take To Work?

Is marine collagen sustainable?

When sourced responsibly from fish by-products, marine collagen can help reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.

What type of collagen does marine collagen contain?

Marine collagen primarily contains Type I collagen, the most abundant collagen type in the human body.

Can I take marine collagen every day?

Marine collagen is commonly taken daily as part of a balanced wellness routine. Follow product instructions and seek professional advice if you have specific health concerns.

Learn more about Daily Collagen Dosage Recommendations.

Scientific References

1. Bello AE, Oesser S. Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature.
2. Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovska NA. Oral collagen supplementation: a systematic review of dermatological applications.
3. De Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
4. Paul C, Leser S, Oesser S. Significant improvement in skin condition following oral supplementation with collagen peptides.
5. Sibilla S, Godfrey M, Brewer S, Budh-Raja A, Genovese L. An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen as a nutraceutical on skin properties.
6. Ricard-Blum S. The Collagen Family.
7. Shoulders MD, Raines RT. Collagen Structure and Stability.
8. Asserin J, Lati E, Shioya T, Prawitt J. The Effect of Oral Collagen Peptide Supplementation on Skin Moisture and the Dermal Collagen Network.
9. Zague V. A New View Concerning the Effects of Collagen Hydrolysate Intake on Skin Properties.
10. König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, et al. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women.

Medical Disclaimer

Collagen supplements should not be considered a substitute for a varied diet, healthy lifestyle or professional medical advice. Individual results may vary, and anyone with specific medical concerns should consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning supplementation.

Key Takeaways

• Marine collagen is derived from fish skin and scales.
• It is naturally rich in Type I collagen.
• Marine collagen supports skin, hair, nail and connective tissue health.
• Collagen production naturally declines with age.
• Peptan® marine collagen peptides are chosen for their quality, consistency and traceability.
• Marine collagen can be sourced sustainably using fish by-products.
• GEN Collagen provides 8g of marine collagen peptides per serving.
• Consistent daily use is important for achieving the best results.

About Dr B

Dr B is a practicing GP with a special interest in healthy ageing, nutrition and evidence-based wellness. Through GEN Collagen, Dr B is committed to helping consumers better understand the science behind collagen supplementation and make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.