Marine collagen vs bovine collagen. This is the latest rivalry in the health supplement market. Some enthusiasts won’t drink anything but marine collagen products, while others stand firmly with bovine collagen supplements. Is it just different strokes for different folks? Or is there more to this debate?
In this article, we find out what’s going on and why collagen supplementation is such a hot topic. If you’re eager to get to the bottom of it, the quick answer is found next.
Quick Overview
While both bovine and marine collagen deliver benefits for the skin, bones, joint health, and overall increased collagen production, they differ in the source and type of collagen they contain. For this reason, marine collagen is popular for skin health, while grass-fed collagen is used for muscle recovery, healthy joints, and overall health improvement.
Table of Contents
- Why collagen is a popular supplement
- Snapshot: Marine collagen vs Grass-fed collagen
- What is marine collagen?
- What is grass-fed (bovine) collagen?
- Should you choose marine or bovine collagen?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why collagen is a popular supplement
In recent years, collagen has increased in popularity and captured a sizable portion of the supplement market. In 2025, it accounts for USD 5.91 billion, with an expected 6.31% growth rate in the next five years. [1] Why has there been this surge in demand?
The growth is mainly driven by older adults seeking non-medical solutions for joint health and increased mobility, while younger consumers are drawn to collagen supplements for more youthful skin, stronger hair, and better nail health. The appeal of collagen supplements is further enhanced by the widespread idea that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, yielding essential amino acids that are good for whole body support.
With advancements in extraction techniques, smaller brands can deliver high-quality products sold directly to consumers online. Marine collagen peptides and grass-fed collagen peptides (powder form) hold the biggest share of the market (58.22%). But what is the difference between them? And more importantly, is one more suitable for you than the other?
Snapshot: Marine collagen vs Grass-fed collagen
| Feature | Marine collagen | Bovine collagen |
| Source | Wild-caught marine fish | Pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle |
| Collagen Type | Primarily Type I | Type I and III |
| Bioavailability | Smaller peptides with lower molecular weight, providing superior bioavailability [2] | Highly bioavailable, but peptides are larger |
| Amino Acid Profile | High in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline | High in glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine |
| Best suited for | Skin, hair, nails [3] | Joints, gut health, connective tissues |
| Dietary considerations | Caution in persons with fish allergies. Suitable for those avoiding pork or bovine. |
Preference for pasture-fed cattle and hormone-free supplements |
What is marine collagen?
Marine collagen is a versatile compound that provides the body with essential building blocks for skin health, wound healing, and bone health. As a water-soluble peptide, it is highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body.
Collagen protein is highly abundant in fibrous connective tissues such as the tendons and skin. Marine organisms such as fish, jellyfish, and sponges harbor a significant source of type I collagen. Fish skins are most commonly used for collagen extraction, making them a sustainable source for producing collagen powder.
Marine collagen is further popular because it doesn’t carry the same disease risks as its bovine counterparts – even if these risks are low in a highly controlled environment.
Several studies have highlighted marine bioactive peptides as an anti-aging elixir for the skin and as a factor in wound healing.
These peptides are produced in a process called hydrolysis, making them highly available for absorption. Furthermore, marine collagen can increase skin elasticity, hydration, and smoothness after eight to twelve weeks of consistent use (MDPI). Its high glycine content also plays a key role in gut health, better sleep, and tissue repair — essential for recovery and general wellness. [3, 4]
Marine collagen peptide extraction process
This simplified explanation provides an understanding of how marine collagen is extracted and processed into a powder. [5]
- Raw materials such as fish skins, bones, and cartilage are prepared by washing in water, cleaning, and cutting away parts that don’t yield collagen.
- After preparation, a mild chemical pretreatment is performed to enhance extraction efficiency.
- Raw materials are treated with acid or alkaline solutions for a few days to weeks, while the collagen structures swell to up to three times their original size.
- Extraction by hydrolysis breaks collagen fibers into peptides.
- The liquid collagen is then purified to remove fats, salts, and other impurities, and converted into a powder by freeze-drying or spray-drying.
- The end result is an odorless, flavor-neutral powder that dissolves easily in water. 👇
Support your skin and bone health from within. Try wild-caught marine collagen peptides by Nutriest. Our fish are wild-caught in Europe (Cod – Gadus Morhua, Haddock – Melanogrammus Aeglefinus, Redfish – Sebastes Norvegicus – Sebastes Mentella). Free from additives and 100% natural, it easily dissolves in beverages like tea, coffee, and juice.
What is grass-fed (bovine) collagen?
Grass-fed collagen is a protein derived from hides and the connective tissue of pasture-raised cattle. This means they exist on a diet of grass rather than grain. For consumers with environmental concerns, this is often the ethical and clean option.
