100% prepayment by SWIFT or Stripe. Larger orders quoted by volume; freight quoted on request
Functional ingredient·
Proteins
·Japan

Fish Elastin Peptide

Low-molecular-weight elastin peptide from bonito aortic bulb: 62% of peptides below 500 Da, easily water-soluble, min. 0.1% desmosine + isodesmosine.

500 g
Minimum order
1,300 USD/kg
MOQ price
10 g
Free sample
Ships from Japan 1-1.5 weeks after paymentFreight quoted on requestSWIFT or Stripe
Fish Elastin Peptide
Specification · lot CoA

Key figures at a glance

Your lot's CoA governs
Crude protein
94.3-96.1%
recent lots; spec min. 90%
Desmosine + isodesmosine
0.2%
recent lots; spec min. 0.1%
Peptides < 500 Da
62%
by peak area; none above 10,000 Da
Heavy metals (as Pb)
max. 20 ppm
specification limit
Arsenic
max. 2 ppm
specification limit
Standard plate count
max. 3,000 CFU/g
coliforms negative
Lot-specific values are measured and reported for every lot. Natural raw materials move with season and harvest, so we give you the figures of the lot you actually receive, not one fixed number.
What it is
Enzymatically decomposed elastin protein from the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito. Label names: elastin, elastin peptide. Allergen: fish (bonito)
Form
Pale yellow powder, slight characteristic odour, easily soluble in water; hygroscopic, keep the pouch sealed. Bulk density 0.32 g/mL
Shelf life
24 months from the date of manufacture; store at room temperature away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture
Packing
500 g aluminium pouches. MOQ 500 g (one pouch)
Lead time
Ships 1-1.5 weeks after payment; every shipment travels with the lot CoA
Terms
100% prepayment by SWIFT or Stripe. Larger orders quoted by volume; freight quoted on request
Price and documents

Request a price, specification or sample

Tell us what you are developing and which documents you need. We reply from Japan within one working day with the product specification, SDS and the CoA of the current lot.

Free sample for registered companies developing a product
Volume quotation for orders above the minimum
Specification, SDS and lot CoA on request

Request a sample or quotation

All fields required. Business email only.
Process

How it is made

Bonito Elastin Peptide is manufactured in Japan from the bulbus arteriosus of bonito; the fish raw material is sourced from Thailand and the Philippines, and extraction and processing take place in Japan. Process steps are the manufacturer's data.

Processing aids: protease (enzyme), diatomaceous earth and activated carbon (manufacturer's data). In the manufacturer's analysis of 13 bonito tissues, the elastin cross-links desmosine and isodesmosine were detected only in the bulbus arteriosus.

Removal of collagen and other proteins

Step 1 · raw material

Bonito aortic bulb

Enzymatic hydrolysis

Step 2 · protease

The remaining elastin is hydrolysed

Filtration

Step 3 · 0.2 µm

Ceramic filter

Heat sterilisation

Step 4 · 90 °C

Before drying

Spray-drying

Step 5 · drying

Liquid to powder

X-ray inspection

Step 6 · inspection

Foreign-matter check

Packing

Step 7 · 500 g

Aluminium pouches

Specification

Specification at a glance

The grade on this page. Other grades, where available, are specified on request.

Identity and composition

  • What it is: fish elastin peptide powder (Bonito Elastin Peptide), an enzymatically decomposed elastin protein
  • Raw material: bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito; fish sourced from Thailand and the Philippines
  • Origin: extraction and processing in Japan; manufactured in Japan
  • Label names: elastin, elastin peptide
  • INCI (for reference): Hydrolyzed Elastin; supplied as a food-grade ingredient, a cosmetic-grade specification and CoA are not available
  • Appearance: pale yellow powder
  • Odour: slight characteristic odour
  • Allergen: contains fish (bonito); other products on the same production line contain no allergens (manufacturer's data)

