Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is found in the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments, where it forms a kind of fibrous framework. In our diet, it is mostly hidden in foods we cook less and less often: fish skin, cartilage, bone broths simmered for hours.

Nutripure’s marine collagen comes as a very fine white powder, obtained from the skin of wild-caught fish. The 150 g pouch is the smallest size in the range. It was designed for people who have never taken collagen powder and want to check two things first: that the taste really is neutral, and that a daily serving fits easily into their routine.

It is a question we are often asked in Paris: “where should I start?” A small pouch lets you try the product without committing to several months, then move on to the 310 g size once the habit is in place.

Nutripure does not use a generic marine collagen but Naticol®, a French brand specialising in fish collagen peptides. This choice means a traceable product with consistent quality from one batch to the next.

In its natural state, collagen is a very large molecule of around 300,000 daltons. To turn it into a powder that dissolves in water, it is broken down by enzymatic hydrolysis: enzymes cut the protein into small pieces called peptides. In Nutripure’s Naticol® collagen, these peptides have an average molecular weight of 2000 daltons. This low molecular weight is what gives a free-flowing powder that disperses without lumps.

The formula has a single ingredient: type I and III marine collagen peptides. There is no flavouring, no sweetener and no bulking agent. Per 10 g of powder there are 9.3 g of protein, including 2.3 g of glycine, 1 g of proline and 0.6 g of hydroxyproline, the amino acids typical of collagen.

Naticol® collagen is extracted exclusively from the skin of wild fish caught in European waters: cod, haddock and redfish. It does not come from farmed fish. The skin is a co-product of the fishing industry: it makes use of a part of the fish that would otherwise not be eaten.

The raw material is Friend of the Sea® certified, a label covering non-endangered species and fishing practices that respect the resource. Traceability runs from the fishing area to the finished product, and every batch is tested before it is packed.

Marine collagen also appeals to people who do not eat meat but do eat fish, or who prefer to avoid bovine sources. It is, however, neither vegetarian nor vegan, since it remains of animal origin.

The main thing that puts people off marine collagen is the fear of a fishy aftertaste. Nutripure worked on this with a tasting panel: the unflavoured version has no noticeable taste and a very faint smell, barely perceptible when you open the pouch.

In practice, this neutrality gives you plenty of freedom. You can stir the scoop into a glass of water, orange juice, a smoothie, plant milk, yoghurt or fruit compote. The peptides withstand heat and acidity: coffee, tea or a bowl of soup work just as well, without changing the taste of the drink.

At our shop in Paris 12th, many customers simply add it to their morning hot drink. It is the easiest way not to forget it, and also the best way to get to know the product during the first few days.

The 150 g pouch comes with a scoop. Nutripure recommends 5 to 10 g a day, i.e. one to two scoops. With one 5 g scoop a day, the pouch lasts about a month. With two scoops, it covers around a fortnight.

For a first course, starting with 5 g lets you get used to the texture and the routine, then adjust: this is what we most often suggest to our customers in Paris. Dissolve the serving in about 250 ml of liquid and take it preferably with a meal, in the morning, at lunch or in the evening depending on your schedule. Athletes often take it after training.

If you already take a protein powder, the collagen can go into the same shaker: just add a little more water to keep a pleasant texture. And if you would like a more complete routine around collagen, Nutripure Crystallised Glycine, a single amino acid, is taken separately.

Nutripure was founded in 2017 by Christophe Carrio, five-time world champion in artistic karate and holder of a dietetics diploma, and his brother Florent, an engineer. The company is based in Haute-Garonne, near Toulouse, and its products are made in France.

The marine collagen reflects the brand’s approach: a named ingredient, a documented origin and traceability sheets that are available to customers. It is also manufactured in accordance with the EN 17444 anti-doping standard, a useful reference for athletes subject to testing.

We chose Nutripure for our shop in Paris 12th because its formulas are short and easy to read. The marine collagen joins our other collagens on the shelf, bovine and marine, in powder and capsules, as well as our skin, nails and hair selection.

This collagen comes from fish: it is not suitable for people with a fish allergy. The product may also contain traces of gluten, egg, soy, milk and celery. If in doubt, check the composition tab or ask us to show you the label in the shop.

This food supplement is for adults only. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake and keep the pouch out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, ask your doctor for advice. A food supplement does not replace a varied and balanced diet.

Close the zip carefully after each use and keep the pouch in a dry place, away from heat and light. Collagen powder is mostly sensitive to moisture: a wet spoon is enough to cause lumps.

Can you really taste the fish?

In the unflavoured version, the taste is imperceptible in a drink and the smell stays very discreet when you open the pouch. If you are sensitive to it, start with a coffee or a fruit juice.

How long does the 150 g pouch last?

About a month at 5 g a day, and around a fortnight at 10 g a day.

Is marine collagen organic or vegan?

Neither: there is no certified organic marine collagen to date, and collagen is a protein of animal origin.

Where can I find it in Paris?

At Herba Barona, 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12th, from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, a few minutes’ walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8) and Bastille (lines 1, 5 and 8) metro stations.