Marine Collagen for Gut Health

by Vorst Canada January 04, 2022

marine collagen for gut health

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

About 2500 years ago, Hippocrates, the famous Ancient Greek physician, concluded that “All disease begins in the gut” and his conclusion has been proving true with the advancements of modern medical science. Poor gut health has been described to be linked with numerous serious and chronic health conditions including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, and infectious diseases.

Marine collagen is sourced from fish and has been found highly beneficial in improving gut health and thus, might help protect the human body from various health conditions. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of marine collagen for improving gut health according to scientific research. So, let’s dive into deep.

What is the gut?
Why gut health is important
What is marine collagen?
How marine collagen can help improve gut health
How to use marine collagen
Precautions and side effects
Final words

What is the gut?

The gut refers to the gastrointestinal tract, also known as the GI tract, the passageway or tract or tube of the digestive system that begins at the mouth, contains all major digestive parts including esophagus, stomach, and intestine, and ends at the anus.

Why gut health is important

The term “gut health” encompasses the balance of gut microbiomes and the overall functionality of many parts of the gut or GI tract. The gut acts as the primary contact in the body that plays the most vital role in mediating the impacts of foods, drinks, and other external ingredients including viruses, fungi, bacteria, and even oral medications.

The gut breaks down food items such as proteins, fats, carbs, and minerals into simple forms so that the body can absorb them and use them as fuels to cells and organs which is vital for all bodily functions. Oral medications are also broken down in the gut and enter the bloodstream to help the body combat disease conditions.

Studies indicate that around 70% of immune cells are present in and around the gut lining. Besides, the gut contains a large number of healthy bacteria. Immune cells and healthy bacteria play an important role to ward off harmful substances including infectious pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

When the gut lining becomes porous, also known as leaky gut, undigested food items and harmful invaders enter the body and the immune system gets confused. As a result, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells, called autoimmunity, which leads to a wide range of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions that are often described to be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Leaky gut has been described to be linked to a variety of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, vitiligo, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and many more.

The gut also plays a vital role in communicating with the brain via hormones and nerves, which is why a healthy gut is essential for maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing.

What is marine collagen?

The marine collagen is made from fish such as snapper or cod, particularly the scales and skin of these fish. The collagen proteins are removed and broken down into collagen peptides, smaller units of proteins, through a process known as hydrolysis. This is why these proteins are often called hydrolyzed collagen.

How marine collagen can help improve gut health

As the most prevalent protein compound in the human body, collagen acts as a building block in the formation of connective tissues including the skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, muscles, and bones. It also plays an important role in forming and maintaining connective tissues throughout the gut.

Marine collagen is rich in amino acids immensely glutamine and glycine that are vital for repairing and rebuilding the gut lining. Studies have suggested that collagen peptides can improve epithelial barrier dysfunction and can help reduce the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as the risk of multiple organ failure.

A 2003 study suggests that glycine has multiple protective effects including cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory and can be used as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of various inflammatory diseases related to the intestine, heart, kidney, liver, and more.

According to recent findings, marine collagen, and the amino acids it contains, can strengthen and repair the gut lining, promote digestion and nutrition absorbance, and support collagen synthesis in the body. Therefore, marine collagen plays an essential role in promoting gut health that determines the tendency of the human body towards wellness.

How to use marine collagen

Marine collagen is available in various supplementary forms such as powders, pills, and capsules. Doses of marine collagen supplements may differ from person to person according to health conditions. In general, most healthcare professionals recommend 200 mg to 600 mg per day. Its’ recommended to consult with a professional nutritionist or healthcare provider to determine the best specific dose for you.

Precautions and side effects

Marine collagen typically doesn’t produce any adverse effects and has been found well-tolerated to almost everyone. Only a very few and minor side effects have been reported. They may include bad taste in the mouth, mild bloating, and stomach upset. But these results are found in rare cases and aren’t common. Marine collagen is more likely to improve the digestion process rather than disrupt it.

Since marine collagen is derived from fish, avoid using marine collagen supplements if you have sensitivity issues to fish products. Speak to your healthcare specialist prior to using marine collagen if you’re taking any medications, or pregnant or breastfeeding.

Final words

Marine collagen contains various essential amino acids such as glutamine and glycine that have shown miraculous effects in improving gut health. Studies have indicated that collagen supplements are highly effective in repairing and maintaining gut lining and thus, can be used as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of leaky gut, which leads to various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and many more.

Check out Vorst’s Salmon Collagen with Vitamin C Capsules here.

Also, check out Vorst’s Advanced Joint Formula that contains collagen here.

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