Process and peptide profile

  • Process: enzymatic hydrolysis with protease, 0.2 µm ceramic filtration, heat sterilisation at 90 °C, spray-drying, X-ray inspection
  • Processing aids: protease (enzyme), diatomaceous earth, activated carbon
  • Molecular weight: below 500 Da: 62%; 500-1,000 Da: 17%; 1,000-3,000 Da: 14%; 3,000-10,000 Da: 7%; 10,000 Da or more: 0% (by peak area, manufacturer's analysis)
  • Amino acid profile (per 1,000 residues): glycine 433, proline 106, alanine 86, valine 70, hydroxyproline 6; unlike collagen, elastin contains little hydroxyproline

Analytical specification

  • Crude protein: min. 90% (Kjeldahl, N x 6.25); recent lots 94.3-96.1%
  • Desmosine + isodesmosine: min. 0.1% (automatic amino acid analysis); recent lots 0.2%
  • pH (1 g / 10 mL): 4.0-7.0
  • Loss on drying: max. 8%
  • Ash: max. 10%
  • Bulk density: 0.32 g/mL

Contaminants, microbiology and safety

  • Heavy metals (as Pb): max. 20 ppm
  • Arsenic (as As₂O₃): max. 2 ppm
  • Standard plate count: max. 3,000 CFU/g
  • Coliforms: negative
  • Safety data (manufacturer's data): acute oral toxicity limit test at 2,000 mg/kg, 90-day oral study in rats, skin and eye irritation tests, umu mutagenicity test (negative); details in the SDS
  • Certification: manufactured at an FSSC 22000-certified site in Japan; the certificate identifies the production site and is shared under NDA

Shelf life, storage and packing

  • Shelf life: 24 months from the date of manufacture
  • Storage: room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture; hygroscopic, keep the pouch sealed
  • Pack: 500 g aluminium pouches
  • MOQ: 500 g (one pouch)
  • Lead time: ships from Japan 1-1.5 weeks after payment is received
  • Documents: for evaluation: specification, lot CoA, SDS and manufacturing process statement; documents for product registration follow price agreement and a pilot order
  • Samples: free 10 g evaluation samples for registered companies
SPEC
Product specification, PDF. On request through the form.
CoA
Certificate of Analysis. One for every lot, ships with the goods.
SDS
Safety Data Sheet. On request through the form.

Example lot values are published in the developer's guide below. They are an example, not a specification; your lot's CoA governs.

Direct from Japan

Working with us

A Japanese trading company selling directly to brand owners and contract manufacturers. No distributor layer between you and the documents.

A CoA for the lot you receive

Every shipment travels with the Certificate of Analysis of its own lot, with the measured values and the full safety panel.

Start at the minimum order

A small first order lets you run a pilot batch before committing to bulk. Larger volumes are quoted by volume and delivery terms.

Free sample

For registered companies developing a product. Tell us the format you plan and we will say honestly what to expect.

Ships from Japan in 1-1.5 weeks

After payment is received. Freight quoted on request. Specification and SDS before you order, CoA with the goods.

Buyer's checklist

What to ask any supplier

If you are comparing ingredients for a new SKU, these questions separate one material from another quickly.

For product developers

The developer's guide

What each component is, what the processing changes, and what published research on the raw material has examined. No health claims; references on request.

Elastin marine bulk buyers

Elastin is a kind of hard protein with elasticity like rubber. It is found in elastic connective tissues - ligaments, blood vessels (arteries), lungs, skin, etc., and is present throughout the human body along with collagen and other proteins.

Elastin contains specific amino acids - "desmosine" and "isodesmosine", which play an important role in cross-linking.

Elastin functions

  • Elastin is found in large quantities in the elastic connective tissues of the entire human body and supports the flexibility and elasticity of blood vessels and ligaments, giving elasticity and firmness to the skin.
  • Blood vessels (arteries) have a three-layer structure consisting of an inner sheath, middle sheath and outer sheath. Elastin is present in the walls of blood vessels, where it provides elasticity; it is especially abundant in the inner and middle sheath.
  • Elastin in the skin exists in the dermis layer together with collagen and plays a major role in maintaining the skin's elasticity from within by binding collagen. It is known that the amount of elastin in the body decreases with age.

Unique elastin amino acids

Desmosine and isodesmosine are cross-linking amino acids characteristic of elastin; they hold elastin chains together into elastic fibres.

