Marines And Bovine Collagen: These Are The Differences

For several years now, experts have been discussing which type of collagen is better. What does scientific knowledge say about marine and bovine collagen? How do these two types of collagen differ? Just read on to find out more about it!

In recent years, the marketing of collagen-based nutritional supplements has left many people wondering which type of collagen is better, marine or bovine collagen. However, there are several controversies and different studies on this. Do you know what marine and bovine collagen are and how do these two types differ? Read on and find out more about this!

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is also present in the body of many animals. According to a review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology , it is one of the main components of skin, bones, joints, and blood vessels.

Today, collagen is also a popular dietary supplement that offers various health benefits. In addition, this protein is also very popular in the cosmetics industry as it appears to delay the onset of aging.

Since there are marine and bovine collagen , today we want to investigate the question of which type of collagen is recommended by experts.

Marine and bovine collagen

You can find a variety of collagen-based dietary supplements on the market, including marine and bovine collagen. Experts attribute a number of properties to collagen. For example, it is said to help keep the skin or joints healthy. And while some studies support this, a debate has developed about which type of collagen is best.

Usually, the advertisements for these products claim that marine collagen is “more digestible than bovine collagen”. Experts, on the other hand, attribute almost miraculous health effects to it.

However, you should know that all collagens are similar and the body hardly notices the difference when it is digested.

In other words, marine collagen does not have better biological value, is not digested better, and has no better properties than bovine collagen (bovine collagen). What matters in both cases is the degree of hydrolysis that allows the body to absorb the collagen.

The hydrolysis process is also called “fragmentation” or “pre-digestion” and consists of eliminating fats and unwanted materials in order to obtain pure amino acids (which the body can use). Regardless of the origin of the collagen, only sufficiently hydrolyzed collagen will be able to reach the tissues it serves as a nutrient.

Marine and bovine collagen: how do the two types of collagen differ?

The main difference between these two collagen supplements is their origins. While marine collagen comes from fish skin, bones and scales, bovine collagen comes from the bones and skins of farm animals such as cows, bison and buffalo.

Another differentiator is the environment from which the source of collagen comes. Marine collagen is obtained from certain marine life, while bovine collagen is obtained from land animals. Experts believe the environment the animals live in could affect the quality of the supplement. Although more evidence is needed, this has already been established in some studies.

For example, research published in the medical journal Marine Drugs shows that marine collagen increases collagen types I and II in the body. Hence, it is beneficial for skin and cartilage health.

Meanwhile, a study published in the journal Nutrients shows that bovine collagen increases collagen types I and III. These could help prevent wrinkles, promote elasticity, and increase skin moisture. Some studies also suggest it could benefit the joints.

One major difference: the price

One aspect worth mentioning that distinguishes marine and bovine collagen is the price. As we mentioned above, there is a great deal of marketing behind “upgrading” the benefits of marine collagen supplements.  And this in turn has had an impact on its price.

Also, because marine collagen is a relatively new product and several studies have been published on it, it costs more than bovine collagen. In fact, some companies offer very expensive options even if they obtained the collagen from an inexpensive source.

But as we have already explained to you, the most important thing – regardless of the origin (marine or terrestrial) – is that the product is hydrolyzed so that your body can digest it. So if you are looking to buy a collagen supplement product, you should first check the level of hydrolysis before making a decision.

There is no plant-based collagen

Collagen is a protein found in many animals as well as in the human body. However, it is not true that this protein is also found in plants, not even in very small amounts.  Still, the idea has spread that collagen can be obtained from foods like algae.

But nothing could be further from the truth. These plant sources simply don’t contain collagen because they don’t need it. Instead, they have jelly-like, fibrous structures (similar to collagen), which the industry calls “vegetable collagen”. However, you should know that this so-called “vegetable collagen” does not have the properties of protein.

What you should know about marine and bovine collagen

Due to the potential health benefits, marine and bovine collagen and the corresponding supplements have been thoroughly examined by experts. In particular, they have concluded that these supplements are beneficial for skin and joint health. However, there is not enough evidence to make a valid statement about whether one species is better than the other.

In general, regardless of its source, collagen protein contains the same amino acids and in similar proportions. It is important that the collagen is hydrolyzed to ensure good digestion and bioavailability.