Is It Safe To Take Marine Collagen?
Is it safe to take marine collagen? Everything you need to know
Marine collagen is one of the most widely studied food supplements available. The safety profile of hydrolysed marine collagen peptides is well established in peer-reviewed research, with multiple clinical trials demonstrating both efficacy and tolerability. For the vast majority of people, daily marine collagen supplementation is safe and well tolerated. There are a small number of specific situations where additional care is warranted. For the complete picture on marine collagen and how to choose the right supplement, read our best marine collagen UK guide.
What is marine collagen made from?
Marine collagen is extracted from the skin, scales and bones of fish - typically tilapia, cod or other aquaculture-farmed species. The collagen is hydrolysed, meaning it is broken down into smaller peptide chains using enzymes. The result is a highly bioavailable protein that is effectively identical in amino acid profile to collagen found naturally in the human body. It contains no synthetic compounds, stimulants or hormones.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects from marine collagen are rare and generally mild. The most commonly reported are:
- Mild digestive discomfort in the first few days - this typically resolves within a week as the gut adjusts
- A slight feeling of fullness, as collagen is a protein and mildly satiating
- Rarely, a mild taste sensitivity in those with low tolerance to fish-derived ingredients
Serious adverse effects from marine collagen supplementation are not reported in the clinical literature at standard doses. Kollo Premium Liquid Marine Collagen uses Naticol certified marine collagen peptides - a clinically tested and certified ingredient with an excellent safety record.
Who should not take marine collagen?
Fish allergy
Marine collagen is derived from fish and is not suitable for anyone with a diagnosed fish allergy. This is the primary contraindication. If you have a shellfish allergy but not a fish allergy, marine collagen derived from fish skin and scales is generally considered safe, but always consult your GP if in doubt.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
There is insufficient clinical data on marine collagen supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding to make a definitive recommendation. The ingredient itself is a food-derived protein and is not known to cause harm, but as a precaution, consult your GP or midwife before starting marine collagen during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Prescription medications
Marine collagen is a food supplement and does not have known interactions with most medications. However, if you are taking prescription medications - particularly anticoagulants, immunosuppressants or medications for autoimmune conditions - consult your GP before starting any new supplement. Read our full guide on collagen and medication interactions for more detail.
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Shop Liquid Collagen →Is Kollo marine collagen Informed Choice certified?
Yes. Kollo Premium Liquid Marine Collagen is Informed Choice certified, meaning it has been independently tested for over 200 banned substances. This certification is particularly important for athletes subject to anti-doping rules and provides an additional layer of quality assurance for all users. Every batch is tested, not just the formula.
Is it safe to take marine collagen every day?
Yes. Daily supplementation is not only safe but recommended. The clinical benefits of marine collagen are dose-dependent and require consistent daily intake at 10,000mg. Intermittent supplementation produces weaker and less consistent results. There is no evidence of harm from long-term daily use at the clinical dose. Many Kollo customers have been taking it daily for three or more years.
- Safe for daily long-term use at 10,000mg
- Informed Choice certified - independently tested for banned substances
- No known drug interactions at standard doses for most users
- Not suitable for fish allergy sufferers
- Consult your GP if pregnant, breastfeeding or on prescription medication
Kollo Health was co-founded by Jenni Falconer - TV presenter, Smooth Radio breakfast host, ten-time London Marathon runner and host of the RunPod podcast. Read her story and why she created Kollo.
