Collagen supplements have become a daily essential for those looking to support skin health, digestion, and overall wellbeing. As their popularity grows, so does the need to understand the diverse types available—and how to choose the right one for your needs.
One of the most frequent questions we hear is: should you choose marine collagen or bovine collagen?
The answer depends on your goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here is a clear guide to help you decide.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, helping to support:
Skin elasticity and hydration
Joint strength and mobility
Gut lining integrity
Hair and nail health
From our mid-20s onwards, natural collagen production begins to decline. This can lead to visible signs of ageing, as well as joint stiffness—making supplementation a valuable addition to many wellness routines.
Bovine collagen is commonly derived from cow hides and is naturally rich in Type I and Type III collagen—typically in a 9:1 ratio.
Through a process called hydrolysation, collagen is broken down into small, highly absorbable peptides, allowing for efficient digestion and utilisation within the body.
Bovine collagen is a great all-round choice for overall wellbeing, helping to support strength across the body’s connective tissues, it is also rich in glycine which is known to support sleep and recovery. It is often the most versatile choice as it is unflavoured, tasteless, and easy to incorporate into daily routines. It is usually the most cost-effective choice.
When deciding on a collagen product, high-quality sourcing is essential. For bovine collagen grass-fed certification ensures exceptional purity, while supporting ethical farming practices and sustainability.
Bovine collagen, while beneficial for many, may not suit those with beef allergies or certain dietary preferences. Marine collagen offers a highly bioavailable alternative, while those following vegetarian or vegan principles may prefer to support the body’s own collagen production with plant-based formulations.
Marine collagen is commonly sourced from fish skin and scales and is rich in type 1 collagen (the most abundant type in the body). It has become a popular choice due to its high bioavailability.
It is primarily sourced from the byproducts of the fishing industry, utilising parts of the fish that would otherwise be wasted. As a result, marine collagen supplements help maximise resource use and support a more sustainable fishing industry.
Marine collagen provides many health benefits, especially for skin and hair health. Type I collagen, which is abundant in marine collagen, is crucial for maintaining the elasticity and moisture of the skin.
Due to its lower molecular weight, marine collagen peptides are often considered highly bioavailable and easy to digest—making them a popular choice for those with sensitive digestion or older individuals. Marine collagen has a slightly more noticeable taste than bovine forms but remains easy to incorporate into daily routines.
Sustainability is especially important when it comes to marine ingredients. Planet Paleo was the first UK brand to be entirely MSC certified, responsibly sourcing all its marine collagen products from MSC-approved and regulated fisheries that protect ocean ecosystems.
Marine collagen is not suitable for those with fish allergies, and it is important to check your collagen brand to ensure the product and production process is free from shellfish if you have shellfish allergies. It also does not align with vegetarian or vegan dietary principles, but it does provide an alternative to bovine forms for those following a pescatarian diet.
|
Feature |
Marine Collagen |
Bovine Collagen |
|
Source |
Fish |
Cow |
|
Collagen types |
Type I |
Type I & III |
|
Absorption |
Very high |
High |
|
Best for |
Skin/hair/beauty |
Skin/Gut |
|
Taste |
Light |
Neutral |
Choose marine collagen if you:
Want to support skin health and healthy ageing
Have digestive issues, or want the highest bioavailability
Follow a pescatarian lifestyle
Choose bovine collagen if you:
Want full body support
Want a more cost-effective option
Want broader collagen coverage
Yes — and many people do. Combining marine and bovine collagen can provide comprehensive support for skin, gut, and joint health.
A high-quality multi-collagen formula can be a convenient way to combine different collagen types.
Look for collagen that is:
From sustainably sourced animals or fish
Free from hormones, antibiotics, and contaminants
Third-party tested for purity
Choosing responsibly sourced collagen—whether marine or bovine—is better for your health and the health of the planet.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer — the best collagen is the one that fits your health goals, values, and daily routine.
Whether you choose marine collagen or bovine collagen they both offer powerful benefits—and individual results may vary depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health.
What matters most is consistency. Take your collagen daily for at least 4–8 weeks to begin seeing and feeling the benefits.
Ready to find your perfect match?
Explore Planet Paleo’s range of premium marine and bovine collagen supplements and discover what works best for you.