Why the bonito aortic bulb

Bonito Elastin Peptide is made from the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito, the elastic chamber at the base of the fish heart. In fish, the bulbus arteriosus smooths blood flow out of the heart; studies in tuna show its wall is rich in elastin and low in collagen (Braun et al., J Exp Biol, 2003). In the manufacturer's analysis of 13 bonito tissues, the elastin cross-links desmosine and isodesmosine were detected only in the bulbus arteriosus.

Molecular weight distribution

In the manufacturer's analysis, 62% of peptides (by peak area) are below 500 Da and none exceed 10,000 Da. Background reading: why molecular weight matters (our article on collagen peptides).

Formulation notes

The powder is easily soluble in water, and in the manufacturer's evaluation it suits tablets, hard and soft capsules, granules, drinks, jelly and general foods; baked goods gave good results.

  • Solubility and handling: easily soluble in water; hygroscopic, so keep the pouch sealed. Bulk density 0.32 g/mL.
  • Heat and pH: the elastin marker (desmosine + isodesmosine) was recovered at 97-108% after heating to 105 °C and 121 °C for 15 minutes at pH 6.5 and pH 3.5 (manufacturer's data).
  • Taste and odour: at an inclusion level of 75 mg per serving, the manufacturer reports no effect on taste or odour.
  • With collagen: a formulation example from the manufacturer: 1,000 mg collagen peptide with 20 mg elastin peptide (50 : 1). Collagen ingredient we also supply: fish collagen tripeptide.
  • Dosage: human studies on this material used 75 mg per day; the dosage of a finished product is set by the brand for its market.

Safety data

Safety data available (manufacturer's data): acute oral toxicity limit test at 2,000 mg/kg, 90-day oral study in rats, skin and eye irritation tests, umu mutagenicity test (negative). Details in the SDS.

In a long-term human study at 400 mg/day for 13 months (more than five times the 75 mg/day used in efficacy studies), no abnormalities were observed.

Allergen: contains fish (bonito).

What has been studied on this material

The manufacturer has studied this material in humans; below are the study designs and what was measured. They describe the ingredient, not the effect of a finished product.

  • Skin elasticity and moisture (manufacturer's study): in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study run by the manufacturer (32 Japanese adults aged 30-50, 75 mg/day for 8 weeks), skin elasticity and skin moisture measurements were significantly higher than placebo (p<0.05). Study summary available to B2B buyers.
  • Absorption (manufacturer's study): in a manufacturer's absorption study (n=6, single intake of 10 g per 60 kg body weight), the elastin-derived dipeptide Pro-Gly peaked in blood at 30 minutes and remained detectable for up to 6 hours.

Request specification and sample - tell us your product format, target market and expected volume. Developing a finished product rather than buying the ingredient? See contract manufacturing in Japan.

What is elastin peptide?

Elastin peptide is elastin protein that has been hydrolysed into peptides. Bonito Elastin Peptide is an enzymatically decomposed elastin protein (label names: elastin, elastin peptide), made from the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito, the elastic chamber at the base of the fish heart. Elastin forms the elastic fibres that give large arteries, lungs and skin their ability to stretch and recoil. Also searched for as marine elastin peptide.

What is elastin?

This section describes elastin in the human body in general. It does not describe the effect of Bonito Elastin Peptide or of a finished product.

Basic information

Elastin is a fibrous protein that binds collagen together, also known as "elastin fiber." It is found in the skin dermis, blood vessels, ligaments, and other body tissues where elasticity and stretchiness are required. Elastin is a major component of tissues that need to stretch and recoil: large arteries, ligaments, lungs and skin.

History of elastin

Elastin is a protein widely distributed in vertebrates. However, because it is insoluble in water and other solvents, it was not closely studied until recently.

However, in recent years, a method for dissolving elastin in solvents has been established, and research has advanced rapidly, gradually clarifying its properties and the role it plays in the body.

Properties and functions of elastin

In our material, glycine, proline, alanine and valine make up about 70% of amino acid residues (433, 106, 86 and 70 per 1,000). Elastin is resistant to chemical influences such as weak acids and alkalis, but is slowly degraded by proteolytic enzymes such as elastase*. Elastin is thus involved in elasticity and stretching of the body.

