There has been a rise in interest in and curiosity about the sources of collagen, notably marine and bovine collagen, as a result of the growing popularity of collagen supplements as a way to improve skin, hair, and joint health.
In this blog, we’ll give you thorough comparison so you may decide which collagen source might best support your wellness and health objectives by examining the history, makeup, and possible benefits of these two collagen kinds.
IN THIS ARTICLE
11. Conclusion
Understanding Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. Its fiber-like structure is used to make connective tissue. Like the name implies, this type of tissue connects other tissues and is a major component of bone, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. It aids in making tissues robust and elastic so that they can better endure strain.
Only connective tissue-containing animal products, such as meat and fish, contain collagen naturally. However, a range of both animal and plant diets contain elements for collagen formation in our own bodies.
Collagen production declines with age, but it’s accelerated by things like UV damage, smoking, drinking too much, and not getting enough exercise.
Collagen in the dermis becomes less of a finely woven web and more of a tangled maze as we get older. Wrinkles in the skin are the result of collagen fibers being damaged by environmental factors, which reduces their thickness and strength.
What is Marine Collagen?
Your body’s primary protein is collagen:
- Bones
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Organs
- Blood vessels
- Intestines
- Tissue
- Skin
Collagen production declines with age, beginning in your mid-20s. Low levels might also be caused by a poor diet. Consequences of a deficiency in collagen production include:
- Wrinkles
- Weak muscles
- Tight ligaments and tendons
- Joint pain
- Gut issues
Marine collagen, often known as fish collagen, is derived from fish skin. It can assist you raise your levels up. Collagen is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and supplements, both of which you may already use. Collagen is typically sourced from animal hides, specifically pig and cow.
There are a number of reasons why fish collagen has become increasingly popular recently.
BENEFITS OF MARINE COLLAGEN
Taking marine collagen supplements is a great way to take care of yourself from the inside out because of the positive effects on your skin, hair, and bones. To further understand what marine collagen may do for you, let’s examine three of its most significant advantages.
1. Improves Skin Elasticity
You may be experiencing a loss of skin elasticity if you’ve seen an increase in the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles on your face. but don’t freak out!
Type 1 collagen, which may be found in SKINGLO’s marine collagen supplements, is associated with improved skin elasticity, firmness, and plumpness. Consuming marine collagen on a regular basis can help your skin cells renew and repair themselves, much as how collagen is produced by the body.
2. Improves hair growth
The effect that marine collagen can have on your hair is another of its top benefits. Taking marine collagen supplements on a daily basis might improve the health and appearance of your hair.
The dermis (from which hair follicles emerge) can heal when you consume marine collagen, which strengthens your hair and keeps it in place.
Our hair naturally tends to thin and weaken as time passes as we get older (from as early as our late 20s onwards), which is partly due to a loss in collagen production, but taking marine collagen supplements can help with this.
3. Promotes Bone Strength
Did you realise that marine collagen benefits your bones too? Studies have shown that ingesting marine collagen can aid people with osteoarthritis, thus it can help to enhance your bone strength.
The benefits of marine collagen may seem boundless; taking type 1 collagen, for example, has been linked to improved joint function due to collagen’s central role in the composition of cartilage.
Downsides of Marine Collagen
Consuming marine collagen on a regular basis is associated with some potential negative consequences, as is the case with any substance. While most of these adverse effects aren’t anything major, there are a couple that are still there.
Minor bloating and digestive disturbances are possible after taking this collagen, however this protein usually aids the digestive system rather than hindering it. Avoid using marine collagen if you have a seafood allergy without first talking to your doctor about it.
What is Bovine Collagen?
Bovine collagen is rich in Types I and III collagen, and most closely resembles the collagen that’s present in the human body. Dose & Co. collagen peptide powders feature bovine collagen that is ethically sourced, non-GMO, and hormone- and antibiotic-free.
Although your body makes collagen on its own, you can also get it from certain foods and nutritional supplements.
The most prevalent sources of supplements include marine animals like fish, jellyfish, and sponges, as well as land animals like cows and pigs. Yeast and microorganisms that have been genetically engineered are two such sources.
Cows are the primary source of bovine collagen, while other bovine species such as yaks, antelopes, bison, and water buffalo are also used.
Cow bones or other parts of the cow are cooked in water to make this. The collagen is then dried and ground into a powder for use as a dietary supplement.
BENEFITS OF BOVINE COLLAGEN
Collagen production naturally reduces with age, which can lead to a variety of health problems such as brittle bones, stiff joints, and skin sagging.
Collagen production is also affected by other factors.
Individuals who smoke, eat a lot of sugary or processed carbs, or are exposed to excess sunshine are also at risk of diminished collagen production.
Therefore, supplements made from bovine collagen may be useful in reversing the consequences of low collagen. All of these advantages may be realized, but only if more study is conducted with humans.
Could Help With Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Osteoarthritis is a frequent form of arthritis caused by the breakdown of protecting cartilage at the ends of your bones; bovine collagen may help alleviate symptoms. Pain and stiffness can develop in a variety of joints, including the hands, knees, and hips.
Bovine collagen was found to promote bone growth and mineralization in mouse cells in vitro, suggesting that it may be useful in treating osteoarthritis.
In addition, a 13-week trial found that giving 30 participants with knee osteoarthritis 5 grams of bovine collagen twice daily reduced pain and improved function.
May Lessen Aging's Obvious Symptoms
By increasing the skin’s collagen quality and quantity, bovine collagen may reduce the signs of skin ageing.
After 8 weeks, older mice given bovine collagen supplements showed improved elasticity, collagen content, collagen fibers, and antioxidant activity in their skin, but no change in moisture levels.
