Marine collagen vs Bovine collagen
Collagen is a protein that makes up approximately 30% of the proteins within the body. It's important for healthy, glowing skin, luscious hair, and long, strong nails. As we get older and our natural supply of this protein dwindles, it becomes increasingly important to top it up with supplements. There are two main types of collagen: marine collagen (made from fish) and bovine collagen (made from cowhide). These are often used interchangeably in skincare products because of their similar structures, but there are some key differences that make marine collagen the better option. Let's take a closer look at marine collagen vs bovine collagen.
Its structure
Marine collagen is better for the human body than bovine collagen for various reasons, but chief among these is its unique structure. Marine collagen tends to contain more amino acids and glycine than bovine varieties, which are essential for skin health. Consuming a high-quality protein such as marine collagen also helps to stimulate elastin production in the body, giving the skin a much more youthful appearance without the presence of wrinkles and fine lines.
Its ingredients
Marine collagen also contains more glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) than bovine collagen. These are molecules that function as "shock absorbers" in joints and skin tissue. They’re an important feature of many skincare routines as they’re the key to helping us keep our skin both strong and flexible. They work by holding together collagen fibres, which makes the skin much more resistant to the presence of wrinkles and age spots for a more flawless finish. Swap the foundation in your makeup routine for a sachet of marine collagen for a more natural spin on the viral no makeup, makeup trend.
It’s easier to digest
Whilst marine collagen is broken down into amino acids, bovine collagen tends to simply pass through the intestine before excretion, leaving fewer benefits behind. There are many reasons for this, though the main one is that bovine collagen contains more non-collagenous proteins than marine collagen, which proves harder for our bodies to break down. Regardless of whether a collagen supplement is marine or bovine, there's no optimal time to blend this into your daily routine, contrary to common perception. Whilst some prefer to end their day with a steaming mug of tea that has a collagen sachet swirled in, there's no reason why you can't start the day off this way too. Our bodies are able to break down marine collagen supplements more efficiently than they can with bovine collagen supplements, so you're free to take it when you wish.
It can reduce pain and inflammation
As marine collagen breaks down in our bodies, we reap several benefits. For example, its bioavailability means that our bodies can use collagen to reduce the presence of pain and inflammation in the joints, which helps to improve mobility and flexibility. This makes marine collagen the ideal supplement for gymgoers, although it's a great option for those suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis too. This is because marine collagen helps to tackle the root cause of these conditions, which is inflammation. Inflammation triggers a faster breakdown of collagen, leading to stiffness, joint pain and a loss of flexibility. By supplementing their diets with marine collagen, sufferers of fibromyalgia and arthritis can help to reduce their painful symptoms.
It's better for the environment
When compared to the process of creating bovine collagen, marine collagen is a much more ethical and sustainable option. This is because marine collagen is made from excess fish by-products which can be frozen and shipped to our Kollo facilities before it’s turned into supplements. Bovine collagen, on the other hand, is made from cows. In some cases, it’s collected as a by-product from the cows slaughtered by the food industry, meaning that it’s ethically collected. However, it’s much more expensive to treat and transport. This is because cattle need land to roam, food to eat and water to drink, which isn’t the same for fish.
To reap the benefits of marine collagen for yourself, start off your day by swirling one of our Kollo Health 10G premium marine collagen sachets into your morning coffee or smoothie. For more information about the benefits of marine collagen vs bovine collagen, feel free to contact a member of our team.
