If you search for "marine collagen" you will find hundreds of promises: firmer skin, shinier hair, stronger nails. Few brands take the time to explain what is behind those promises from a regulatory standpoint. We do, because we believe a supplement is best chosen when you truly understand what each ingredient does — and what it cannot, as yet, claim on its own.
Who this article is for
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For you if you take or are considering OPTIMUM and want to understand what the marine collagen in the formula actually does
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For you if you are interested in skin, hair, or nails from within, but prefer verifiable information over generic promises
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For you if you already know about marine collagen from our other content focused on skin and want the angle on hair and nails
What marine collagen (and marine elastin) is
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body: it is part of the skin, cartilage, and connective tissue. Marine collagen is obtained from fish and, like marine elastin (another structural protein responsible for tissue elasticity), it is hydrolyzed to facilitate absorption. OPTIMUM includes 50 mg of fish collagen (93% protein) and 50 mg of hydrolyzed fish elastin (75% protein) per daily dose of 2 capsules.
What European regulations say (and do not say)
Here is the part almost no one mentions: as of today, the EFSA has not authorized any specific health claim for collagen — marine or of any other origin — in relation to skin, hair, or nails. Regulation (EU) No. 432/2012 governs what can be claimed about a nutrient and under what evidence, and ingested collagen, for now, does not appear on that list.
This does not mean that collagen "is useless" — it means that, legally, we cannot (and no one can) claim that taking it has a concrete, proven effect on your skin, hair, or nails, no matter how widespread that belief may be. We prefer to state this clearly rather than promise something that European regulatory science has yet to confirm.
That is why, in OPTIMUM, marine collagen and elastin are not alone: they are combined with nutrients that do have authorized claims, targeting exactly the same goals.
OPTIMUM nutrients with real EFSA endorsement
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Vitamin C (from acerola): contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, and teeth. It is the only authorized claim that directly connects a nutrient with the formation of collagen in the body itself.
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Zinc (3.58 mg — 35.8% NRV): contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
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Selenium (30 µg — 54.5% NRV): contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails. Of the entire formula, it is the nutrient with the most direct claim regarding this goal.
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Vitamin E (1.8 mg — 15% NRV): contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative damage.
All of these are claims authorized by the EFSA, not our own interpretations — you can consult the EU Register of nutrition and health claims to verify them.
So, what is the marine collagen in the formula for?
Marine collagen and elastin provide the structural raw material — the same types of protein that already form part of the skin and connective tissue — as part of a broader formula. They do not replace vitamin C, zinc, or selenium: they accompany them. It is the complete combination, not a single star ingredient, that makes nutritional sense within OPTIMUM.
What to really expect (realistic expectations)
With daily and sustained use, it is reasonable to expect what the authorized claims actually say: maintenance of normal skin, hair, and nails, and cell protection against oxidative stress — not a dramatic transformation or guaranteed results within a specific timeframe. As with any nutricosmetic, the result is in addition to (not a replacement for) rest, hydration, and a balanced diet.
How OPTIMUM addresses this
2 capsules a day of OPTIMUM combine marine collagen and elastin with vitamin C (acerola), zinc, selenium, and vitamin E, within a broader formula that also includes Cordyceps, Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Affron®. If you want to delve into the effect on skin specifically, we have an article dedicated to that angle: marine collagen and elastin, the secret that gives your skin firmness from within. This article focuses on what European regulations support for hair and nails.
Frequently asked questions
Does OPTIMUM's marine collagen have direct scientific endorsement from the EFSA?
No, and we prefer to say so clearly: as of today, the EFSA has not authorized any health claim for ingested collagen regarding skin, hair, or nails. Those in the formula with authorized claims are vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E.
If collagen does not have its own claim, why is it in the formula?
Because it provides the same type of structural protein present naturally in the skin and connective tissue, as part of a wider nutritional formula — not as a single ingredient with an isolated promise.
What makes hair and nails look stronger, then?
Selenium, with an authorized claim specifically for the maintenance of normal hair and nails. OPTIMUM provides 30 µg per day, 54.5% of the Nutrient Reference Value.
How long does it take to notice a difference?
There is no guaranteed timeframe. The authorized claims refer to normal maintenance with continued use, not a visible change by a specific date. It is reasonable to evaluate it with daily use over several weeks, along with adequate rest and dietary habits.
Firmness, shine, and strength, with nutrients that do have European backing. Discover OPTIMUM.
