Marine collagen and bovine collagen are both animal-derived sources of collagen peptides. The main difference is their source and predominant collagen types. Marine collagen comes from fish and primarily contains Type I collagen while bovine collagen comes from cattle and generally contains Types I and III.
So, which collagen is better? Neither is automatically better for everyone. The right choice depends on your dietary preferences, allergies, sourcing priorities and the specific product formulation.
Healthy Chef Marine Collagen and Grass Fed Collagen are both hydrolysed into smaller collagen peptides, are flavourless and dissolve in hot or cold liquids.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Though, unfortunately we lose about 1% of our body’s production of collagen from around the age of 30, resulting in a loss of the skin’s natural elasticity, less recovery from wrinkles as well as affect gut health. Over time, this natural loss of collagen can also have an effect on our muscle recovery, joints and even our gastrointestinal health. Learn more about collagen vs whey protein.
Studies have shown that supplementing our diets with ingestible collagen can help it reach to where it’s needed in the body quickly and can play a role in preventing the effects of natural collagen loss. Here at The Healthy Chef, we offer two collagen products: Marine Collagen and Grass Fed Collagen. Your collagen requirements and reasons for supplementing may change over time. Learn more about taking collagen in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Wondering what the similarities and differences are between both? Keep reading below.
Where Do Marine and Bovine Collagen Come From?
The key difference between marine collagen and bovine collagen is where each one comes from.
Healthy Chef Marine Collagen is sourced from sustainably caught fish skin and scales. It is hydrolysed using water and processing methods that break the collagen into smaller peptides. Because it is fish-derived, it is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy.
Healthy Chef Grass Fed Collagen is bovine collagen sourced from the hides of pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle. It is also hydrolysed into collagen peptides and may suit people who prefer a non-fish source.
Both products provide 10 g of collagen peptides per serve and are flavourless, odourless and soluble in hot or cold liquids.
If you would like to use both, you could alternate between them or divide your preferred daily amount between the two products. Follow the label directions and speak with your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a health condition or have questions about supplementation.
Marine vs Bovine Collagen Types
Scientists have identified at least 28 types of collagen in the human body. Type I is the most abundant and provides structure to skin, bone, tendons and ligaments.
However there are 3 types that comprise 90% of our collagen, simply called Type I, II and III.
The Healthy Chef's Marine Collagen has high levels of Type I, which makes up close to 90% of it. It’s usually considered the best type for skin + beauty health, as it’s responsible for giving skin its structure. It’s also present in bones, tendons and connective tissue.
The Healthy Chef's Grass Fed Collagen also contains Type I, but differs from Marine Collagen in that it contains Type III collagen, which is the second most abundant type in the body after Type I. It’s found in reticular fibres, which form a grid-like mesh that supports and provides structure to connective tissue and organs that need to stretch like the intestines, muscle, bowel, uterus and blood vessels. Studies have also found that Type III collagen is a component of bones and it also works well with Type I collagen for its skin boosting properties, making Pure Collagen a great supplement for skin, gut, muscle and bone health.
Is Marine Collagen Better Absorbed Than Bovine Collagen?
Both types of collagen have great absorption rates thanks to the process of breaking down the collagen. Marine Collagen are broken down into slightly smaller particles, with studies finding that it’s absorbed 1.5 times more efficiently than other types of collagen.
Bovine collagen still has an excellent absorption rate, with 90% of peptides being absorbed just a few hours after consuming it. Regardless of your collagen choice, you can enjoy a great absorption rate as studies have shown that ingesting collagen allows it to be absorbed and used by the body so much more efficiently than simply applying it to skin. There is plenty of confusion around how collagen is digested and absorbed. We explore more of the evidence in common collagen myths.
Can You Take Marine and Bovine Collagen Together?
For your intake to reflect more of the spectrum of collagen our body uses, you can definitely take Wild Caught Marine Collagen and Grass Fed Collagen together. This will ensure you are receiving the 2 types of collagen that are most abundant in our body. By covering these bases you’ll ensure you’re helping your skin, gut, muscle, bone and joint health.
If taking together you can take a half dose of each or alternate types each day (Marine Collagen one day, Grass Fed Collagen the next).
Which Is Better: Marine or Bovine Collagen?
Choose marine collagen if you prefer a fish-derived source that predominantly provides Type I collagen and you do not have a fish allergy.
Choose bovine collagen if you prefer collagen derived from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle or need to avoid fish-derived ingredients.
For most people, product quality, serving size, consistency and dietary suitability are more useful deciding factors than choosing collagen solely by type. Both Healthy Chef options provide 10 g of pure hydrolysed collagen peptides per serve. Learn more about Beauty Collagen vs Marine Collagen.
Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen for skin?
Both sources provide hydrolysed collagen peptides and may be used as part of a skin-supporting routine. Marine collagen predominantly contains Type I collagen, but current evidence does not establish that it is universally better for skin than a quality bovine collagen supplement.
Which collagen is better for joints?
There is not enough direct research to conclude that marine or bovine collagen is always better for joints. Consider the product’s formulation, dose and supporting evidence rather than relying only on its animal source.
Can I take marine collagen if I have a fish allergy?
No. Marine collagen is derived from fish and should be avoided by people with a fish allergy. Grass-fed bovine collagen may be a more appropriate alternative, subject to professional advice.
Are marine and bovine collagen vegan?
No. Marine collagen comes from fish while bovine collagen comes from cattle. Products marketed as vegan collagen usually contain nutrients intended to support the body’s natural collagen production rather than collagen itself.
When is the best time to take collagen?
There is no established best time. Consistency is more important, so add collagen to a morning coffee, smoothie, yoghurt, soup or another food or drink that suits your routine.
