Naticol Marine Collagen
Also known as: Naticol, Fish collagen peptides, Marine collagen peptides, Hydrolyzed fish collagen, Naticol Marine Collagen Peptides
Overview
Naticol® is a branded form of hydrolyzed collagen peptides derived from fish skin, primarily consisting of Type I collagen. This low molecular weight peptide product is designed for enhanced absorption and is sourced from sustainable marine resources. It is primarily used as a dietary supplement to support skin health by improving hydration, elasticity, and reducing wrinkles. Additionally, it shows promise in supporting joint health, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis, and in improving muscle mass and function in older adults with sarcopenia. Preclinical research also suggests potential anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. While several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews support the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen generally, specific independent clinical data on Naticol® is emerging but still somewhat limited.
Benefits
Naticol® marine collagen peptides offer several evidence-based benefits. For skin health, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 RCTs (n=1721) demonstrated that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation significantly improves skin hydration and elasticity (p < 0.00001), with Naticol® specifically showing improvements in firmness, hydration, and wrinkle appearance in controlled trials. For joint health, a double-blind RCT (n=30) indicated that Naticol® may reduce pain and improve physical performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis over 8 weeks. In muscle health, a 24-week RCT (n=28) in older adults with sarcopenia showed significant improvements in lean body mass, handgrip strength, and physical performance (p < 0.05) compared to placebo. Secondary benefits include potential anti-inflammatory effects in the gut, observed in animal models, via modulation of macrophage phenotypes. Older adults with muscle loss and individuals with mild osteoarthritis appear to benefit most. Clinically significant improvements include 3-4.4% increases in Short Physical Performance Battery scores and statistically significant gains in skin hydration and elasticity. Benefits typically manifest after 8-24 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
How it works
Naticol® marine collagen peptides exert their effects primarily by providing bioavailable amino acids and peptides that stimulate the body's endogenous collagen synthesis. These low molecular weight peptides are readily absorbed in the intestine and distributed systemically. Once absorbed, they act as building blocks and signaling molecules, enhancing extracellular matrix remodeling in tissues such as skin and cartilage. In the skin, they stimulate fibroblast activity, leading to increased production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which improves hydration and elasticity. For joint health, they contribute to cartilage repair and maintenance. Furthermore, Naticol®-derived peptides have been shown in animal models to modulate the immune response in gut macrophages, specifically via interaction with the mannose receptor (MR), thereby reducing inflammation.
Side effects
Naticol® is generally considered well-tolerated, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse events. Common side effects have not been significantly observed in studies involving supplementation for up to 24 weeks. There are no documented uncommon or rare side effects in the available research. No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergies to fish or collagen products should exercise caution due to its fish-derived origin. While studies have included older adults, the safety of Naticol® in pregnant or severely ill populations has not been established. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable for healthy adults, but specific populations may require further investigation.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Naticol® marine collagen peptides, as demonstrated in clinical trials, is 10 grams daily. This dosage appears to be optimal for achieving benefits related to skin health, joint support, and improvements in muscle mass and function. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but 10 grams daily has been well-tolerated in studies lasting up to 24 weeks. For optimal absorption and consistency, studies typically administered Naticol® orally, dissolved in a cold liquid, approximately 15 minutes before breakfast. It is commonly available in powder sachet form. While not specifically studied with Naticol®, co-ingestion with Vitamin C is generally recommended for supporting endogenous collagen synthesis, as Vitamin C is a crucial cofactor in this process.
FAQs
Is Naticol® safe for long-term use?
Current evidence from clinical trials up to 24 weeks indicates good safety and tolerability, with no serious adverse events reported.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Skin benefits may become noticeable after 8 weeks, while improvements in muscle and joint health typically require 12-24 weeks of consistent supplementation.
Is it effective for joint pain?
Preliminary randomized controlled trial evidence suggests Naticol® may help reduce symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and improve physical performance.
Can it replace other protein supplements?
Naticol® is a collagen-specific peptide supplement, providing specific amino acids for collagen synthesis, but it is not considered a complete protein source like whey or casein.
Are there any allergens?
Yes, Naticol® is derived from fish, so individuals with fish allergies should exercise caution or avoid its use.
Research Sources
- https://juniperpublishers.com/jojcs/pdf/JOJCS.MS.ID.555783.pdf – This pilot double-blind RCT investigated Naticol® in 30 adults with knee osteoarthritis over 8 weeks. It found that Naticol® improved WOMAC pain scores and physical performance, demonstrating its safety and tolerability, though the small sample size limits generalizability.
- https://juniperpublishers.com/jojcs/pdf/JOJCS.MS.ID.555850.pdf – This randomized controlled trial involved 28 older adults (55-80 y) with muscle loss over 24 weeks. It reported significant improvements in lean body mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in the Naticol® group compared to placebo, with no serious adverse events.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 RCTs (n=1721) concluded that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation significantly improves skin hydration and elasticity (p < 0.00001). It provides high-quality evidence supporting the general benefits of collagen for skin health, despite some heterogeneity in collagen sources.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9106617/ – This preclinical animal study in mice with induced colitis investigated the mechanistic effects of Naticol® peptides. It demonstrated that these peptides reduce intestinal inflammation via interaction with the macrophage mannose receptor, providing insight into potential anti-inflammatory pathways.
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