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How long should you use Collagen Premium+? 

Many experience a normalization of the skin and increased moisture already after 3-4 weeks. However, the recommended period of use is at least 8-12 weeks. You can also use Collagen Premium+ for longer periods to maintain normal skin.

Hydrolyzed marine collagen type 1

The two most common types of collagen are type I and type II. Type I is found throughout the body, except in the cartilage tissue, and accounts for most of the collagen found in our body. Type 2 is the most important part of cartilage. Types I, II and III make up 80-90% of collagen in the body, of which type I is the largest. The collagen we get from fish is hydrolyzed marine collagen type I and is produced and organized in dermal fibroblasts and connective tissue cells in the skin and also plays an important role in bone tissue. It is not only in relation to the elasticity and structure of the bone, but also in relation to central processes in bone mineralization and metabolism (Marcus 1996). The small particle size allows the collagen peptides to be absorbed quickly and transported to the body for the synthesis of new collagen. In order for the protein to be absorbed and transported around the body, it must be broken down in digestion into short peptides and amino acids. It seems that the body can easily pick up short peptides and thus utilize them quickly in the body. Some of these peptides have bioactive properties, meaning they can exert positive effects in the body in addition to being a nutrient. The focus on biologically active peptides from different protein sources has increased among researchers, through cell cultures and animal studies there are already several sequences that look promising. Areas studied are particularly effects on blood pressure regulation, immune system, cancer, pain response and cholesterol (BT insights, professional proteins).

Body Collagen

Collagen is an important structural protein that helps the body maintain its strength and flexibility and is found especially in the skin and in all types of connective tissue and makes up approx. 1/3 of the protein in the body, making collagen the largest source of protein in humans (Marcus 1996). Connective tissue is found throughout the body and has the task of providing structural support, strength and simply holding the body together. We find connective tissue in, among other things, tendons, cartilage and ligaments. The cells in the connective tissue are scattered and there are plenty of protein-containing collagen fibers with high tensile strength and firmness.
We distinguish between loose and solid connective tissue, loose contains few fibers between the cells, while solid consists almost exclusively of collagen fibers. The loose connective tissue is found under the skin and mucous membranes, surrounding glands and exits between muscle fibers and nerves as well as within and between organs and other tissues. This has great tensile strength and elasticity in all directions. Firm connective tissue is found in tendons and ligaments that attach muscles to bones and bones to bones. Solid connective tissue in tendons has very high tensile strength in the direction where the fibers are placed, while in wires the tension is high in all directions. The collagen fibers contribute to form the basis of skin, hair and nails (Scrieber 2007, Sibilla et al., 2015, Flaschmajer et al., 1990).

Therefore, we recommend Nordic Superfoods berry products together with Collagen Premium+:

Vitamin C is important in the synthesis of collagen where it interacts with the amino acids proline and hydroxyproline. It does so by adding hydrogen and oxygen so that the amino acids can do their part in making collagen. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that protects the body's cells against oxidative stress. Today, there are several approved requirements for vitamin C with regard to the formation of collagen for the normal function of bones, cartilage, skin and blood vessels, and said vitamin contributes to normal energy metabolism (Efsa, vitamin C requirements). All our raw juice concentrates and berry powder contain high levels of vitamin C. Especially black currants and sea buckthorn raw juices as well as the YELLOW powder.

What happens to the skin as we age?
From the mid-20s, the body's natural production of collagen and elastin will decrease, and the collagen fibers will become weaker. The skin's structure changes and results in weaker (and thinner) skin, drier skin and less elasticity that shows up as fine lines and wrinkles and that it has an impact on body tissue. Production cells, called fibroblasts, constantly form the procollagen and thus compensate for the breakdown of the collagen fibers so that the balance is maintained. The procollagen is further transformed and twisted into strong and flexible collagen fibers. In addition, the collagen fibers have a good ability to bind water, which also helps to keep the skin's surface full, smooth and elastic. It is assumed that we lose collagen at a rate of 1.5% per year, which is a 30% collagen loss by the age of 45.

