What is Hydrolysed Collagen?
Before answering whether hydrolysed collagen is marine or bovine, it's essential to understand the term 'hydrolysed.' Hydrolysis is a process that breaks down large, native collagen molecules into smaller, more easily absorbed protein fragments called peptides. All collagen supplements in peptide or hydrolysate form, whether from a marine or bovine source, have undergone this process to make them more bioavailable to the human body.
The Source: Marine or Bovine
The primary factor differentiating hydrolysed collagen supplements is their source. The two most common sources are marine and bovine, though other animal sources like chicken and porcine exist.
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Marine Collagen: Sourced from the skin, scales, and bones of fish, marine collagen is primarily composed of Type I collagen, which is the most abundant type in the human body. Marine collagen peptides are known for their smaller molecular size, leading to higher bioavailability and quicker absorption. This smaller peptide size is often associated with more rapid and noticeable benefits for skin health.
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Bovine Collagen: Extracted from the hides, bones, and connective tissues of cattle, bovine collagen contains both Type I and Type III collagen. This combination makes it a versatile supplement for overall body support, including joints, gut, and muscle recovery. It is a more cost-effective and widely available option than marine collagen.
Marine vs. Bovine Collagen: A Detailed Comparison
To help you decide which hydrolysed collagen is right for your needs, here is a detailed comparison.
| Feature | Marine Collagen | Bovine Collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Source | Fish skin and scales | Cow hides and connective tissues |
| Main Collagen Types | Primarily Type I | Type I and Type III |
| Bioavailability | Very High (smaller peptide size) | High (slightly larger peptides) |
| Key Amino Acids | High in Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline | High in Glycine, Proline, Hydroxyproline, and Arginine |
| Target Benefits | Skin elasticity, wrinkles, hydration, hair, and nails | Joint and bone support, gut health, muscle recovery, skin |
| Dietary Restrictions | Suitable for pescetarians; not for those with fish allergies | Not suitable for pescetarians; common choice for non-vegans |
| Taste | Can have a mild, sometimes fishy, taste; mixes well | Generally neutral taste; mixes well |
| Cost | Typically more expensive due to sourcing | More affordable and widely available |
Factors to Consider When Choosing
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Personal Health Goals: Your specific wellness objectives should guide your choice. If your primary focus is skin rejuvenation, marine collagen's higher bioavailability and concentrated Type I content may be beneficial. For comprehensive support targeting joints, bones, and gut health, bovine collagen's Type I and III mix is a strong contender.
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Dietary Preferences and Restrictions: Dietary choices are a significant deciding factor. Marine collagen is suitable for pescetarians, but must be avoided by those with fish or shellfish allergies. Bovine collagen is a common and affordable option for those without dietary restrictions concerning beef.
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Sustainability: Both marine and bovine collagen production can be sustainable. Many marine collagen brands use by-products of the fishing industry that would otherwise be discarded. For bovine collagen, ethically-sourced products from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle minimize environmental impact. Researching a brand's sourcing and sustainability practices is key.
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Molecular Weight: The effectiveness of hydrolysed collagen is heavily influenced by the extent of its hydrolysis, which determines the molecular weight (Dalton). Lower Dalton weight indicates smaller peptides and better absorption. High-quality processing ensures high bioavailability, regardless of the source. It is important to find brands that undergo extensive hydrolysation, like the premium marine collagen from Absolute Collagen, which has a low molecular weight for maximum absorption.
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Clinical Efficacy: Look for products that have been clinically tested. Brands that use trademarked, clinically-backed collagen peptides, such as VERISOL® or NATICOL®, can often provide more reliable results than standard collagen hydrolysates.
The Hydrolysis Process and Beyond
Hydrolysis is the crucial step that transforms raw collagen into a usable supplement. During this process, enzymes break down the collagen's amino acid chains into smaller peptides. This "pre-digested" form allows the peptides to pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream, where they can be transported to various tissues to stimulate the body's natural collagen production.
It's important to note that while hydrolysed collagen is highly effective, it is not a complete protein, meaning it lacks one or more of the nine essential amino acids. However, its unique amino acid profile, rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, specifically targets connective tissue health. For optimal synthesis, a balanced diet is necessary, particularly with sufficient vitamin C, a key cofactor for collagen formation.
Other Hydrolysed Collagen Sources
While marine and bovine are the most common, other animal sources are also used for hydrolysed collagen, each with a different primary collagen type and set of benefits.
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Porcine: Sourced from pig skin, porcine collagen offers antioxidant properties and low molecular weight peptides. It is often used in dietary supplements but avoided for religious and dietary reasons by some.
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Chicken: Extracted from chicken sternum cartilage, chicken collagen is a primary source for Type II collagen, which is critical for cartilage and joint support. This is often sold in an undenatured, or non-hydrolysed, form.
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Vegan Alternatives: True collagen can only be sourced from animals. Plant-based "collagen boosters" contain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support the body's natural collagen production, but they do not contain actual collagen peptides.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether hydrolysed collagen is marine or bovine depends entirely on the product's origin. The term 'hydrolysed' refers to the manufacturing process that breaks down collagen into more absorbable peptides. While both marine and bovine collagen are excellent sources of beneficial peptides, the best choice is a matter of personal preference, dietary needs, and specific health goals. Marine collagen is often favoured for rapid absorption and skin health, whereas bovine collagen offers broader support for joints, gut, and muscles. Consumers should prioritize high-quality, ethically-sourced supplements that align with their lifestyle and health objectives, and consider third-party testing for peace of mind.
