Where do Collagen Peptides come from?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 30% of total body protein. Given its prevalence, many are curious: where do collagen peptides come from? These supplements are derived from various animal by-products through a process that makes them easily absorbed by the human body.

Quick Summary

Collagen peptides are derived from animal parts like cowhides, fish skin, and chicken cartilage. The process, called hydrolysis, breaks down large collagen molecules into smaller, more bioavailable peptides for dietary supplements.

Key Points

Animal-Derived: Collagen peptides are sourced from animal parts, such as cowhides, fish scales, and chicken cartilage, due to collagen being an animal-exclusive protein.
Hydrolysis Process: Raw collagen is broken down into smaller, more absorbable peptides using heat, water, and enzymes in a process called hydrolysis.
Different Types, Different Sources: Bovine collagen provides Type I and III for skin and bones, marine collagen offers highly bioavailable Type I for skin and hair, and chicken collagen is rich in Type II for joints and cartilage.
Bioavailability: The low molecular weight of hydrolyzed peptides is what makes them highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body.
Vegan Alternatives: True collagen does not come from plants, but vegan 'collagen boosters' provide the amino acids and cofactors necessary for the body's natural collagen production.
Versatile Supplement: The final odorless and tasteless powder can be mixed into various beverages and foods, making it easy to incorporate into a daily routine.

Understanding the Origins of Collagen

Collagen is a fibrous, structural protein essential for the health of skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage. While our bodies produce it naturally, production declines with age, prompting many to turn to supplements. The raw materials for these supplements are sourced entirely from animals, as plants do not contain collagen. The journey from animal by-product to consumable powder or capsule involves several key steps, primarily through a process known as hydrolysis.

The Manufacturing Process: From Raw Material to Peptides

Creating collagen peptides involves a meticulous manufacturing process to ensure the final product is pure, bioavailable, and safe for consumption.

Step 1: Sourcing and Preparation

The initial step involves sourcing collagen-rich animal by-products from approved, healthy livestock.

Bovine sources: Hides, bones, and tendons from cows are used for bovine collagen.
Marine sources: Fish skin and scales from wild-caught or farmed fish provide marine collagen.
Poultry sources: Chicken sternal cartilage and bones are the basis for chicken collagen.
Other sources: Porcine (pig) skin and eggshell membranes are also used, though less common.

Step 2: Hydrolysis

After cleaning and preparing the raw material, it undergoes hydrolysis. This process uses heat, water, and specific enzymes to break down the large, triple-helix collagen protein into smaller, more manageable chains of amino acids called peptides. The peptides have a low molecular weight, which allows for better absorption into the bloodstream when ingested.

Step 3: Purification and Drying

The resulting liquid hydrolysate is filtered to remove impurities and then sterilized to ensure safety. Following this, the liquid is spray-dried to remove excess moisture, leaving a fine, tasteless, and odorless powder.

Step 4: Formulation and Quality Control

The final powder can be used on its own or mixed with other ingredients like flavorings, vitamins, or minerals. Reputable manufacturers perform rigorous quality control checks for potency, purity, and safety before packaging the final product.

Primary Sources of Collagen Peptides

Different sources provide distinct types of collagen and may be chosen for specific health goals or dietary needs.

Bovine Collagen Derived from cow by-products, bovine collagen is rich in Type I and Type III collagen.

Benefits: Supports skin elasticity, hydration, bone health, and joint function.
Targeted Use: Often used for anti-aging and overall skin health.

Marine Collagen Sourced from fish scales and skin, marine collagen is primarily composed of Type I collagen.

Benefits: Known for its excellent bioavailability due to smaller particle size, making it highly effective for skin, hair, and nails.
Targeted Use: Highly prized for beauty supplements.

Chicken Collagen Extracted from chicken cartilage, this source is particularly high in Type II collagen.

Benefits: Directly supports cartilage and is commonly associated with joint health and arthritis relief.
Targeted Use: Recommended for those focusing on joint and cartilage support.

Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives

True collagen is an animal protein, meaning there are no naturally occurring vegan or vegetarian collagen supplements. However, the market offers plant-based 'collagen boosters' or 'collagen builders'.

Function: These supplements provide the essential amino acids (proline, glycine, lysine) and cofactors like Vitamin C and zinc that are needed for the body to synthesize its own collagen.
Sources: Ingredients can include citrus fruits, berries, beans, soy products, and specially engineered yeast or bacteria.
Effectiveness: While they don't contain actual collagen, studies have shown that providing the necessary building blocks can effectively support the body's natural collagen production.

Comparison of Major Collagen Peptide Sources


Feature	Bovine Collagen	Marine Collagen	Chicken Collagen
Primary Types	Type I & III	Type I	Type II
Key Benefits	Skin hydration, bone density, joint function	Skin elasticity, hair, nails	Joint and cartilage support
Bioavailability	Good, generally absorbed effectively	High, often smaller peptides for faster absorption	Good, specifically targets cartilage
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegans/vegetarians or those avoiding beef	Suitable for pescatarians, not vegans/vegetarians	Suitable for those consuming poultry
Sourcing	Hides, bones, tendons from cows	Scales, skin from fish	Cartilage, bones from chickens

Conclusion

Collagen peptides are almost universally derived from animal by-products, primarily from cows (bovine), fish (marine), and chickens (poultry). The careful manufacturing process, called hydrolysis, breaks down large collagen molecules into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, which are then used in supplements. For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, numerous effective alternatives exist that provide the building blocks necessary to support the body's own collagen synthesis. The choice of supplement depends on your specific health goals, dietary restrictions, and ethical considerations. Understanding the source and process empowers consumers to make an informed decision for their health and wellness journey. For a deeper dive into the science of collagen and its production, check out sources like The Collagen Co..

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, true collagen is exclusively found in animals. Supplements are derived from animal parts like hides, bones, and cartilage.

There is no such thing as 'vegan collagen.' These products are actually 'collagen builders' containing plant-based amino acids, vitamins, and other cofactors that help the body produce its own collagen.

Bovine collagen is primarily Type I and III, supporting skin and bones, while marine collagen is Type I and known for its higher bioavailability and benefits for skin, hair, and nails.

Hydrolysis is a manufacturing process that uses heat, water, and enzymes to break down large collagen protein molecules into smaller, easily absorbed peptides.

Many brands prioritize sustainable sourcing practices, such as using by-products from the fishing and meat industries that would otherwise be discarded. Consumers should look for certifications from reputable brands.

High-quality, well-processed collagen peptides are typically odorless and tasteless, allowing them to be easily mixed into various foods and drinks without affecting flavor.

No single source is universally superior; the best choice depends on your health goals. Bovine is often for skin and bone, marine for skin and beauty, and chicken for joint health due to their different collagen types.

Collagen boosters are vegan or vegetarian supplements that contain nutrients like Vitamin C, zinc, and amino acids to support the body’s natural collagen synthesis rather than supplying the protein directly.