Together with collagen and hyaluronic acid, elastin is produced by fibroblasts in the dermis of the skin. Fibroblasts are responsible for slow tissue metabolism, creating new tissue and breaking down old tissue. Elastin is made mostly early in life and is barely renewed afterwards: in human lung, elastin carbon has a mean residence time of about 74 years, and skin elastin shows age-related chemical changes consistent with no turnover. Elastin is also said to decrease when exposed to reactive oxygen species**, such as UV light, stress, and smoking. With age, elastic fibres accumulate damage and lose function, which shows as reduced elasticity of skin and vessels. Elastin does not always recover properly from its destruction, so daily care is important.

Elastin-containing products

Elastin is found in large quantities in the aorta of cattle and the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito***. Animal arteries contain a lot of elastin because they act as pumps to pump blood throughout the body and need to be flexible and elastic. However, the foods that contain the most elastin are rarely found on our tables.

In fish, the bulbus arteriosus is the elastic chamber that smooths blood flow out of the heart; studies in tuna show its wall is rich in elastin and low in collagen (Braun et al., J Exp Biol, 2003).

* Elastase is an enzyme that breaks down elastin.

** Reactive oxygen species are oxygen species that have strong oxidative capacity due to their much higher reactivity compared to normal oxygen. When produced in excess in the body, they affect lipids, proteins, and DNA and are thought to cause aging.

*** The bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) is the elastic chamber at the base of the fish heart.

Elastin effect

Elastin in the skin

Elastin, along with collagen, is found in the skin's dermis and is responsible for giving the skin elasticity and firmness. Human skin consists of three main layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The dermis, which is rich in elastin, acts as a cushion to keep the skin supple and elastic. The dermis is about 0.5 to 2 mm thick and consists mainly of collagen and elastin, which are protein fibers, and mucopolysaccharides* such as hyaluronic acid, which retain water. Collagen, which makes up about 70% of the dermis, stretches like a mesh, and elastin holds the mesh together. Although elastin makes up only a small share of the dermis, it is very important because it binds collagen together and supports the skin from the inside out. Skin elasticity is maintained by the elasticity of the network of elastin and collagen fibers in the dermis, as well as hyaluronic acid, which fills the spaces between the fibers and retains enough water.

When skin loses elasticity and firmness, wrinkles and sagging appear. Wrinkles and sagging of the skin are caused by damage to elastin and collagen fibers due to reactive oxygen species produced in the body. When reactive oxygen species are produced in the dermis, elastin and collagen fibers break down, become bizarrely intertwined, or are produced in excess, resulting in an imbalance in the fiber structure. As a result of this imbalance, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, resulting in wrinkles. Loss of elasticity of elastin and collagen fibers also reduces the ability of skin and fat to bind to facial muscles and bones, resulting in sagging skin and fat. Wrinkles and sagging of the skin are therefore linked both to excess active oxygen, which disturbs the fiber structure, and to a deficiency of the main components of the dermis: elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Elastin in blood vessels

Elastin is found in the heart and blood vessels throughout the body and plays a role in providing elasticity. The heart has both elastic and muscular arteries, and the elastic arteries near the heart contain particularly large amounts of elastin. Blood pumped from the heart travels through the arteries and then through the veins back to the heart. The walls of arterial and venous blood vessels consist of three layers: intima, tunica media and adventitia. Elastin is particularly abundant in the intima and tunica media of the blood vessel wall, and it is extremely elastic. However, if elastin decreases due to reactive oxygen species or aging, the flexibility of blood vessels is lost.

Elastin in ligaments

Ligaments are found throughout the body and consist of many elastin and collagen fibers. The elasticity of elastin and collagen helps maintain the elasticity of the ligaments. When elastin is deficient, ligaments become less elastic and less flexible.

* Mucopolysaccharides are substances that connect cells to each other. They are found in the skin, joints, and internal organs.

