Connective Tissue Support for the Skin

Collagen Benefits and Background

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, it makes up 70% of the protein in the skin and 90% of total connective tissue and organic bone mass. This long chain of amino acids naturally occurs in the human body, but as we age, our ability to produce collagen diminishes, leading to wrinkles and weakened joint cartilage.

Many protein rich foods can help boost the collagen levels in the body, providing the building blocks for healthier skins and connective tissues. Fatty fish, eggs, bone broth and beans are all good choices of protein rich food.

Marine Collagen versus Other Sources

Collagen can be derived from many animal sources, such as skins and bones of cows, pigs chicken and fish. Depends on the source of the collagen, it can be called bovine collagen (cow), porcine collagen (pig), fowl collagen (chicken) and marine collagen (fish). 

Marine collagen originating from fish, is superior at increasing the overall collagen in the body and improving the health of skin, hair, nail, bone and muscles because of the richness of Type I collagen. Type I collagen makes up 70% of our skin and is key to replenishing skin and consequently helping to reverse aging.  However, collagen stemming from other sources, such as fowl (chicken) is rich in Type II collagen, which makes up 50-60% of the cartilage protein. It is associated with benefits for joint health and cartilage.

Moreover, marine collagen also has the lowest molecular weight of all collagens, meaning it can access through the bloodstream easier and gets absorbed faster, compare with collagen derived from other sources, marine collagen can be absorbed 1.5 times more efficiently.

Xtend-Life only uses high quality collagen that is derived from fish skin, which is manufactured by Copalis® from North of France who has 50 years’ experience with fish protein hydrolysates.

The collagen power is fully traceable which complies with the highest quality standards. It is sustainably derived from wild fish in the North Atlantic waters, primarily include cod, haddock, plaice and saithe as a standard by-product of existing fishery operations.

This natural marine bioactive is proven for its efficacy. Results of Copalis’ three months clinical study indicated that this marine collagen powder can improve the hydration of the entire epidermis and decrease the visibility of aging by reducing the number of deep wrinkles and fine lines. It also meets Halal and Kosher requirements.

Uses of Collagen

The most significant uses of collagen are to help support skin health, improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Other benefits of collagen include hair and nail health, joint health, injury recovery and healthy inflammation management.

Hair and nail support

Our hair and nails are literally made up of proteins. Hair that lacks a glossy luster and brittle nails are both common signs of a protein deficiency. Collagen is an integral part of the body's rejuvenation process and is essential for healthy hair and stronger nails.

Joint health support

Early research indicates that a supplement containing type II collagen may help to manage joint discomfort and tenderness. The regimen in this study consisted of oral supplements taken for eight weeks.

Injury recovery

Collagen supplements may help to manage discomfort after injury or surgery to the neck and back.

Healthy inflammation management

Some research shows that supplements of type II collagen may help to manage the discomfort and swelling caused by unhealthy inflammatory conditions that affect the joints. The regimen in this study lasted for three months.

Signs You May Need Collagen

The biosynthesis of collagen begins to drop by 1.5 percent each year after the age of 25, so collagen production may drop by 30 percent at the age of 45.

The most noticeable signs of low collagen include fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin and thin fragile hair. You may also have joint discomfort and swelling.


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