More and more people are choosing collagen supplements, but the question remains: is marine collagen or bovine collagen better? In this blog, we discuss the benefits of both types and why marine collagen might be the better choice.
Collagen and its different types
Collagen consists of various amino acids, and there are 28 different types. Over 90% of the collagen in the body is type I collagen. This is primarily found in your skin, hair, nails, joints, tendons, muscles, bones, and teeth. Type II collagen is mainly found in cartilage, and type III in the skin, organs, and blood vessels. The other types also occur in small amounts in various tissues in your body.
As we age, the body's own production of collagen decreases, usually from around our 25th year. Supplementing collagen can help counteract this decline. The two most popular sources of collagen are fish and bovine.
Marine Collagen
Marine collagen primarily contains type I collagen, the type most abundant in your body and especially beneficial for your skin, nails, and hair. What makes marine collagen special is that, due to its smaller molecules, it is much better absorbed by the body than other types of collagen. This means you experience the benefits faster, such as improved skin elasticity and fewer fine lines. Moreover, marine collagen typically comes from sustainable sources and contains fewer pollutants than collagen from other sources.
Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen contains both type I and type III collagen, which is good for joint and muscle health. While bovine collagen can be beneficial for athletes or people with joint problems, it has a larger molecular structure, which slows its absorption into the body compared to marine collagen.
Summary
Both bovine and marine collagen have their benefits, but if you're looking for a supplement for skin, hair, and nails, marine collagen is the clear winner. This is because marine collagen primarily contains type I collagen and is better absorbed by the body, thanks to its smaller molecular structure. This leads to faster visible results. Moreover, marine collagen typically comes from sustainable sources and contains fewer pollutants than collagen from other sources.
Finally, it is always important to pay attention to the quality of the supplement. Choose collagen powder from high-quality sources, with the right cofactors and without unnecessary additives.
