The Science of Marine Collagen
Understanding bioavailability, absorption, and what the research actually shows
Why Bioavailability Matters
The most important thing about any supplement is bioavailability - the proportion that actually enters your circulation and gets used by the body. A supplement can have the best ingredients in the world, but if your body can't absorb them, you're wasting your money.
Marine collagen peptides have inherently smaller molecular weight than bovine collagen, which gives them a head start on absorption. But the product I recommend takes this further with Cellular Absorption Technology.
Cellular Absorption Technology
Three International's proprietary Cellular Absorption Technology combines two delivery mechanisms:
Liposomal Delivery
Nutrients are encapsulated in liposomes - microscopic phospholipid spheres that protect the collagen peptides through the digestive process and facilitate direct cellular uptake. This bypasses many of the degradation pathways that reduce effectiveness of standard supplements.
Enzyme-Assisted Absorption
A proprietary enzyme blend works alongside the liposomal delivery to further break down collagen peptides and enhance absorption at the intestinal level. This dual approach is what achieves the dramatically higher bioavailability numbers.
The result: 7.3X more bioavailable than standard collagen. This isn't a marketing number - it's a measurable difference in how much collagen actually reaches your cells.
The Three Pillars of Research
Three International's approach to product development follows three pillars:
1. Exploration
Sourcing and cataloging rare medicinal plants and marine compounds from around the world, including a dedicated research farm in Thailand.
2. Curation
Identifying and validating specific bioactive compounds through rigorous testing - not just using generic ingredients at minimum effective doses.
3. Absorption
The Cellular Absorption Technologies that deliver nutrients directly to where they're needed - not just into your stomach, but into your cells.
Scientific Leadership
The science behind this product is what sets it apart.Dr. Dan Gubler - Caltech-trained, PhD Organic Chemistry, 16 patents. He didn't just formulate one supplement - he's developed over 70, generating $500 million in annual sales. That's a track record that speaks for itself.
The 10-member Scientific Advisory Board includes physicians and researchers who provide ongoing oversight of product development and quality standards.
PDR Listing
Collagéne is listed in the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR). For those outside healthcare, the PDR is a comprehensive drug and supplement information resource used by physicians and pharmacists. Being PDR-listed means a product has met specific standards for ingredient disclosure, manufacturing quality, and labeling accuracy. It's a credibility signal that matters to healthcare providers - and it should matter to consumers too.
Sourcing
The marine collagen in Collagéne is sourced from wild-caught scandinavian fish (poke, hake, pollak). Wild-caught sourcing matters because farm-raised fish can have different nutritional profiles and may contain antibiotics or other additives. Scandinavian fisheries are known for strict environmental regulations and sustainable practices.
Allison Chiappa, FNP-BC, NP-C
Nurse Practitioner with 15+ years of experience in functional medicine and integrative health.
About the author →The Collagen I Use Every Day
Collagéne by Three International - 7.3x more bioavailable than standard collagen. Wild-caught, clean-label, and PDR-listed.
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