More information about elastin

Products containing elastin:

  • Beef tendon
  • Chicken wings
  • Boiled fish

Product formats for this ingredient (manufacturer's evaluation):

  • Tablets
  • Hard and soft capsules
  • Granules
  • Drinks
  • Jelly
  • General foods
  • Baked goods (good results in the manufacturer's evaluation)
  • Collagen peptide formulas, for example 1,000 mg collagen peptide with 20 mg elastin peptide (50 : 1)

Information on elastin research

  1. In human skin, the proportion of chemically modified (racemised) aspartic acid in elastin rises steadily with age, showing that skin elastin is not renewed. Ritz-Timme S et al. Br J Dermatol, 2003. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2003.05618.x
  2. Elastic fibres give large arteries, lungs and skin their ability to stretch and recoil. They are built by cross-linking elastin on a microfibril scaffold, and once formed they are very stable, but they accumulate damage with age. Schmelzer CEH, Duca L. FEBS J, 2021. DOI: 10.1111/febs.15899. See also: Heinz A. Ageing Res Rev, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101255
  3. Elastin is made mostly early in life and is barely renewed afterwards: in human lung, elastin carbon has a mean residence time of about 74 years (95% CI 40-174). Shapiro SD et al. J Clin Invest, 1991. DOI: 10.1172/JCI115204
  4. In fish, the bulbus arteriosus is the elastic chamber that smooths blood flow out of the heart; studies in tuna show its wall is rich in elastin and low in collagen. Braun MH et al. J Exp Biol, 2003. DOI: 10.1242/jeb.00575
FAQ

Before you order

What is fish elastin peptide and how is it different from collagen?

Fish elastin peptide is an enzymatically decomposed elastin protein; ours is made from the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito, the elastic chamber at the base of the fish heart. Elastin forms the elastic fibres that let large arteries, lungs and skin stretch and recoil. Its amino acid profile per 1,000 residues is glycine 433, proline 106, alanine 86, valine 70 and hydroxyproline 6: unlike collagen, elastin contains little hydroxyproline.

What is the molecular weight and how soluble is it?

In analysis by the manufacturer, 62% of peptides (by peak area) are below 500 Da and none exceed 10,000 Da; the rest fall between 500 and 10,000 Da. The powder is easily soluble in water and hygroscopic, so keep the pouch sealed. In an absorption study by the manufacturer (n=6, single intake of 10 g per 60 kg body weight), the elastin-derived dipeptide Pro-Gly peaked in blood at 30 minutes and remained detectable for up to 6 hours.

Which product formats and inclusion levels is it used in?

In evaluation by the manufacturer it suits tablets, hard and soft capsules, granules, drinks, jelly and general foods, and baked goods gave good results. At 75 mg per serving the manufacturer reports no effect on taste or odour. Human studies on this material used 75 mg per day; the dosage of a finished product is set by the brand for its market. A formulation example from the manufacturer is 1,000 mg collagen peptide with 20 mg elastin peptide (50 : 1).

What documents, MOQ and samples are available?

For evaluation we provide the specification, lot CoA, SDS and manufacturing process statement; documents for product registration follow price agreement and a pilot order. MOQ is 500 g (one pouch), and free 10 g evaluation samples are available to registered companies. The listed price applies to the 500 g minimum order; for larger orders the price is quoted according to volume and delivery terms, and freight is quoted on request. Orders ship from Japan 1-1.5 weeks after payment is received. Payment is 100% prepayment by SWIFT transfer or Stripe.

Where is it made and where does the fish raw material come from?

Bonito Elastin Peptide is manufactured in Japan. The fish raw material is sourced from Thailand and the Philippines; extraction and processing take place in Japan. The raw material is the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito, and the finished powder is supplied in 500 g aluminium pouches. Allergen: contains fish (bonito).
Fish Elastin Peptide

Ready to run a first batch?

Start at the minimum order. Free sample. Specification, SDS and lot CoA on request.

Request a sample or quotation
1,300 USD/kg
at MOQ · free sample
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Fish Elastin Peptide

Low-molecular-weight elastin peptide from bonito aortic bulb: 62% of peptides below 500 Da, easily water-soluble, min. 0.1% desmosine + isodesmosine.
Request specs
CATEGORY
Proteins
MOQ
500 g
MOQ price
1,300 USD/kg

Elastin marine bulk buyers

Elastin is a kind of hard protein with elasticity like rubber. It is found in elastic connective tissues - ligaments, blood vessels (arteries), lungs, skin, etc., and is present throughout the human body along with collagen and other proteins.

