Uses of Liquid Fish Collagen

Collagen is a connective tissue found in the skin, joints, bone, cartilage, teeth, tendons and blood vessels. It is a group of naturally occuring proteins and it accounts for 25 to 35 percent of the total protein in the body. Age can diminish the presence of collagen and give rise to sagging skin, wrinkles, arthritic joints and other health problems. Many have turned to liquid fish collagen, a marine collagen, to restore youth to skin and to help with joint and bone health.

Basis for Use

Liquid fish collagen is derived from the skin and scales of deepwater cod. Unlike animal collagen derived from cows and pigs, fish liquid collagen has a smaller molecular weight -- around 300 dalton; a dalton is an atomic mass unit. Its smaller molecular weight helps with more efficient collagen synthesis, enabling the body to use it to restore skin and bone health. Also, the small intestine more readibly absorbs it.

Cosmetic Use

Age and indiscriminate exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can affect skin health. Since collagen is the connective fiber that gives skin its firmness, cosmetic industries have included liquid fish collagen as one of the ingredients in their products to restore skin health. Liquid fish collagen is often used in face creams and skin products to boost elasticity and increase collagen production to achieve firmer and younger skin.

Supplements

Liquid fish collagen diet supplements are sold over the Internet and in health stores. Such supplements offer many kinds of health benefits, from improving hair and nail health to helping weight loss to producing healthy bones and joints. The supplements are oftentimes combined with other herbs or substances. The actual benefit of taking liquid fish collagen is still under debate, even though some studies support the effectiveness of liquid fish collagen in treating arthritis-related ailments.

Sports Nutrition

Hydrolyzed collagen undergoes a process whereby large protein chains are broken down into smaller more digestible sizes, while keeping most of the amino acids intact. Athletes use hydrolyzed fish liquid collagen to build muscle mass and to decrease recovery time following injuries. Liquid fish collagen is also used to rebuild joint structures and improve cardiovascular performance.