Over the past few years, collagen has become something of a celebrity in the world of supplements. From powders stirred into morning smoothies to capsules taken as part of a daily routine, more and more people are turning to collagen to support healthy skin.

One question that often pops up, however, is why some formulas use marine collagen rather than bovine collagen. Is there really a difference?

But before we dive into that, let’s start with a quick collagen refresher.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and acts a bit like the scaffolding that keeps everything supported and structured. It is found in skin, bones, tendons and connective tissue. As we age, our natural collagen production gradually slows down, which is why skin may lose some of its firmness and elasticity over time.

Most collagen supplements start their journey as gelatine, typically sourced from either fish or bovine (cow) tissue. Gelatine itself contains long chains of proteins. When consumed, these proteins must be broken down into smaller components called amino acids before the body can use them.

However, for collagen supplements to be most effective, this process ideally happens before they reach your digestive system. This is where hydrolysed collagen (also known as collagen peptides) comes in.

Hydrolysing collagen simply means breaking those long protein chains into much smaller peptide fragments. These smaller peptides are easier for the body to absorb through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.

Think of it like this: sending long protein chains through the gut is a bit like trying to fit a couch through a narrow doorway. Hydrolysis turns that couch into smaller pieces that can slip through the door much more easily.

Research shows that hydrolysed collagen peptides can be absorbed efficiently and distributed to skin and connective tissues where they may stimulate collagen production ^{(4, 2)}.

Both marine and bovine collagen can provide beneficial amino acids, but there are a few differences worth noting.

Marine collagen, derived from the skin and scales of fish, is particularly rich in Type I collagen. This is the most abundant form of collagen in the human body and is the primary type found in skin.

One reason marine collagen is often favoured for skin support is that its peptides tend to be smaller in molecular size, which may improve bioavailability. Some studies suggest marine collagen peptides can be absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently than other collagen sources ⁽¹⁾.

Marine collagen has also been used in medical settings to support wound healing and tissue repair, highlighting its role in skin regeneration.

There are some clinical studies that suggest collagen supplementation may support several aspects of skin health, including hydration, elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.

For example, research has shown that taking around 2.5 grams of collagen peptides daily can improve skin elasticity and hydration over several weeks. In one placebo-controlled study, participants taking collagen peptides experienced significant improvements in skin elasticity and a 20% reduction in eye wrinkle volume after 8-12 weeks with effects lasting 4-weeks post-treatment ⁽²⁾. Some studies also indicate that collagen supplementation stimulated the skin’s structural matrix and may help slow age-related collagen degradation.

Patience is important here. Skin cells typically renew themselves every 27- 42 days, so allowing at least a month (and ideally a few months) gives the body time to incorporate those amino acids into new collagen structures.

When choosing a collagen supplement, it can also be beneficial to look for formulas that include Vitamin C.

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, helping enzymes stabilise and cross-link collagen fibres in the skin. Without adequate Vitamin C, the body simply cannot produce collagen efficiently.

Beyond its role in collagen production, Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, helping neutralise oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants and UV exposure - two factors that accelerate skin ageing.

The skin naturally contains high concentrations of Vitamin C, and research has shown it supports wound healing and may help reduce scar formation ⁽³⁾.

Both marine and bovine collagen can contribute valuable amino acids to support the body’s collagen network. However, marine collagen is often favoured for skin health because it contains Type I collagen and smaller peptide structures, which may enhance absorption and utilisation.

When combined with nutrients such as Vitamin C, collagen supplements may help support skin hydration, elasticity and overall structure over time.

Of course, while collagen can be a useful addition, it works best alongside the basics: a balanced diet, good hydration, sun protection and a decent night’s sleep.

For more information about collagen, drop into Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North Street, Batemans Bay. You can also call us on (02) 4472 9737 or visit us online at www.govitabatemansbay.com.au. Don’t miss our weekly segment on 2EC radio, where Marianne and Go Vita’s Nutritionist Sofia chat about health and wellness with Kimmi Saker every Wednesday after 12.30pm.

References

1.       1. Jafari, H., Lista, A., Siekapen, M. M., et al. (2020). Fish collagen: Extraction, characterization, and applications for biomaterials engineering. Polymers, 12(10), 2230.

2.       2. Proksch, E., Segger, D., Degwert, J., Schunck, M., Zague, V., & Oesser, S. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47–55.

3.       3. Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866.

4.      4. Zague, V. (2008). A new view concerning the effects of collagen hydrolysate intake on skin properties. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(9), 479–483.