Elastin contains specific amino acids - "desmosine" and "isodesmosine", which play an important role in cross-linking.

Elastin functions

  • Elastin is found in large quantities in the elastic connective tissues of the entire human body and supports the flexibility and elasticity of blood vessels and ligaments, giving elasticity and firmness to the skin.
  • Blood vessels (arteries) have a three-layer structure consisting of an inner sheath, middle sheath and outer sheath. Elastin is present in the walls of blood vessels, where it provides elasticity; it is especially abundant in the inner and middle sheath.
  • Elastin in the skin exists in the dermis layer together with collagen and plays a major role in maintaining the skin's elasticity from within by binding collagen. It is known that the amount of elastin in the body decreases with age.

Unique elastin amino acids

Desmosine and isodesmosine are cross-linking amino acids characteristic of elastin; they hold elastin chains together into elastic fibres.

Why the bonito aortic bulb

Bonito Elastin Peptide is made from the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito, the elastic chamber at the base of the fish heart. In fish, the bulbus arteriosus smooths blood flow out of the heart; studies in tuna show its wall is rich in elastin and low in collagen (Braun et al., J Exp Biol, 2003). In the manufacturer's analysis of 13 bonito tissues, the elastin cross-links desmosine and isodesmosine were detected only in the bulbus arteriosus.

Molecular weight distribution

In the manufacturer's analysis, 62% of peptides (by peak area) are below 500 Da and none exceed 10,000 Da. Background reading: why molecular weight matters (our article on collagen peptides).

Formulation notes

The powder is easily soluble in water, and in the manufacturer's evaluation it suits tablets, hard and soft capsules, granules, drinks, jelly and general foods; baked goods gave good results.

  • Solubility and handling: easily soluble in water; hygroscopic, so keep the pouch sealed. Bulk density 0.32 g/mL.
  • Heat and pH: the elastin marker (desmosine + isodesmosine) was recovered at 97-108% after heating to 105 °C and 121 °C for 15 minutes at pH 6.5 and pH 3.5 (manufacturer's data).
  • Taste and odour: at an inclusion level of 75 mg per serving, the manufacturer reports no effect on taste or odour.
  • With collagen: a formulation example from the manufacturer: 1,000 mg collagen peptide with 20 mg elastin peptide (50 : 1). Collagen ingredient we also supply: fish collagen tripeptide.
  • Dosage: human studies on this material used 75 mg per day; the dosage of a finished product is set by the brand for its market.

Safety data

Safety data available (manufacturer's data): acute oral toxicity limit test at 2,000 mg/kg, 90-day oral study in rats, skin and eye irritation tests, umu mutagenicity test (negative). Details in the SDS.

In a long-term human study at 400 mg/day for 13 months (more than five times the 75 mg/day used in efficacy studies), no abnormalities were observed.

Allergen: contains fish (bonito).

What has been studied on this material

The manufacturer has studied this material in humans; below are the study designs and what was measured. They describe the ingredient, not the effect of a finished product.

  • Skin elasticity and moisture (manufacturer's study): in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study run by the manufacturer (32 Japanese adults aged 30-50, 75 mg/day for 8 weeks), skin elasticity and skin moisture measurements were significantly higher than placebo (p<0.05). Study summary available to B2B buyers.
  • Absorption (manufacturer's study): in a manufacturer's absorption study (n=6, single intake of 10 g per 60 kg body weight), the elastin-derived dipeptide Pro-Gly peaked in blood at 30 minutes and remained detectable for up to 6 hours.

Request specification and sample - tell us your product format, target market and expected volume. Developing a finished product rather than buying the ingredient? See contract manufacturing in Japan.

Price and documents

Request a price, specification or sample

What is elastin peptide?

Elastin peptide is elastin protein that has been hydrolysed into peptides. Bonito Elastin Peptide is an enzymatically decomposed elastin protein (label names: elastin, elastin peptide), made from the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito, the elastic chamber at the base of the fish heart. Elastin forms the elastic fibres that give large arteries, lungs and skin their ability to stretch and recoil. Also searched for as marine elastin peptide.

What is elastin?

This section describes elastin in the human body in general. It does not describe the effect of Bonito Elastin Peptide or of a finished product.

