Scientists discovered that leftover fish skin and bones from crevalle jack (a type of ocean fish) contain valuable materials that could be used to make medicines and health supplements. Researchers extracted collagen—a protein that helps skin and joints stay strong—and healthy fats from these fish by-products. The collagen showed promising qualities for medical use, while the fats contained omega-3s (EPA and DHA) that are known to support heart and brain health. This research shows how fishing waste could be recycled into useful products instead of being thrown away, which is better for the environment and could create new health products.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can fish skin and bones left over from processing be turned into useful medical and health products?
  • Who participated: This was a laboratory study that tested fish by-products (skin and bones from crevalle jack fish), not a study with human participants
  • Key finding: The researchers successfully extracted collagen protein and healthy fats from fish waste. The collagen stayed stable and showed properties that could work for medical uses, and the fats contained beneficial omega-3s (EPA and DHA) similar to fish oil supplements
  • What it means for you: In the future, health products and medicines might be made from fish waste instead of other sources, which could be more affordable and environmentally friendly. However, these products don’t exist yet—this is early-stage research showing the potential

The Research Details

Scientists took leftover fish skin and bones from crevalle jack processing and used chemical methods to extract two valuable materials: collagen (a structural protein) and lipids (healthy fats). They then tested these extracted materials using various laboratory techniques to understand their properties and quality. The collagen was extracted using acid, which is a standard method in research. The fats were extracted using two different methods (Soxhlet and Folch) to get the most complete picture of what was available.

The researchers then analyzed what they extracted using specialized equipment and tests. They checked the collagen’s structure, how stable it was when heated, how pure it was, and what its surface looked like under magnification. For the fats, they measured the amounts of specific omega-3s (EPA and DHA) and tested how well they could fight harmful molecules in the body (antioxidant activity).

This type of study is called a characterization study because its main goal is to describe and understand the properties of natural materials, rather than testing them in people or animals.

This research approach is important because it shows whether fish waste could realistically be used to make new products. By thoroughly testing the extracted materials in the lab, scientists can determine if they have the right properties before spending time and money on developing actual products. This helps reduce waste from fishing industries while potentially creating valuable new materials.

This is a laboratory-based characterization study, which means it’s solid for understanding material properties but doesn’t tell us how these products would work in real people. The researchers used multiple testing methods to verify their results, which increases confidence in the findings. However, the study doesn’t include human testing, so we don’t yet know if products made from these materials would actually be safe and effective for people to use. The fact that it was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (Marine Drugs) suggests the work met scientific standards.

What the Results Show

The researchers successfully extracted collagen from both fish skin and fish bones. From the skin, they got 2.64-6.16% collagen (by dry weight), which means the extraction was reasonably efficient. The collagen they extracted was pure and maintained its natural structure—the triple helix shape that makes collagen useful for medical applications.

The collagen showed good thermal stability, meaning it could withstand moderate heat without breaking down. Skin collagen remained stable up to about 53°C (127°F), while bone collagen was stable up to about 47°C (117°F). This is important because medical products often need to survive processing and storage conditions.

The extracted fats contained significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA (1.26-3.16%) and DHA (3.94-9.78%). These are the same healthy fats found in fish oil supplements that people take for heart and brain health. The fats also showed antioxidant activity, meaning they could help fight harmful molecules in the body. They showed 32.7% antioxidant activity in one test, 19.6% in another, and 70.83% in a third test.

The collagen had an isoelectric point (a chemical property) of around 4.9, which is typical for fish collagen and important for how it might be used in products. The surface of the collagen particles was quite porous (41-42% porosity), which could be beneficial for certain medical applications like wound healing or tissue engineering because it allows cells to interact with the material more easily.

This research aligns with previous studies showing that fish by-products are rich in collagen and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish collagen has been studied before and is known to be similar to collagen from other sources. The omega-3 content (EPA and DHA) is consistent with what’s found in other fish species. What makes this study valuable is that it specifically documents these properties for crevalle jack, a fish species that generates significant by-products in commercial fishing.

This study only tested the extracted materials in a laboratory—it didn’t test them in animals or people, so we don’t know if they’re safe or effective for actual use. The study didn’t specify exact sample sizes or how many times experiments were repeated, which makes it harder to judge reliability. The collagen extraction yield (2.64-6.16%) is relatively modest, so it’s unclear if this would be economically practical at large scale. The study also didn’t test how long these products would stay stable over time or how they would perform in real manufacturing conditions. Finally, this is early-stage research, so many steps would be needed before any actual products could be developed and approved for use.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research alone, there are no recommendations for consumers to take action yet. This is preliminary laboratory research showing potential. If you’re interested in omega-3 supplements or collagen products, continue using established products from trusted sources until fish by-product-based alternatives are developed and tested in people. (Confidence: Low—this is early-stage research)

This research is most relevant to: (1) fishing and seafood processing companies looking to reduce waste and create new products, (2) pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturers interested in new source materials, (3) environmental advocates interested in circular economy solutions, and (4) people interested in sustainable sourcing of health products. It’s NOT yet relevant for consumers making health decisions, as no actual products exist yet.

If this research leads to actual product development, it would likely take 5-10+ years before any products reached consumers. This would require animal testing, human clinical trials, regulatory approval, and manufacturing scale-up—all lengthy processes.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once fish by-product collagen or omega-3 products become available, users could track: (1) daily omega-3 intake (EPA+DHA in mg), (2) joint flexibility or skin quality improvements (subjective rating 1-10), and (3) energy levels or mood changes if using these supplements
  • When these products become available, users could: (1) switch to fish by-product-based collagen supplements instead of conventional collagen, (2) choose omega-3 supplements sourced from fish waste rather than whole fish, or (3) track their intake of these sustainable alternatives to monitor consistency and effects
  • Long-term tracking could include: (1) monthly photos for skin/appearance changes, (2) quarterly joint flexibility assessments, (3) consistent timing of supplement intake, and (4) notes on any digestive or other effects, compared against a baseline before starting the product

This research is preliminary laboratory work and does not yet demonstrate safety or effectiveness in humans. No products based on this research are currently available for consumer use. Do not change your current supplement or medication regimen based on this study. If you’re considering collagen or omega-3 supplements, consult with your healthcare provider about established, tested products. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always speak with a doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medications, have allergies, or have existing health conditions.