Collagen is an indispensable protein for the health of our skin, cartilage, bones and more. More and more people are choosing collagen supplements, but the question remains: is fish collagen or bovine collagen better? In this blog, we discuss the benefits of both types and why fish collagen may be the better choice.
Collagen and its different types
Collagen is made up of several amino acids and there are as many as 28 different types. More than 90% of the collagen in the body is type I collagen, which is found mainly in your skin, hair, nails, joints, tendons, muscles, bones and teeth. Collagen type II is found mainly in cartilage and type III in the skin, organs and blood vessels. The other types are also found in small amounts in various tissues in your body.
As we age, the body's own production of collagen decreases, usually starting at age 25. Supplementing collagen through supplements can help counteract this decline. The two most popular sources of collagen are fish and beef.
Viscollagen
Fish collagen contains mainly type I collagen, the kind most commonly found in your body and especially beneficial for your skin, nails and hair. What makes fish collagen special is that because of its smaller molecules, it is much better absorbed by the body than other collagen types. This means you notice the benefits faster, such as improved skin elasticity and fewer fine lines. In addition, fish collagen tends to come from sustainable sources and contains fewer pollutants than collagen from other sources.
Bovine collagen
Bovine collagen contains both type I and type III collagen, which is beneficial for joint and muscle health. Although bovine collagen may be beneficial for athletes or people with joint problems, it has a larger molecular structure, which slows absorption into the body compared to fish collagen
Viscollagen: the winner for skin, hair and nails
Although both types of collagen offer benefits, the fish collagen is the winner for those looking for optimal skin care and more efficient absorption by the body. Fish collagen contains type I collagen, which we find particularly in human skin.
Because fish collagen is better absorbed and has faster effects on the skin, it is the best choice for people who want to support their skin, hair and nails. In addition, this type of collagen is also found in joints, tendons, muscles, bones and teeth. It is always important to pay attention to the quality of the supplement.
Also read: How do you recognize good collagen powder?
Summary
Both bovine and fish collagen have their benefits, but if you're looking for a supplement for skin, hair and nails, fish collagen is the clear winner. This is because fish collagen contains mostly type I collagen and is better absorbed by the body, thanks to its smaller molecular structure. This ensures faster visible results. In addition, fish collagen tends to come from sustainable sources and contains fewer pollutants than collagen from other sources.
Finally, it is always important to pay attention to the quality of the supplement. Choose collagen powder from high-quality sources, with the right cofactors and without unnecessary additives.