Basic information

Elastin is a fibrous protein that binds collagen together, also known as "elastin fiber." It is found in the skin dermis, blood vessels, ligaments, and other body tissues where elasticity and stretchiness are required. Elastin is a major component of tissues that need to stretch and recoil: large arteries, ligaments, lungs and skin.

History of elastin

Elastin is a protein widely distributed in vertebrates. However, because it is insoluble in water and other solvents, it was not closely studied until recently.

However, in recent years, a method for dissolving elastin in solvents has been established, and research has advanced rapidly, gradually clarifying its properties and the role it plays in the body.

Properties and functions of elastin

In our material, glycine, proline, alanine and valine make up about 70% of amino acid residues (433, 106, 86 and 70 per 1,000). Elastin is resistant to chemical influences such as weak acids and alkalis, but is slowly degraded by proteolytic enzymes such as elastase*. Elastin is thus involved in elasticity and stretching of the body.

Together with collagen and hyaluronic acid, elastin is produced by fibroblasts in the dermis of the skin. Fibroblasts are responsible for slow tissue metabolism, creating new tissue and breaking down old tissue. Elastin is made mostly early in life and is barely renewed afterwards: in human lung, elastin carbon has a mean residence time of about 74 years, and skin elastin shows age-related chemical changes consistent with no turnover. Elastin is also said to decrease when exposed to reactive oxygen species**, such as UV light, stress, and smoking. With age, elastic fibres accumulate damage and lose function, which shows as reduced elasticity of skin and vessels. Elastin does not always recover properly from its destruction, so daily care is important.

Elastin-containing products

Elastin is found in large quantities in the aorta of cattle and the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito***. Animal arteries contain a lot of elastin because they act as pumps to pump blood throughout the body and need to be flexible and elastic. However, the foods that contain the most elastin are rarely found on our tables.

In fish, the bulbus arteriosus is the elastic chamber that smooths blood flow out of the heart; studies in tuna show its wall is rich in elastin and low in collagen (Braun et al., J Exp Biol, 2003).

* Elastase is an enzyme that breaks down elastin.

** Reactive oxygen species are oxygen species that have strong oxidative capacity due to their much higher reactivity compared to normal oxygen. When produced in excess in the body, they affect lipids, proteins, and DNA and are thought to cause aging.

*** The bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) is the elastic chamber at the base of the fish heart.

Elastin effect

Elastin in the skin

Elastin, along with collagen, is found in the skin's dermis and is responsible for giving the skin elasticity and firmness. Human skin consists of three main layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The dermis, which is rich in elastin, acts as a cushion to keep the skin supple and elastic. The dermis is about 0.5 to 2 mm thick and consists mainly of collagen and elastin, which are protein fibers, and mucopolysaccharides* such as hyaluronic acid, which retain water. Collagen, which makes up about 70% of the dermis, stretches like a mesh, and elastin holds the mesh together. Although elastin makes up only a small share of the dermis, it is very important because it binds collagen together and supports the skin from the inside out. Skin elasticity is maintained by the elasticity of the network of elastin and collagen fibers in the dermis, as well as hyaluronic acid, which fills the spaces between the fibers and retains enough water.

When skin loses elasticity and firmness, wrinkles and sagging appear. Wrinkles and sagging of the skin are caused by damage to elastin and collagen fibers due to reactive oxygen species produced in the body. When reactive oxygen species are produced in the dermis, elastin and collagen fibers break down, become bizarrely intertwined, or are produced in excess, resulting in an imbalance in the fiber structure. As a result of this imbalance, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, resulting in wrinkles. Loss of elasticity of elastin and collagen fibers also reduces the ability of skin and fat to bind to facial muscles and bones, resulting in sagging skin and fat. Wrinkles and sagging of the skin are therefore linked both to excess active oxygen, which disturbs the fiber structure, and to a deficiency of the main components of the dermis: elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Elastin in blood vessels

Elastin is found in the heart and blood vessels throughout the body and plays a role in providing elasticity. The heart has both elastic and muscular arteries, and the elastic arteries near the heart contain particularly large amounts of elastin. Blood pumped from the heart travels through the arteries and then through the veins back to the heart. The walls of arterial and venous blood vessels consist of three layers: intima, tunica media and adventitia. Elastin is particularly abundant in the intima and tunica media of the blood vessel wall, and it is extremely elastic. However, if elastin decreases due to reactive oxygen species or aging, the flexibility of blood vessels is lost.

