Fish collagen and bovine collagen, the two most common collagen supplements, provide distinct benefits and sources. Fish collagen, derived from fish skin, scales, and bones, is often advertised as being highly bioavailable and easily absorbed through the tiny particles it has in it. It is abundant in Type I collagen that is responsible for healing the skin, joints, and delaying aging.
Bovine collagen, in contrast to fish collagen, comprises both Type I and Type III collagen. It softens the skin, cures joints, and relaxes the muscles.
Each collagen variety will be effective, but it is up to you, your habits, and what you want out of your lifestyle that determines your decision. Let's take a closer look to determine which is better for you.
Collagen Types
Fish collagen and bovine collagen aren’t quite the same when it comes to the type of collagen it delivers, so knowing the collagen types beforehand could make it easier for you to determine which is right for you.
Collagen Type 1
Type 1 collagen is the majority of body collagen. Collagen type 1 is the one we’re most often referring to, and it’s the culprit for many of collagen’s effects such as firmer skin, thicker nails, and hair.
Collagen Type 2
Collagen type 2 is what we normally get in cartilage, so it’s really helpful for our joints. It stabilizes the skeleton so that we can walk and recover properly. Collagen type 2 is needed if you're really into exercise and want to maximize your exertion and recovery.
Collagen Type 3
Finally, the third collagen type is the second most relevant collagen type found in the body. It is located in the bone marrow, and maintains the health of muscles, organs, and arteries.
Both fish and bovine collagen are produced in different species and each has its own collagen components. This is something we’ll get to later as we begin comparing fish collagen and bovine collagen in more detail.
What is Fish Collagen?
Fish collagen supplements are those that use collagen from fish sources. This makes them ideal for the pescatarians or people who don’t consume beef.
Fish, after being raised and processed into meals, is cleaned to remove bones, scales, and excess skin. The collagen is extracted before creating anti-aging collagen supplementation.
The 5 Best Fish Collagen Benefits
There are metabolic benefits to taking any type of collagen, including your favorites such as cardiovascular health. You should be consuming any type of collagen, but fish collagen has a number of advantages that make it particularly attractive.
1. Bioavailability
Fish collagen contains smaller particles, so it can be absorbed much faster than other collagen. Some types of fish collagen have been engineered to be even faster digested by your body, so you’re immediately getting the nutrients you need.
2. Collagen Type 1
This is where that lesson of earlier collagen forms enters the picture. Fish collagen is composed primarily of type 1 collagen. This makes it particularly useful for treating the health of cowhide hair, nails, and is popular among collagen supplement users.
3. Healthy Gut
Because fish collagen is bio-available, your body doesn’t have to fight so hard to metabolize it. This is a good thing for anyone with a bad gut. Additionally, fish collagen is high in glycine which has been shown to decrease inflammation in the gut.
4. Improved Sleep
Glycine, a non-essential amino acid that is naturally found in fish collagen, has been shown to improve sleep and prevent insomnia. It can also maintain our body’s core temperature which is conducive to sleep.
What Is Bovine Collagen?
Bovine collagen is collagen derived from beef and more specifically, cow skins. Once the beef is cooked for consumption, collagen is removed from cow hides. Bovine collagen is available in various forms such as powders, pills, and liquids.
The 4 Best Benefits of Bovine Collagen On Skin
When you take fish collagen and bovine collagen, bovine collagen is great since it’s suitable for those who suffer from shellfish allergy and cannot use fish collagen supplements. A few other reasons you might be tempted by bovine collagen include:
1. Collagen is Produced From Aminos in Mass
This includes two of its most vital amino acids, glycine and proline. Glycine is involved in joint repair and muscle development. Proline helps with the healing of skin and wounds and aids the heart.
2. Collagen Type 2
Collagen type 2 is higher in bovine than in fish collagen. This is why it is a favorite collagen supplement among those looking to boost athletic performance because it has been shown to regenerate muscles and joints. Marine collagen is a rich source of skin reparative collagen type 1.
3. Strength
As it is made with glycine and collagen type 2, bovine collagen is ideal for anyone wanting to bulk up and boost the collagen content in their body for athletic reasons.
4. Cost
Bovine collagen is a cheaper choice because it is a byproduct of the beef industry and beef is one of the most popular meats in the world. That means bovine collagen can be mass-produced in a convenient form, often powder, rather than the more accessible granules.
Fish Vs. Bovine Collagen: Which Is The Best?
The only real difference between fish and bovine collagen is, as you can see, its origin. Among the differences, there is a big difference in what collagen they contain, which may influence whether you choose to take a collagen supplement.
Cow collagen is not a good supplement for vegetarians or people who are religiously or culturally deficient in meat. Equally, if you’re allergic to shellfish, go for bovine or even vegan collagen.
The Final Verdict
Fish collagen is an alternative to bovine collagen and has many advantages in accordance with the person's requirements and preference. The fish collagen, a compound extracted from fish scales and skin, is typically more bioavailable. This is because it has smaller particle size and lower molecular weight, making it more easily absorbed by the body.
This is why fish collagen is particularly useful for increasing the elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle reduction of the skin. It also contains fewer contaminants, such as hormones or antibiotics, which can be found in plant-based collagens. Additionally, fish collagen is a good option for those who eat pescatarian or marine-based diets, and is easier to absorb for skin problems.
Conversely, bovine collagen, also produced from cows, contains high levels of type I and type III collagen, which play an essential role in skin health, joint function, and bone strength. It’s usually thought to be more versatile, because it supports different body systems, from joints to muscles and bones. Even bovine collagen is plentiful and inexpensive, making it a popular supplement.
But it might prove a problem for people who choose not to eat beef or animal products on ethical or dietary grounds. While bovine collagen contains more glycosaminoglycans (as is vital to joint health), it’s better for anyone trying to maintain joint mobility.
The choice between fish and bovine collagen ultimately boils down to health and dietary desires. If you care most about skin and quick absorption, then fish collagen could be a better choice. But for those in need of greater articular, muscular, and bone support, bovine collage might be most helpful.
The two forms of collagen are very good options for promoting wellness, although the exact benefits might be different depending on your needs.
Fish Collagen Vs. Bovine Collagen: FAQ
1. What is the difference between fish and cow collagen?
The key difference is that fish collagen comes from fish skin and scales, and cow collagen is from cow skin, bones, and cartilage. Fish collagen is more bioavailable, less molecules, and easier to absorb. Bovine collagen has a greater ratio of collagen types I and III, including skin, joint, and bone repair.
2. Which collagen should you use for your skin?
Because it is much more bioavailable, fish collagen is typically preferred for skin health. It absorbs very well in the body to nourish the skin, increase the firmness, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Its small molecules bind more tightly to the skin, thus making the complexion enhancement faster.
3. Which collagen is best for joint health?
We believe bovine collagen is better for your joints. It contains more type II collagen to protect cartilage, alleviate joint inflammation, and encourage mobility. This is ideal for those looking to increase the mobility of joints or to cure ailments like osteoarthritis.
4. Is fish collagen more easily absorbed than bovine collagen?
Fish collagen is typically more bioavailable because it’s smaller in size. It allows the body to absorb it more effectively, particularly for skin use. As people differ in their absorption rate, both forms of collagen are generally well absorbed.
5. Does bovine collagen benefit those who have a restricted diet?
Vegetarians, vegans, and kosher consumers cannot consume bovine collagen because it comes from cows. Avoid it if you are religiously or morally indifferent to beef. For people who can’t consume it, like pescatarians or vegetarians, fish collagen might work.
