What is the difference between marine and bovine collagen?

Source

Marine collagen is obtained from fish skin, scales and bones. Bovine collagen comes from cattle hide, bones and cartilage. In supplements, both are usually hydrolysed, meaning they have been broken down into peptides.

Collagen type

Marine collagen consists mainly of type I collagen. Type I also predominates in bovine collagen, although bovine products often contain type III as well. If you specifically need type II collagen, look for products made from cartilage and check the collagen type on the label.

Is marine collagen absorbed better?

This is often claimed because marine collagen peptides are said to be smaller. In practice, peptide size depends mainly on the degree of hydrolysis during manufacturing rather than only on the source. There is no clear evidence that marine collagen works better than bovine collagen.

How to choose

• If you do not eat beef or pork products, marine collagen may be suitable.
• If you have a fish or seafood allergy, choose bovine collagen or another source.
• If price per serving matters, compare the amount of collagen per serving across products: bovine collagen is often more affordable.
• Neither marine nor bovine collagen is suitable for vegans.