Have you ever looked at a collagen supplement and wondered what's the difference between marine, bovine or vegan collagen? If you have...you are not alone.
Collagen products come from different sources, contain different ingredients and may be presented in different forms. Then there are terms like hydrolysed collagen and collagen peptides which can make it even more confusing.
But once terms are understood, both choosing and comparing collagen products becomes much easier.
What Do We Mean by Types of Collagen?
There are references to “collagen type” and “collagen sources”. So what’s the difference?
When we talk about collagen types, we're referring to different forms of collagen found naturally throughout the body. There are many types, but Type I, Type II and Type III are among the most commonly discussed.
When we talk about collagen sources, we're talking about where the collagen used in a supplement comes from.
For example, collagen may be sourced from:
• Fish — commonly referred to as marine collagen
• Cattle — known as bovine collagen
• Pigs — known as porcine collagen
• Poultry — sometimes used in specific collagen formulations
So, when you're comparing collagen supplements, it's worth looking beyond the word "collagen" and understanding the source, form and ingredients being provided.
Marine Collagen: What Is It?
Marine collagen is collagen sourced from fish. It is commonly associated with Type I collagen, which is one of the most abundant forms of collagen in the human body.
In many supplements, the collagen is hydrolysed, meaning the collagen has been broken down into smaller peptides.
Marine collagen is widely used in beauty and skin-focused supplements, where it may be combined with other ingredients such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid or Biotin. It is also used in broader wellness formulations.
One thing to consider with marine collagen is sourcing. Fish skin and scales can be used as sources of collagen, helping make use of parts of the fish that might otherwise go to waste. However, that doesn't automatically make every marine collagen product sustainable. Traceability and responsible sourcing also matter.
Bovine Collagen: What Is It?
Bovine collagen comes from cattle and is another widely used source of collagen in supplements.
It is commonly associated with Types I and III collagen and, like marine collagen, is often hydrolysed into collagen peptides before being used in a supplement.
Bovine collagen is commonly found in supplements focused on connective tissue, joint, muscle and bone health, as well as in broader beauty and wellness formulations.
You'll find bovine collagen in a wide range of products, from powders and drinks to capsules. Again, the source is only one part of the story. Two products can both contain bovine collagen but differ considerably in their collagen content, additional ingredients and overall formulation.
It is important to compare the complete ingredient list rather than simply looking for the words "bovine collagen" on the front of the pack.
What Is Vegan Collagen?
This is where it starts to get confusing. Plants don't naturally contain collagen.
Collagen is an animal-derived protein, so a conventional collagen peptide supplement cannot be made from plants in the same way that marine or bovine collagen is.
You'll therefore sometimes see products described as vegan collagen alternatives or "vegan collagen". These generally take a different approach to conventional collagen supplements.
Some vegan products contain nutrients that support the body's normal collagen formation. Vitamin C, for example, contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones and cartilage.
So, if you're looking at a product marketed as vegan collagen, check what it actually contains. Is it providing collagen peptides, or is it a formula designed to support your body's own collagen formation? Those are two different approaches.
Collagen Peptides: What Does "Hydrolysed" Mean?
If you've come across the term hydrolysed collagen, it doesn't describe where the collagen comes from. It describes what has been done to the collagen.
Hydrolysis breaks the larger collagen protein down into smaller fragments called collagen peptides. This is why you'll often see phrases such as "hydrolysed marine collagen" or "hydrolysed bovine collagen" on supplement labels. The first part tells you the source. The second tells you the form.
So:
Marine collagen → hydrolysed → collagen peptides
and
Bovine collagen → hydrolysed → collagen peptides
Understanding this distinction will make labels much easier to read.
Does the Source of Collagen Matter?
Yes, but it isn't the only thing that matters. Marine and bovine collagen are different sources of collagen, but simply choosing one over the other will not tell you everything about the quality or suitability of a product. When comparing collagen supplements, consider:
The source
Is the collagen marine, bovine or another animal source? This is important to consider, especially if you have dietary preferences or avoid certain ingredients.
The collagen type
Collagen can be classified as Type I, Type II, Type III and others, depending on its structure and where it is found in the body. However, once collagen has been hydrolysed into collagen peptides, the specific collagen type is not always stated on the product label. The source of the collagen can therefore be more useful when comparing products.
The form
This is useful information when comparing formulations. Is the collagen hydrolysed into collagen peptides?
The amount
Check the amount of collagen per serving rather than relying solely on the size of the bottle, scoop or sachet.
The other ingredients
Some products contain collagen alone, while others combine collagen with vitamins, minerals or other ingredients selected for a particular purpose.
The sourcing
If sustainability matters to you, look at how the raw materials are sourced and whether the brand provides meaningful information about its supply chain.
The Bottom Line
Marine, bovine and vegan collagen alternatives aren't simply three versions of the same ingredient.
Marine and bovine collagen provide animal-derived collagen, while vegan collagen alternatives generally take a different approach, either by providing ingredients that support the body's natural collagen formation or through newer biotechnology.
There is also an important difference between where collagen comes from and the form it takes. Marine or bovine tells you the source, while hydrolysed collagen and collagen peptides describe how that collagen has been processed.
Once you understand those differences, comparing collagen supplements doesn't have to feel complicated. You just need to know what you're looking at.
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