What is the difference between collagen and collagen peptide?
While collagen is essentially structural protein, collagen peptides are a hydrolyzed form of collagen, i.e. shorter peptide chains composed of amino acids. The collagen molecules are large, which means that it takes longer for the body to absorb and use them compared to already broken down peptides. The collagen undergoes an enzymatic hydrolysis process where the product loses its gelling effect and becomes water soluble. The collagen molecules become smaller and thus easier for the body to absorb. The peptides provide the necessary amino acids for the development of collagen.

Why is marine collagen peptide unique?
Although collagen has a very high protein content (over 90%), it has a different amino acid composition than other protein sources such as cod fillet. Marine collagen, like cod fillet, contains all essential amino acids, albeit in much smaller amounts, but has a very high content of amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. The function of these amino acids is to stimulate cells in bone, connective tissue and skin and for the production of collagen. This means that collagen can help strengthen connective tissue and bones and support the building up of the skin. In addition, marine collagen also contains arginine, and both glycine and arginine are amino acids that the body uses in the creation of creatine.

GLYSINE contributes to the synthesis of collagen, as well as a variety of other proteins. It can also protect organs and tissues in general inflammatory conditions.

PROLIN is the precursor to hydroxyproline which is involved in the formation of collagen in tendons and ligaments. Proline is therefore important in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Proline production in the body increases, for example, through injuries and after training where it builds up the muscle fibers. This means that marine collagen can be very useful in the recovery phase after exercise. Proline is dependent on vitamin C to form collagen.

HYDROXYPROLIN is the hydroxylation of proline and is also dependent on vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as a cofactor for hydroxylation of proline and therefore deficiency of this vitamin can result in impaired synthesis of collagen as no formation of hydroxyproline will occur. This can lead to reduced strength in connective tissue and skin.

Effects of marine collagen peptides on muscle, bone and skin
Products containing active collagen peptides have long been marketed in the US and Europe. Many scientific and preclinical studies show various positive effects on flexibility in tendons, stability in ligaments, bone metabolism and muscle and bone integrity. Specific collagen peptides were found to significantly increase the expression of collagen types 1 and 3 in fibroblasts from human ligaments and tendons. The study concluded that collagen peptides can therefore be an alternative for the treatment and prevention of changes in ligaments and tendons (Schunck and Oesser, 2013). One study investigated the effect of specific marine collagen peptides on collagen expression, post-translational modification and mineralization in an osteoblastic cell culture (bone-forming cells). Marine collagen peptides upregulate gene expression of collagen-modifying enzymes and these effects led to increased collagen synthesis and positive effects on collagen quality and matrix mineralization in osteoblasts (Yamada et al., 2014). Another study looked at the effects of protein supplementation in the form of type 1 collagen peptides in combination with strength training in older men with sarcopenia. The results showed that compared to placebo, a collagen supplement combined with strength training resulted in further improved body composition by increasing fat-free mass and muscle strength and reducing fat mass in elderly people with sarcopenia (Zdzieblik et al., 2015).

Anti-aging effect on the skin
Marine collagen hydrolyzate has been shown to have an anti-aging effect on the skin. A clinical study shows a significant increase in skin elasticity in a group of women aged 35-55 (Proksch et al., 2014).

Reduces wrinkles
The same group of researchers from the University of Kiel, Germany, also showed a significant reduction in wrinkles after a daily intake of collagen hydrolyzate (Proksch et al., 2014).

Increases skin moisture
A comprehensive clinical study showing the effect of an oral collagen peptide supplement on skin aging signs in Japanese and Caucasian women showed a good effect on skin moisture. Marine collagen peptides increased the skin's moisture level by 12% over a period of 8 weeks. A consistent increase in skin collagen density over 12 weeks was confirmed by increased dermal echogenicity (Asserin et al., 2015).

Nordic Superfood Collagen Premium+ products
We focus on using Nordic wild-caught raw materials from sustainable fishing and want to contribute to product development and improved documentation for marine products. Our products contain 100% natural ingredients where we use leftover skin from wild-caught cod cod skin (Gadus morhua) from the crystal clear waters of the North Atlantic. The finished product is a finely ground powder that can easily be mixed in liquid, is not heat sensitive and has a very high protein content (over 95%). This provides the purest source of 100% natural high quality collagen available on the market today.

Taste neutral and free from artificial additives and preservatives. Do you really need collagen supplements? Yes, sometimes because the amount of collagen in the skin decreases gradually by approximately 1.5% per year from the age of about 30.