Where Does Collagen Peptide Type 1 Come From? A Comprehensive Guide

December 11, 2025 •

2 min read

As the body's most abundant protein, accounting for around 90% of its total collagen, Type 1 is crucial for skin, bone, and connective tissues. Given this, many turn to supplements to bolster their levels, which begs the question: where does collagen peptide type 1 come from?

Quick Summary

Collagen peptide type 1 is primarily derived from animal sources such as bovine hides, marine fish skin and scales, and porcine skin. The raw material undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis to break down the large collagen molecules into smaller, bioavailable peptides.

Key Points

Primary Sources: Collagen peptide type 1 is chiefly derived from bovine (cow hides/bones), marine (fish skin/scales), and porcine (pig skin/bones) tissues.
Bovine vs. Marine: Bovine collagen offers Types I and III, providing comprehensive support for skin, joints, and gut. Marine collagen is nearly pure Type I and is highly prized for its potentially superior absorption and targeted skin benefits.
Hydrolysis is Key: The manufacturing process involves enzymatic hydrolysis, which breaks down large collagen molecules into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides. This is crucial for efficacy.
Sustainability: Sourcing collagen from animal by-products helps to reduce waste from the meat and fish industries, promoting a more sustainable use of resources.
Health Benefits: Supplementing with Type 1 collagen can improve skin elasticity and hydration, strengthen hair and nails, and support bone and joint health.
Dietary Considerations: Consumers may choose marine over bovine or porcine for pescatarian diets or based on religious observances. Individuals with fish allergies should avoid marine sources.

The Primary Sources of Collagen Peptide Type 1

Collagen, exclusive to animals, is sourced for supplements from animal tissues, often as by-products from the meat and fish industries. The main sources for Type 1 collagen peptides are bovine, marine, and porcine, each with unique attributes.

Bovine Collagen

Derived from cow hides and bones, bovine collagen is a common and well-studied source providing both Type I and Type III collagen. Its benefits include improving skin elasticity, supporting joint and bone health, potentially aiding gut health, and assisting muscle recovery.

Marine Collagen

Marine collagen, from fish skin and scales, is a sustainable, pescatarian option rich in Type I collagen. It's known for potentially superior bioavailability and targeted skin, hair, and nail benefits. It's an alternative for those with beef or dairy allergies but not fish allergies.

Porcine Collagen

Porcine collagen, from pig skin and bones, also contains Type I and III collagen and is structurally similar to human collagen. It's used in supplements but may be avoided for dietary or religious reasons.

The Manufacturing Process: From Source to Supplement

Collagen is transformed into digestible peptides through hydrolysis, making it absorbable.

Raw Material Preparation: Animal materials are cleaned to remove non-collagenous matter for purity.
Hydrolysis: Enzymes break down collagen's structure into smaller peptide chains.
Filtration and Purification: Impurities are removed through filtration and purification.
Concentration and Drying: The liquid is dried into a powder, often via spray-drying.

Comparison of Major Type 1 Collagen Sources


Feature	Bovine Collagen	Marine Collagen	Porcine Collagen
Source	Cow hides and bones	Fish skin and scales	Pig skin and bones
Collagen Types	Primarily Type I & III	Primarily Type I	Primarily Type I & III
Absorption Rate	Highly bioavailable after hydrolysis	Considered slightly faster due to smaller peptide size	Generally well-absorbed and tolerated
Primary Benefits	All-around support: skin, joints, bones, gut	Targeted support for skin, hair, and nails	Good for skin, hair, and nails
Dietary Suitability	Not for pescatarians; common allergen-free	Pescatarian-friendly; avoid if allergic to fish	Avoided by those with certain religious dietary laws
Cost	Generally more affordable	Can be more expensive	Variable, but less common in many markets

Conclusion

Collagen peptide Type 1 primarily comes from bovine, marine, and porcine sources, processed through enzymatic hydrolysis for bioavailability. The choice of source depends on dietary needs and health goals, with both bovine and marine offering significant benefits for skin, hair, and bone health while utilizing animal by-products sustainably. For more information on marine collagen, refer to scientific reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary sources for collagen peptide type 1 are animal by-products from the meat and seafood industries, including bovine (cow hides and bones), marine (fish skin and scales), and porcine (pig skin and bones) origins.

Both are excellent sources of Type 1 collagen. Marine collagen is often cited as having faster absorption due to smaller peptide size and is almost exclusively Type I. Bovine collagen provides a blend of Type I and III, offering broader benefits.

The process is called enzymatic hydrolysis. Raw collagen is broken down using water and specific enzymes. This reduces the large protein molecules into smaller, more bioavailable peptides that the body can easily absorb and utilize.

While chicken skin and bones contain Type 1 collagen, the cartilage is a more prominent source of Type II collagen, known for joint support. Bovine and marine sources are more commonly processed and sold for Type 1-specific supplements.

True collagen is an animal protein. Vegan options, often called 'collagen builders,' do not contain collagen itself. Instead, they provide the necessary amino acids, vitamins, and minerals (like Vitamin C) that support the body's natural collagen synthesis.

Type 1 collagen is beneficial for improving skin elasticity and hydration, strengthening hair and nails, and supporting bone density and health.

Safety is ensured through careful sourcing of raw materials, stringent quality control measures during processing, and purification steps to remove impurities. Reputable brands also undergo third-party testing and adhere to certifications like GMP.

Yes, porcine collagen is a well-established source, particularly in cosmetics and some supplements. However, its use is less common in certain markets due to dietary restrictions and preference for other sources like bovine and marine collagen.