Marine vs Bovine Collagen: Where Does Collagen Actually Come From? Which Is Right for You? By Dr B

But where do they actually come from? And is one genuinely better than the other?

As a GP, I find many people are surprised to learn that not all collagen supplements are the same. The source of the collagen can influence everything from the types of collagen it contains to whether it fits your dietary preferences and personal values.

Let's take a closer look.

Where Does Collagen Come From?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing strength and structure to our skin, joints, tendons, ligaments and bones.

Because collagen is an animal protein, all collagen supplements are currently derived from animal sources.

The two most common are:

• Marine collagen, sourced from fish.
• Bovine collagen, sourced from cows.

Although both provide collagen peptides, there are some important differences.

What Is Marine Collagen?

Marine collagen is produced using collagen extracted from fish, often from parts of the fish that might otherwise go unused, such as the skin and scales.

This helps make use of more of the animal and reduces waste within the seafood industry.

Marine collagen is particularly rich in Type I collagen, which is the most abundant type of collagen found naturally in the human body and is especially important for:

• Skin
• Tendons
• Bones
• Ligaments

One reason marine collagen has become increasingly popular is its high bioavailability. This means the collagen peptides are broken down into small fragments that are readily absorbed by our bodies following digestion.

While both marine and bovine collagen are effective sources of collagen peptides, marine collagen is often chosen because of this efficient absorption profile and its naturally high Type I collagen content.

What Is Bovine Collagen?

Bovine collagen comes from cows, usually from the hide, skin and connective tissues.

It typically contains a mixture of Type I and Type III collagen, both of which occur naturally within the human body.

You'll often see bovine collagen marketed as:

• Grass-fed collagen
• Pasture-raised collagen
• Grass-finished collagen

These terms describe how the cattle were raised, not the collagen itself.

While they may appeal to consumers interested in farming practices, they don't always make it immediately obvious that the collagen is derived from cows.

For anyone following particular dietary or religious preferences, it's worth reading the ingredients carefully rather than relying on front-of-pack marketing.

Marine vs Bovine Collagen: Which Is Better?

This is probably the question I hear most often.

The honest answer is that both provide collagen peptides, but many healthcare professionals and nutrition experts favour marine collagen for several reasons.

Marine collagen advantages:

• Naturally rich in Type I collagen.
• Highly bioavailable.
• Sourced from fish.
• Often considered a more sustainable use of seafood by-products.
• Suitable for pescatarians.

Bovine collagen advantages:

• Contains both Type I and Type III collagen.
• Widely available.
• Often slightly lower in cost.

Rather than thinking of one as "good" and the other as "bad," it's more useful to consider which best aligns with your health goals, dietary preferences and values.

What About Sustainability?

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration for many people choosing supplements.

Marine collagen is frequently produced using parts of fish that might otherwise be discarded during food production, helping to make better use of existing resources.

Bovine collagen, meanwhile, is a by-product of the cattle industry. While using by-products can reduce waste, cattle farming is generally associated with a higher environmental footprint than fishing, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and land use.

For consumers looking to reduce their environmental impact, this may be an additional factor when choosing between collagen sources.

Is Bovine Collagen Suitable for Everyone?

Not necessarily.

Because bovine collagen comes from cows, it may not be suitable for everyone.

For example, some people following Halal dietary practices may choose to avoid bovine collagen unless it has been certified as Halal by a recognised certification body.

Similarly, many flexitarians actively reduce their consumption of red meat and beef products. While collagen is different from eating a steak, some people prefer to avoid bovine-derived supplements for personal or environmental reasons.

Marine collagen can offer an alternative for pescetarians who eat fish but avoid other animal proteins.

Why I Like Marine Collagen

As a GP, I always encourage patients to choose supplements based on evidence rather than marketing.

Marine collagen appeals to me for several reasons.

It's naturally rich in Type I collagen, offers excellent bioavailability and is suitable for people following a pescatarian lifestyle.

I also appreciate the fact that it makes use of parts of the fish that might otherwise go to waste, aligning with a more sustainable approach to food production.

That's why marine collagen is the form used in GEN Collagen.

My Advice as a GP

Don't be swayed by marketing buzzwords alone.

Terms like "grass-fed" or "pasture-raised" can sound reassuring, but they don't always tell you what type of collagen you're actually buying.

Instead, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Where does the collagen come from?
• Does it fit my dietary preferences?
• Is the source clearly stated?
• Am I choosing a product from a brand that is transparent about its ingredients?

The more informed you are, the easier it is to choose a supplement that's right for you.

The Bottom Line

Both marine and bovine collagen provide collagen peptides, but they aren't identical.

Marine collagen is naturally rich in Type I collagen, is highly bioavailable and is suitable for pescatarians. It's also often viewed as the more sustainable option because it makes use of fish by-products that might otherwise be wasted.