Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: What's The Difference?
If you’re weighing up your options between marine collagen vs bovine collagen, what’s the difference and which is considered to be the better choice?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for around one third of the body’s protein composition. It’s one of the major building blocks for bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen is also found in many other body parts, including blood vessels, corneas, and teeth - think of it as the “glue” that binds everything together.
There are at least 28 known types of collagen found within our bodies, with the four primary ones outlined as following:
Type I - Accounts for 90% of your body’s collagen and is made of densely packed fibers. It provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth.
Type II - Is made of more loosely packed fibers and found in elastic cartilage, which cushions your joints.
Type III - Supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries.
Type IV - Helps with filtration and is found in the layers of your skin.
However, as we age our bodies start to produce less natural collagen, and the stuff that we do produce is of a lower quality. This results in our skin becoming less firm, which is when some of us start researching how to supplement it.
What To Know About Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen
While both provide powerful health benefits and with regular use help your body to stay strong, the deciding factors usually boil down to personal preferences, dietary restrictions, health concerns and your budget.
Bovine (beef) collagen is a Type 1 and 3 collagen product sourced from cow hides. It is relatively inexpensive and is typically used to improve gut and joint health, making it commonly available. In comparison, marine (fish) collagen is made from fish skin and scales, and contains mostly Type 1 collagen.
However, marine collagen is rising in popularity. Traditionally, bovine collagen is produced from conventional feedlot cattle and isn’t considered to be sustainable unless sourced from grass fed beef. On the other hand, marine collagen has high bioavailability, as the molecular structure is much smaller than the bovine, and thus making it is easier to absorb. The highest quality is considered to be from the cod fish.
Another thing to consider regarding marine collagen is sustainability. The supplement is sourced from fish skin and scales, or things that used to be thrown away as waste. In clinical studies, marine collagen has been proven to help reduce wrinkle depth and increase moisture levels in the skin of our bodies.
Benefits Of Marine Collagen For Our Bodies
Despite popular opinion, the benefits of collagen are far greater than just keeping wrinkles at bay, nor does it need to be administered via facial injections. With powders and tablets readily available, what are the perks of adding marine collagen into your daily routine?
- Builds bone strength
- Improves hair, skin and nails
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels
- Boosts metabolism
- Scar reduction and improved wound healing
- Reduces inflammation and joint pain
- Improves brain health and function
- Thyroid booster
- Antibacterial effects
- Great protein source for weight management
Want To Learn More About Natural Alternatives?
If you are looking to improve your overall health without the need for pharmaceuticals and are looking for assistance in regards to what to consume, then knowledge is power.
Anita Flego is a Transformational Health Coach, who has over twenty years experience in the health and natural therapies industry. Originally from Switzerland and a firm believer in natural health education and empowerment, these days you’ll find Anita based in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast.
Passionate about natural and alternative medicine, Anita and her team at Live Young Clinic offer a wide range of products, treatments and services for those looking to kickstart their wellness journey. To book in your free ten minute phone consultation, get in touch with Anita today.