Elastin in ligaments

Ligaments are found throughout the body and consist of many elastin and collagen fibers. The elasticity of elastin and collagen helps maintain the elasticity of the ligaments. When elastin is deficient, ligaments become less elastic and less flexible.

* Mucopolysaccharides are substances that connect cells to each other. They are found in the skin, joints, and internal organs.

More information about elastin

Products containing elastin:

  • Beef tendon
  • Chicken wings
  • Boiled fish

Product formats for this ingredient (manufacturer's evaluation):

  • Tablets
  • Hard and soft capsules
  • Granules
  • Drinks
  • Jelly
  • General foods
  • Baked goods (good results in the manufacturer's evaluation)
  • Collagen peptide formulas, for example 1,000 mg collagen peptide with 20 mg elastin peptide (50 : 1)

Information on elastin research

  1. In human skin, the proportion of chemically modified (racemised) aspartic acid in elastin rises steadily with age, showing that skin elastin is not renewed. Ritz-Timme S et al. Br J Dermatol, 2003. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2003.05618.x
  2. Elastic fibres give large arteries, lungs and skin their ability to stretch and recoil. They are built by cross-linking elastin on a microfibril scaffold, and once formed they are very stable, but they accumulate damage with age. Schmelzer CEH, Duca L. FEBS J, 2021. DOI: 10.1111/febs.15899. See also: Heinz A. Ageing Res Rev, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101255
  3. Elastin is made mostly early in life and is barely renewed afterwards: in human lung, elastin carbon has a mean residence time of about 74 years (95% CI 40-174). Shapiro SD et al. J Clin Invest, 1991. DOI: 10.1172/JCI115204
  4. In fish, the bulbus arteriosus is the elastic chamber that smooths blood flow out of the heart; studies in tuna show its wall is rich in elastin and low in collagen. Braun MH et al. J Exp Biol, 2003. DOI: 10.1242/jeb.00575
Fish Elastin Peptide
Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is fish elastin peptide and how is it different from collagen?

    Fish elastin peptide is an enzymatically decomposed elastin protein; ours is made from the bulbus arteriosus (aortic bulb) of bonito, the elastic chamber at the base of the fish heart. Elastin forms the elastic fibres that let large arteries, lungs and skin stretch and recoil. Its amino acid profile per 1,000 residues is glycine 433, proline 106, alanine 86, valine 70 and hydroxyproline 6: unlike collagen, elastin contains little hydroxyproline.

  • What is the molecular weight and how soluble is it?

    In analysis by the manufacturer, 62% of peptides (by peak area) are below 500 Da and none exceed 10,000 Da; the rest fall between 500 and 10,000 Da. The powder is easily soluble in water and hygroscopic, so keep the pouch sealed. In an absorption study by the manufacturer (n=6, single intake of 10 g per 60 kg body weight), the elastin-derived dipeptide Pro-Gly peaked in blood at 30 minutes and remained detectable for up to 6 hours.

  • Which product formats and inclusion levels is it used in?

    In evaluation by the manufacturer it suits tablets, hard and soft capsules, granules, drinks, jelly and general foods, and baked goods gave good results. At 75 mg per serving the manufacturer reports no effect on taste or odour. Human studies on this material used 75 mg per day; the dosage of a finished product is set by the brand for its market. A formulation example from the manufacturer is 1,000 mg collagen peptide with 20 mg elastin peptide (50 : 1).

  • What documents, MOQ and samples are available?

    For evaluation we provide the specification, lot CoA, SDS and manufacturing process statement; documents for product registration follow price agreement and a pilot order. MOQ is 500 g (one pouch), and free 10 g evaluation samples are available to registered companies. The listed price applies to the 500 g minimum order; for larger orders the price is quoted according to volume and delivery terms, and freight is quoted on request. Orders ship from Japan 1-1.5 weeks after payment is received. Payment is 100% prepayment by SWIFT transfer or Stripe.

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