Understanding Nutrition: Where Do They Source Collagen From?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in animals, constituting about 30% of the body's total protein. This fundamental role in connective tissue has fueled a booming supplement market, causing many to ask: where do they source collagen from? The answer is surprisingly varied, involving a spectrum of animal, marine, and lab-created alternatives, each with unique nutritional and ethical considerations.

Quick Summary

Collagen supplements and products are derived mainly from animal sources, including cattle, fish, and chicken, using byproducts like bones and skin. Vegan options, often called 'boosters,' supply the amino acids and nutrients needed for the body to produce its own collagen.

Key Points

Animal-Based Sourcing: The most common collagen sources are animal byproducts, primarily from cows (bovine) and fish (marine), but also include chicken and pigs.
Marine Collagen Bioavailability: Marine-derived collagen from fish skin often has smaller peptides, which may lead to higher bioavailability and better absorption compared to bovine sources.
Plant-Based Boosters: Vegan and vegetarian options do not contain collagen itself, but rather provide the amino acids (glycine, proline, lysine) and co-factors (Vitamin C, zinc) necessary for the body's own production.
Recombinant Technology: An ethical, animal-free alternative exists in the form of recombinant collagen, produced by genetically engineering yeast or bacteria in a lab.
Extraction Process: The raw materials from animals or fish undergo a hydrolysis process to break down the collagen into smaller, digestible peptides, which are then purified and dried.
Ethical and Health Concerns: Consumers should be aware of potential issues like deforestation linked to bovine farming, risk of heavy metal contamination in some products, and allergens associated with specific animal sources.

The Diverse World of Collagen Sourcing

Collagen supplements are a global multi-billion-dollar industry, and the origins of this protein are as diverse as the products themselves. For consumers, understanding the source is crucial for aligning with dietary needs, ethical beliefs, and health goals. From terrestrial farm animals to deep-sea creatures and lab-grown organisms, the journey of collagen is fascinating and complex.

Animal-Derived Collagen

The most traditional and widely used source of collagen comes from land animals. These are typically byproducts of the meat industry, utilizing parts that would otherwise go to waste.

Bovine (Cow) Collagen: Derived from the bones, hides, and cartilage of cows, this is one of the most common sources for supplements. It is a rich source of Type I and Type III collagen, which support skin, bone, and joint health. However, some consumers are concerned about potential risks like bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and environmental impacts, such as deforestation linked to cattle ranching.

Porcine (Pig) Collagen: Sourced from pig skin and bones, this is another prevalent source, especially for gelatin production. It is often avoided by those with certain religious restrictions, such as in Muslim and Jewish diets.

Poultry (Chicken) Collagen: Found in chicken bones, cartilage, and connective tissues, this source is particularly rich in Type II collagen, which is beneficial for cartilage and joint support.

Eggshell Membrane Collagen: A vegetarian-friendly alternative, eggshell membrane contains a combination of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. It is sourced from the membranes within chicken eggshells and offers a different profile than bovine or marine collagen.

The Rise of Marine Collagen

Marine collagen, typically sourced from fish skin, scales, and bones, has gained popularity as an alternative to land animal sources.

Fish Collagen: Primarily composed of Type I collagen, marine collagen is often touted for its superior bioavailability, meaning it may be absorbed more easily by the body due to its smaller particle size. It is derived from both wild-caught and aquaculture fish, often utilizing skins and scales that would be discarded otherwise, promoting sustainability. This makes it a popular choice for those avoiding beef and pork, including individuals adhering to pescatarian diets.

Invertebrate Collagen: Newer research is exploring alternative marine sources from invertebrates like jellyfish, sponges, and sea urchins, further expanding the possibilities for sustainable sourcing.

Plant-Based 'Collagen Boosters'

It is important to note that actual collagen only exists in animals. Therefore, so-called 'vegan collagen' products do not contain collagen itself, but rather a combination of nutrients and amino acids that support the body's natural collagen production.

Key nutrients found in plant-based boosters include:

Amino Acids: Glycine, proline, and lysine, which are the building blocks of collagen, can be sourced from legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products.
Vitamin C: A crucial co-factor for collagen synthesis, abundant in citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.
Zinc and Copper: These minerals also play essential roles in the production process and are found in nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains.