Could Stop Bone Loss
Bone loss can be avoided by taking bovine collagen, as revealed in various animal experiments.
As such, it has the potential to help in the fight against osteoporosis. Fractures are more common in people who suffer from osteoporosis.
A supplement comprising bovine collagen and calcium citrate dramatically prevented bone loss in rats over the course of a 12-week study.
Downsides of Bovine Collagen
It’s crucial to be aware of potential negative reactions to any supplements you’re considering using.
Some users also find it unpleasant in taste if taken in other forms.
You should also avoid Bovine Collagen if you are allergic to beef or cow proteins, as it is a cow byproduct.
Marine Collagen vs Bovine Collagen: Nutritional Value
Collagen type 2 is more prevalent in bovine than fish-based collagen. Because of its ability to aid in muscle and joint healing, it is often recommended as a collagen supplement for athletes looking to enhance their performance. Marine collagen is rich in skin healing collagen type 1.
The origin of the collagen is the primary distinction between marine collagen and bovine collagen. Another important distinction between these collagen supplements is the type of collagen they offer.
Vegetarians and others who don’t eat meat for ethical or cultural reasons shouldn’t use bovine collagen. As a result, marine collagen may be the superior choice. Similarly, if you have a shellfish allergy, you may get better results with bovine collagen or even vegan collagen.
One reason our SKINGLO marine collagen sachets are so well-liked is because of the marine collagen’s bioavailability. You want a collagen supplement to operate rapidly and to absorb as many of the supplement’s components as feasible. The scientific rationale for this advantage of ingesting marine collagen can be understood.
Skin Health: Marine vs Bovine
The advantages of collagen from either bovine or marine sources are identical. The skin, hair, digestive system, and bones all benefit greatly from both. However, bovine is marginally less expensive and may be preferable for those with gastrointestinal issues.
On the other hand, those who are in a hurry, have issues with their skin and hair, or don’t eat cow products may benefit more from marine collagen.
Both are useful and beneficial, with just subtle distinctions between them. You have all the information you need about collagen, so the decision is yours.
Joint Health: Marine vs Bovine
Collagen peptides derived from marine collagen are manufactured in the same way as collagen derived from any other animal source. Yummy! Fish scales, bones, crustacean shells and numerous other sea creatures are boiled down to form gelatin which is then put through a process called hydrolysis.
Collagen is made by breaking down larger proteins into smaller ones called peptides. In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence supporting the assertions that marine collagen, in particular, is superior to other collagens on a variety of fronts, including joint health, skin health, sustainability, and ethics.
However, studies suggest that marine collagen is not superior clinically and may perhaps be subpar. Why? Bovine collagen supports not just your skin, hair, and bones like Type 1 collagen does, but also your muscles, arteries, and organs, whereas Marine collagen simply supports your skin, hair, and bones like Type 1 collagen does. Stuff like that will keep you alive and well!
Sustainability: Marine vs Bovine
Since marine collagen is made from byproducts that would have otherwise been discarded, it is an environmentally friendly collagen source. Marine collagen is more sustainable than bovine collagen.
How to Choose: Marine or Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen can be acquired in a wide variety of locations, including health food stores, supplement shops, and online. Bovine collagen is affordable due to the high volume of the cattle business.
If you can’t take marine collagen because of an allergy to shellfish, bovine collagen is another excellent option.
People who are vegetarian or vegan who want to supplement their diet with collagen should look into marine collagen.
Because of its positive effects on the skin, it’s also a good choice for people who care about looking younger.
Because the fish oils are eliminated during manufacturing, marine collagen has no discernible fishy aftertaste or odour. Since it does not change the flavour or aroma of food, it can be added to beverages like coffee and tea.
If you’re in a hurry, have issues with your hair, skin, or nails, or don’t eat cow products, marine collagen may be the way to go. However, people with digestive issues may benefit more from bovine, which also happens to be slightly less expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of collagen is better for skin and hair health?
Marine collagen is often recommended for skin and hair health due to its high concentration of type I collagen, which is a major component of the skin and contributes to its elasticity and hydration.
Is there a difference in absorption between marine and bovine collagen?
Both marine and bovine collagen can be easily absorbed by the body, but some studies suggest that marine collagen may have slightly better absorption properties due to its smaller peptide size.
Can marine collagen or bovine collagen help with joint and bone health?
While marine collagen primarily contains type I collagen, which is more skin-focused, bovine collagen may contain type III collagen, which can support joints and bone health. Bovine collagen may be a better choice for those specifically looking to address joint and bone concerns.
Are there any allergy concerns with marine or bovine collagen?
Some individuals may have allergies to fish or beef, so it’s essential to be cautious and check for potential allergens in the specific collagen product you are using.
Can I use marine and bovine collagen interchangeably?
You can use them interchangeably in some cases, but it’s essential to consider your specific health goals. If you are targeting skin and hair health, marine collagen may be preferable, while bovine collagen could be a better choice for joint and bone health.
Conclusion
When comparing marine collagen vs bovine collagen, it’s essential to consider several key factors. Marine collagen is derived from fish scales and skin, making it a suitable option for individuals with dietary restrictions like those who follow a pescatarian or kosher diet.
On the other hand, bovine collagen is sourced from cowhide and is more widely available. Both types offer similar health benefits, such as promoting skin elasticity and joint health, but marine collagen may have a smaller molecular size, potentially leading to better absorption and bioavailability.
It’s crucial to choose the collagen type that aligns with your dietary preferences and consider factors like sourcing and potential differences in absorption rates when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between marine collagen vs bovine collagen should be based on your specific needs and dietary restrictions.