Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: Which one is better?
Collagen is fast becoming a popular health supplement. Recent studies show collagen is linked with soft, glowing skin, better bone, gut, and even mental health. Who would say no to that?
Whether you’ve come across collagen supplements at a healthcare store - or you’re completely new here and are collagen-curious, you might be wondering what it is and which type is best for you.
The truth is there are many different types available, but the most popular and common are marine and bovine collagen.
Here we compare the health benefits of marine collagen vs bovine collagen and point out which one might be more beneficial for your diet and lifestyle.
What is collagen and what does it do?
Collagen production is one of the most important processes in our body. Technically, it’s a naturally occurring protein that is made up of chains of amino acids that form ligaments, bones, tissue, muscle, and of course, skin. You can also find collagen in other parts of the body, like in teeth and blood vessels.
In a way, collagen is like a glue that holds things together and stops our blood from clotting. Collagen also makes our skin elastic - an important feature
Different types of collagen
There are as many as 16 different types of collagen within the body. However, the four main types are the following:
Type I: accounts for up to 90% of collagen within the body. Type I is made up of densely packed fibres that provide structure to our bones, connective tissue, teeth, and skin.
Type II: makes up a smaller portion of collagen in the body and is mainly found within cartilage and joints. Type II is less dense than type I, and acts more as a cushion for bones, and provides elasticity for the skin.
Type III: supports blood vessels, arteries, and organs.
Type IV: helps the skin filter toxins.
Marine collagen vs bovine collagen
Including collagen in your diet can be a game-changer for your skin health and your wellbeing more generally. But which kind of collagen should you choose? There are many sources of collagen. But the two main sources are marine collagen and bovine collagen.
Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen (aka beef collagen) is derived from cows. More specifically, it comes from their hide (skin). Studies show that bovine collagen can help boost types I and III in the body - helping reduce wrinkles, boost elasticity and moisture.
Marine collagen
Marine collagen is sourced from fish skin and scales and is associated with types I and II within the body - improving cartilage, blood flow and assisting in healing wounds faster.
What is the difference between bovine collagen and marine collagen?
The main difference between the two collagen sources, besides the fact they come from different animals, is the types of collagen each one contains. There are also differences in how these types of collagen are reared and harvested - fish collagen mostly comes from the ocean - whereas bovine collagen is always farmed. If you're a pescatarian, for example, you might want to stick with the fish collagen.
Marine collagen vs Bovine collagen - which one is better?
Many factors influence which type of collagen is better for you. You should always consider the quality of the environment in which the collagen was sourced.
If you’re going for beef collagen, you’ll want to make sure the collagen is sourced from sustainable, organic farms. When you take a supplement for your skin - you need to know that the cows weren’t abused or force-fed antibiotics. One makes sense right?
Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell which farms are upholding these practices. That’s why if you’re going to choose quality beef collagen supplements - go for our organic grass fed beef collagen powder. That way you know you’re safe.
When it comes to Marine collagen, you’ll find it easier to source a good product as most fish (unless they’re farmed) will come from the wild oceans. Either way, it’s always worth doing a little research into where the animals are sourced - some companies will try to lure you in with the wrong information.
Is Marine Collagen better?
When it comes to marine collagen vs bovine collagen, it's often a case of which one works better for you.
Often, marine collagen is cleaner than bovine collagen, but if you get your hands on the right grass fed collagen, you can also get some fantastic results. Some people find that fish collagen is better for their skin health, and bovine collagen is more beneficial for joint health.
What is the best form of collagen to take?
With an ever-increasing number of collagen products on the market, knowing which one is for you can be difficult. Not only are there different sources of collagen, but there are also different forms of collagen supplementation which can include:
- Pills
- Powder
- Gummies
- Liquid shots
Picking the right form of collagen to include in your diet can depend on what method you're comfortable with - you might find that using powder in meals is easier (and less invasive) than taking pills or shots.
Can't choose between marine collagen vs bovine collagen? We stock both.
Not sure where to get started or which one to try? Why not try our pure grass fed beef collagen powder online, or even our pure Marine Collagen, and see which one suits you better.
Here at Nourishme Organics, we trade in the highest quality fish and bovine collagen that is bound to make a difference to your skin and general health and wellbeing. Head over to our online store and see how collagen can make a change in your life