Recombinant and Synthetic Collagen

For those seeking a guaranteed animal-free source, lab-engineered 'recombinant' human collagen is an option. Using genetic engineering, human collagen genes are transferred to host cells (like yeast or bacteria), which then produce collagen building blocks through fermentation. This results in a highly pure, contaminant-free product that is both ethical for vegans and eliminates the risk of animal-borne diseases.

Comparing Collagen Sources


Feature	Bovine Collagen	Marine Collagen	Plant-Based (Booster)
Primary Source	Cow hides, bones, cartilage	Fish skins, scales, bones	Amino acids and co-factors from plants
Collagen Types	Type I and III	Primarily Type I	None (provides building blocks)
Absorption Rate	Good, especially when hydrolyzed	High bioavailability due to smaller peptides	Indirect, relies on body's own synthesis
Dietary Suitability	Non-vegetarian, non-vegan	Pescatarian-friendly, non-vegan	Vegan, Vegetarian-friendly
Ethical Considerations	Potential links to deforestation, potential BSE risk	Sustainability concerns (overfishing) vary, but often use byproducts	Generally considered ethical and sustainable

The Production Process: From Raw Material to Supplement

The journey from raw material to a shelf-ready supplement involves several key steps. For animal sources, it begins with cleaning and preparation of the raw animal parts. This is followed by a treatment with alkaline or acidic solutions to remove impurities. The key stage is hydrolysis, which uses enzymes or heat to break down the large collagen molecules into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides (collagen hydrolysate) or gelatin. This process is performed at low temperatures to prevent denaturing the protein. Finally, the resulting collagen solution is purified, dialyzed to remove salt, and freeze-dried into a powder.

Choosing the Right Collagen Source for Your Diet

Selecting the right collagen source depends heavily on your nutritional needs, lifestyle, and values. For those seeking direct collagen peptides from animal sources, bovine and marine are the most common options. Your choice between them may come down to which types of collagen you want to prioritize (Type II for joints from bovine cartilage, or Type I for skin from marine sources) or which dietary restrictions you follow. For vegans and vegetarians, a 'collagen booster' that provides the necessary amino acids and co-factors is the only viable option, with recombinant alternatives offering a scientifically advanced, truly animal-free choice. Always research a brand's sourcing and manufacturing to ensure ethical standards and quality, as some products can contain contaminants.

Conclusion

The question of where do they source collagen from reveals a complex and diverse market. While animal byproducts remain the traditional and most direct source for collagen peptides, the industry has evolved to offer marine-derived alternatives with unique benefits and innovative plant-based boosters for those following vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Recombinant collagen, produced in labs, represents the frontier of ethical and sustainable production. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual dietary needs, ethical considerations, and desired health benefits, making an informed decision crucial for maximizing the nutritional impact.

Visit the National Institutes of Health for more information on the complexities of collagen production and health implications

Frequently Asked Questions

No, 'vegan collagen' products do not contain actual collagen because collagen is only found in animals. Instead, they are 'collagen boosters' that provide the amino acids and other nutrients that the human body needs to produce its own collagen naturally.

Bovine collagen from cartilage is high in Type II collagen, which is beneficial for joint health. Marine collagen from fish skin is rich in Type I collagen, which is particularly associated with healthy skin. Both types are useful for skin, hair, and nails.

Some risks include potential allergens, especially with marine or eggshell membrane sources. There is also a risk of heavy metal contamination in some products, so it's important to choose a reputable brand with a transparent sourcing and manufacturing process.

Gelatin is a cooked form of collagen, created by boiling animal bones and skin. Collagen peptides, or hydrolyzed collagen, have been further broken down into smaller, more bioavailable protein fragments through enzymatic hydrolysis.

To boost natural collagen production, consume foods rich in protein (for amino acids), Vitamin C (citrus, berries), zinc (nuts, seeds), and copper (beans, whole grains). Avoiding excessive sugar and refined carbs can also help preserve existing collagen.

This depends on the specific practices of the producers. Some marine collagen is sourced from otherwise discarded fish byproducts, promoting sustainability and reducing waste. However, concerns about overfishing and deforestation linked to cattle ranching also exist in the supplement industry.

Reputable companies often use high-quality, USDA-inspected or sustainably sourced raw materials and rigorous manufacturing processes to minimize health risks, including potential disease transmission from animal sources like bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Lab-engineered recombinant collagen offers a completely animal-free alternative.