Before becoming the dietary supplement that interests us here, collagen is a protein found in our bones, muscles, tendons, joints, skin, blood vessels… Most of our tissues contain it, as summarized in this study.
It provides strength and structure to these same tissues, much like the foundations of a well-built house. It strengthens bones, facilitates the gliding of joints over each other, makes the skin smooth, etc.
As its production by the body decreases with age, we’ve seen a rise in recent years of many brands of collagen supplements, especially in powder form. And this powder is always of animal origin: either from fish or cattle.
So, marine or bovine collagen? Here I explain their differences so you can choose between the two.
Read also | The best marine collagens according to a pharmacist
1. The origin and ethical question
Marine collagen is extracted from the scales and skins of fish. These are by-products of the fishing industry, whether wild or farmed.
Bovine collagen, on the other hand, is extracted from the skins, tendons, and bones of cows.
Whatever its origin, an ethical question arises: is fishing sustainable? Are living conditions in farming good? Are cattle raised in industrial conditions or outdoors?
These environmental questions can affect the choice of supplement. To ease your conscience, I advise turning to a patented collagen, such as Peptan® or Naticol® collagen, which offers guarantees on animal conditions.
Additionally, a patented collagen normally ensures a lower presence of contaminants.
2. Molecular composition
In general, it is said that both marine and bovine collagens contain type I and III collagen. The first is mostly found in the skin, while the second is the preferred collagen for muscles and blood vessels.
Their composition is therefore similar, although marine collagen contains a higher proportion of type I collagen.
In molecular terms, there are some differences in amino acids from one collagen to another.
According to my research, bovine collagen is richer in hydroxyproline, although the exact composition of collagen varies depending on its location in the body.
3. Bioavailability
Apart from beliefs and allergies, if there is one criterion to remember: it is bioavailability.
It is the body’s ability to absorb and effectively use ingested collagen. In other words, it’s about the amount of collagen that is actually available to the body after digestion.
It varies depending on the molecular composition, molecular weight (size) of the product, and the mode of administration.
The majority of scientific studies show a greater bioavailability of marine collagen.
4. Taste
Marine and bovine collagens do not taste like fish or beef steak. But one shouldn’t underestimate the psychological factor: one may perceive a taste difference.
Whether in capsule or powder form, the dietary supplement typically loses all its characteristic odor.
5. Price
Looking at the prices offered by different brands, I must make an observation: marine collagen is generally more expensive.
The reasons? Extraction processes for marine collagen are considered more complex, and its bioavailability is reputed to be better.
6. Benefits
The difference in composition between these two collagens may influence their use, even though the benefits are relatively similar.
Studies have notably shown positive effects of marine collagen in improving the appearance of the skin, rich in type I collagen. This is less the case for bovine collagen.