The collagen is processed into hydrolyzed collagen peptides that are hormone-free and antibiotic-free – perfect for adding to your daily routine. The process of extracting collagen from cattle sources is as follows:
- The raw animal by-products (hides, bones, and cartilage) are soaked in water to remove impurities.
- The cleaned animal parts are cut into smaller pieces to improve surface area and improve extraction efficiency.
- The material is treated with diluted alkaline and acid solutions to remove non-collagenous proteins, fats, and minerals. This step swells the tissue and breaks down crosslinks in the collagen matrix.
- After the raw material is prepared, it undergoes hydrolysis to isolate the collagen protein. The entire extraction process is kept at a low temperature of around 4°C to prevent the collagen from denaturing and becoming gelatin.
- The solution is then filtered and frozen. Then it is placed in a vacuum chamber where the water is removed. This results in a fine, dry peptide powder. 👇
Strengthen your joints, keep your bones strong, and keep your gut in optimal condition with Nutriest’s hydrolyzed collagen peptides. The formulation is 100% natural, from pasture-raised cattle. This product is highly rated on Trustpilot.
Grass-fed bovine collagen stands apart for its complete amino acid profile – providing type I and type III collagen, known for joint lubrication, connective tissue flexibility, and muscle repair after physical activity. A 2024 review found that 8 weeks of supplementation led to noticeable improvements in osteoarthritis-related pain and discomfort.
Besides its ability to support the connective and structural components of the body, bovine collagen is high in proline and glycine. These amino acids play a big role in digestive health and natural detoxification. Glycine plays a crucial role in the synthesis of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and is important for managing inflammatory gut issues like IBS.
Should you choose marine or bovine collagen?
If you haven’t already made this decision, it’s a great question to ask. Initially, it may seem clear-cut from the information we’ve presented:
- For skin issues, use marine collagen.
- For muscle, joint, and gut issues – use bovine collagen.
However, this could be an oversimplification, because there are also other factors that determine which product will be best for your needs. Determine the best fit for you, using our checklist.
| Hydrolyzed grass fed collagen peptides | Marine collagen peptides |
| You have a fish or shellfish allergy | You want to avoid meat or bovine products |
| You dislike the idea of marine organisms being used to make supplements | You dislike the idea of using cattle to make collagen supplements |
| You’re concerned about marine pollution and contamination from heavy metals (marine) | You’re concerned about the carbon footprint, even by sustainable farming. |
| Your gut is sensitive to fish or shellfish | You experience digestive discomfort or have food sensitivities due to meat products |
| You want long-term support for joint and cartilage health | You want a fast-absorption collagen |
| You train regularly and want to support joint health and muscle recovery | Your concern is skin hydration, elasticity, and reducing wrinkles |
| You want a lower-cost product | You’re prepared to pay more for the benefits of marine collagen |
| We recommend: Nutriest Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Beef Collagen Peptides | We recommend: Nutriest Wild Caught Marine Peptides |
Related topic: Can you take collagen while pregnant? Reveals why women take collagen during pregnancy, and considers what the research has to say about the safety of collagen supplements during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Collagen is much more than a passing beauty trend or fad. It is a long-term supplement that delivers powerful benefits for your overall health. Both marine collagen and bovine collagen are good for skin, bones, joints, muscles, and the gut.
However, marine collagen emerges as the winner for those looking to focus on their skin’s health. The main difference between these two collagen peptide products is the type of collagen they deliver. Marine collagen is primarily type i collagen, and bovine collagen is type i and iii.
Choose sustainably sourced, high-quality products that are proven to deliver results. With a 4.7/5 TrustPilot rating, Nutriest is one such brand. Consumers have consistently reported the positive effects that Nutriest products have on their health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are marine collagen peptides more effective than bovine collagen peptides?
‘More effective’ depends on the outcomes you’re looking for. Some studies point towards marine collagen peptides to improve skin elasticity and hydration. Others point out that the type iii collagen found in bovine collagen is better suited for bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues.
2. Does grass-fed collagen only support joints, while marine collagen supports the skin?
Not strictly. Both marine and bovine collagen support the skin, muscles, joints, and connective tissues. However, marine collagen supplements have been marketed as a popular choice for skin health. This is due to type i collagen found abundantly in marine collagen, which is responsible for skin structure, firmness, and elasticity.
3. What are the risks associated with taking marine collagen?
With marine collagen, there is a risk of fish or shellfish allergy. These allergies present as hives, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. A severe allergy can progress to a potentially life-threatening event, so people with known fish allergies should avoid marine collagen.
4. How long will it take to see results from taking marine collagen for my skin?
Most studies indicate that it takes between 8-12 weeks to see skin improvements from taking collagen supplements. Results have shown that supplementation increases skin hydration and elasticity. Both marine collagen and grass-fed collagen provided these benefits in controlled studies.
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