Marine collagen: precautions, contraindications and pregnancy

Reading time: 6 minutes

Marine collagen is an ingredient of food origin, and it's well tolerated in studies. But “well tolerated” doesn't mean “for everyone, without thinking”. Allergy, pregnancy, ongoing treatment: here's what you need to know before you start, based on studies and the statements on our label.

In short

• In studies on hydrolysed collagen, no notable side effects have been reported.
• The main contraindication is fish allergy: marine collagen comes from fish.
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, health condition or ongoing treatment: ask a healthcare professional for advice before starting.

Marine collagen, an ingredient of food origin

Marine collagen is a protein extracted from fish skin and scales, then cut into small fragments called peptides (León-López et al., 2019). To understand what happens to it in the body, read What is collagen?

On the safety side, the data are reassuring: a review of 19 trials involving 1,125 people found no side effects in the studies analysed (de Miranda et al., 2021).

The main contraindication: fish allergy

Marine collagen comes from fish, and it can itself trigger a reaction in an allergic person: researchers have identified collagen as a fish allergen (Hamada et al., 2001). That's why our label clearly states: “Contains fish”.

If you're allergic to fish, don't take marine collagen. A collagen of another origin may be an alternative: we compare the two in Marine or bovine collagen: which should you choose?. If in doubt, ask your allergist for advice.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There are few studies on collagen in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Our label puts it simply: if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare professional before use. They know your situation, your test results and the other supplements you may already be taking during this time.

Health conditions or ongoing treatment

The same rule applies if you have a health condition or are on treatment: ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice first. Two practical examples:

• A prescribed low-protein diet, for example for kidney disease: a 25 ml serving provides 10 g of collagen, i.e. about 10 g of protein, to be counted in your daily intake.
• Long-term treatment: your pharmacist will check compatibility with the product's composition.

Side effects: what we know

In studies, hydrolysed collagen is well tolerated (de Miranda et al., 2021). Everyone is different, though: if you feel any discomfort, for example digestive, stop taking it and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Taking it properly every day

• 25 ml a day, measured with the measuring cap, without exceeding the recommended daily dose.
• Neat or diluted in a glass of water or juice.
• In the fridge once opened.
• Out of reach of children.
• Alongside a varied diet, not instead of it.

Your situation, our advice

What a 25 ml serving contains

Knowing what you're taking is the first precaution. One serving of Liquid Marine Collagen provides:

• 10,000 mg of hydrolysed marine collagen (types I and III), as peptides under 2,000 daltons;
• 120 mg of vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin;
• 50 mg of hyaluronic acid and 50 mg of silica;
• biotin, vitamins B5, B6, B12 and D3, and selenium.

It's GMO-free and free from gluten, soy, egg, nuts and lactose, with a red berry taste and no added sugar. It's made in Sweden. Allergen: fish.

What our customers say

“A cap lets you pour exactly the right amount. No side effects.”
Nadou, Liquid Marine Collagen, review published on our Amazon store

“Product easy to measure with the measuring cup provided.”
Billaut H., Liquid Marine Collagen, review published on our Amazon store

Frequently asked questions

Is marine collagen dangerous?

No, for the vast majority of people: it's an ingredient of food origin, and studies have found no notable side effects (de Miranda et al., 2021). It isn't suitable if you're allergic to fish, and calls for a healthcare professional's advice during pregnancy, breastfeeding or treatment.

Can you take marine collagen while pregnant? And while breastfeeding?

Ask your doctor or midwife first. That's what our label says: there isn't enough data to give a general answer.

I'm allergic to shellfish: can I take it?

Marine collagen comes from fish, not shellfish. Shellfish allergy and fish allergy are two different allergies, based on different proteins (Sharp and Lopata, 2014). Some people are nevertheless allergic to both: ask your allergist for advice before starting.

Can it be taken with medication?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice, with the list of your treatments and the product's composition.

Is marine collagen suitable for people with diabetes?

Our Liquid Marine Collagen contains no added sugar. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor, who knows your treatment and follow-up.

Can it be taken with other supplements?

Generally yes. Stick to the dose stated for each product, and if in doubt, show the labels to your pharmacist.

Can it be taken for a long time?

There's no official duration. In studies, effects are measured after 8 to 12 weeks of daily intake (de Miranda et al., 2021). If you have a health condition, check in with your doctor.

Further reading

• What is collagen?
• Marine or bovine collagen: which should you choose?
• Liquid, powder or capsule collagen: what are the differences?
• Collagen for skin: what the science says
• Guide: how to choose your marine collagen

Sources

• Vitamoon Liquid Marine Collagen label (warnings and composition).
• de Miranda R.B., Weimer P., Rossi R.C. (2021). Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Dermatology, 60(12), 1449-1461.
• Hamada Y., Nagashima Y., Shiomi K. (2001). Identification of collagen as a new fish allergen. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 65(2), 285-291.
• Sharp M.F., Lopata A.L. (2014). Fish allergy: in review. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 46(3), 258-271.
• León-López A. et al. (2019). Hydrolyzed collagen—sources and applications. Molecules, 24(22), 4031.
• Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods.