It may come as a scoop of white powder to add to a latte or smoothie, promising to help achy joints and sagging skin. Or, as an ingredient in face masks and moisturizers, claiming to offer a youthful glow. It's marine collagen, a buzzword in beauty and supplement circles, often derived from fish skin, scales and bones, or other animals like sponges and sea cucumbers, depending on the product.
The global market for marine collagen is already estimated at more than $1 billion US and growing, driven by demand to look and feel younger. It's promoted as an alternative to traditional sources of collagen supplements, derived from land animals like cows and pigs, which some avoid for religious or other reasons. Many marine collagen products also market themselves as natural or eco-friendly, featuring images of waves and fish and references to "cold, clean" ocean waters.
But with overfishing and climate change already threatening global ocean wildlife, is this a sustainable place to turn for anti-aging hope? Collagen powder is seen being sold in tubs in a Toronto health-food store. While bovine collagen, from cows, has dominated the industry, marine collagen is becoming increasingly popular. (Evan Mitsui/CBC) It depends, according to those watching this emerging conservation issue , on where the collagen is coming from — something that might not be clear at all when you pick up the product.
"With these marine collagen products, shoppers are buying a black box of marine ingredients,".
