You’re curious about which type of collagen supplement you should choose. Well done on taking the time to consider your choices when it comes to collagen. Collagen supplements can help you along your journey to health. Which collagen supplement is better? We outline the two types: grass-fed (bovine) collagen and marine collagen in this article. 

Why choose collagen supplements?

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular as people seek natural ways to enhance and support their skin, joints, and general health. Among the various types of collagen available, grass-fed bovine collagen and marine collagen are two of the most common. Both types of collagen supplement offer you unique benefits, but which type of collagen is right for you? 

Grass-fed bovine collagen 

Grass-fed bovine collagen is derived from the hides and bones of cows that are raised on a grass-fed diet. Typically, these cows are also raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones in their diet. This approach enhances the quality of collagen produced, leading to a higher quality collagen product. Grass-fed bovine collagen is rich in types I and III collagen. Types I and III collagen support the structural integrity of your skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Grass-fed bovine collagen supplements are a great addition to a healthy lifestyle, offering multiple benefits. They help make your skin look more youthful by enhancing elasticity, improving hydration, and reducing wrinkles, contributing to a fresher appearance. Grass-fed bovine collagen supplements also support your bones and joints by providing essential components to cartilage, potentially alleviating joint pain and preventing bone loss, which is particularly beneficial for those with osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. Collagen supplements support your gut health by strengthening the gut lining and providing essential nutrients that help to repair and maintain it. Grass-fed bovine collagen is also generally more affordable to produce, in comparison to marine collagen. 

Marine collagen

Marine collagen is derived from the skin and scales of fish, usually from wild-caught species. Marine collagen is rich in Type I collagen, which is highly effective for skin health. Marine collagen has a high bioavailability, as it has smaller-sized molecules. That makes marine collagen quicker for your body to absorb. Marine collagen is particularly beneficial for enhancing your skin elasticity and hydration, reducing wrinkles, and promoting stronger hair and nails. As high-quality marine collagen is sustainably sourced, it’s considered to be more environmentally friendly, using the by-products of the fishing industry. If you follow a pescatarian diet, marine collagen may be the preferred choice for you. Of course, if you have a fish allergy, you should avoid using a marine collagen supplement. 

Bovine collagen or marine collagen? 

Now that you know a little more about the different sources of collagen, you’ll want to consider which one is right for you. The choice depends on your dietary preferences, health goals, and approach:

  • You want to support your skin and hair: If your primary focus is improving skin elasticity and hydration, marine collagen may be the better choice. That’s thanks to its high bioavailability and concentration of type I collagen.
  • You want to help your joints and improve gut health: Bovine collagen is more suitable for people who want to support their joints and improve their gut health. That’s because grass-fed bovine collagen supplements have a high concentration of type I and type III collagen.
  • Your diet: Consider your dietary restrictions and ethical preferences. Marine collagen is suitable for pescatarians. 
  • Your budget: Grass-fed bovine collagen is a good option when you’re looking for a more cost-effective collagen supplement. 

Choose the right collagen for you

No matter which type of collagen source you choose, always opt for high-quality, sustainably sourced products to maximise the benefits of your collagen supplement. When choosing the right collagen supplement, consider your lifestyle, dietary preferences, and specific health goals. Luckily, when you shop at The Harvest Table, you get to choose! Our range of collagen supplements include Grass-Fed (Bovine) Collagen and Marine Collagen Products.  Shop the Harvest Table’s range of collagen products today.