Fish collagen vs. bovine collagen: which one works best?

Would you like to start taking collagen, but aren't sure whether to choose Fish collagen or bovine collagen? This is a frequently asked question. Collagen supplements have become quite popular in recent years, and there are several types available. 

In this blog post, we'll explain the key differences between Fish collagen and bovine collagen.

What exactly is collagen?

Collagen is a protein. Many people choose to add a collagen supplement to their daily routine—for example, to support the health of their skin, hair, and nails*. 

In this scientific study (read the summary here) conducted by a German laboratory, skin hydration was measured in 20 subjects after 8 weeks of daily intake of 10 grams of Fish collagen. An 11% improvement was measured on the forearm. On the face, skin hydration was found to have increased by as much as 35%.

The Most Popular Collagen Supplements

There are various types of collagen supplements, but the two most popular are Fish collagen (also known as marine collagen) and bovine collagen. By definition, collagen is an animal product, so there is no vegan/plant-based collagen. If you come across “plant-based collagen,” it does not contain actual collagen, but rather other ingredients.

What is Fish collagen ?

Fish collagen It is extracted from the skin, scales, and bones of fish. These parts of the fish are packed with high-quality protein. In many other countries, fish are eaten whole. Here, that’s often no longer the case, but maybe your grandmother still used to make broth from fish bones. 

In modern supplements, Fish collagen is usually hydrolyzed into collagen peptides. This means that the collagen protein has been broken down into small pieces, allowing it to dissolve more easily. 

Fish collagen Fish skin consists mainly of type I collagen.

Fish collagen is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. The most popular form is a powder that you dissolve in water, coffee, tea, or a smoothie. Thanks to the fine texture of hydrolyzed Fish collagen , it mixes easily and has a neutral or mild flavor. You can also stir it into yogurt or oatmeal. Check out, for example, the fish collagen powder from Arctic Blue for a practical and highly soluble option.

What is bovine collagen?

Bovine collagen is derived from the skin, bones, and cartilage of cattle. It contains various types of collagen, primarily types I and III, and has a slightly different amino acid composition than Fish collagen. Amino acids are the building blocks of the proteins (peptides) that make up collagen.

The main differences between Fish collagen and bovine collagen

Fish collagen and bovine collagen differ significantly from one another. Among other things, they differ in taste and composition. These are the three main differences.

1. Origin and Sustainability

Fish collagen It is often produced from the skin and bones left over after fish processing. This can be an efficient way to make use of waste streams. At the same time, the source has a significant impact on the final quality.

A large portion of the global Fish collagen is made from farmed tilapia, often sourced from intensive aquaculture. This raises questions about living conditions, feed, and the use of antibiotics. It is therefore worth looking beyond the term “marine collagen” alone.

If sustainability is important to you, look for certifications such as those from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This is one of the most trusted labels for sustainable fishing worldwide. Read more about it in the blog: Sustainable Fishing: Why the MSC Certification Makes a Difference.

Bovine collagen comes from livestock farming. There are varieties labeled as “grass-fed,” which means the animals were primarily fed grass. However, the term “grass-fed” is not an official certification and does not automatically mean the product is more sustainable. In addition, livestock farming requires a lot of land and results in high greenhouse gas emissions. 

When choosing between fish and beef collagen, the source therefore plays an important role. Transparency regarding the source and clear certification help consumers make a more informed choice.

2. Taste and Solubility

A practical advantage of Fish collagen is its mild taste. It’s also often highly soluble when hydrolyzed (when the proteins have been broken down into small pieces). You can barely taste it in your morning coffee, smoothie, or yogurt. Beef collagen is also often hydrolyzed and can dissolve well, but it may have a somewhat stronger flavor that not everyone enjoys. At Arctic Blue , you’ll even find Fish collagen with a delicious strawberry flavor. 

3. Types of Collagen

Fish collagen And bovine collagen does not contain exactly the same types of collagen. There are several types, of which types I, II, and III are the most commonly mentioned.

Fish collagen consists almost entirely of type I collagen. Bovine collagen typically contains a combination of type I and type III collagen.

Anyone who looks into collagen supplements will often come across these types in product information. The difference between fish and bovine collagen, therefore, lies not only in their source but also in the composition of the collagen types.

*The Fish collagen from Arctic Blue is made from fillet trimmings of MSC-certified, wild-caught fish. This means that no fish are caught specifically for the collagen.

Which would you choose: bovine collagen or Fish collagen?

Which type of collagen is best for you? It mainly depends on what you're looking for and what matters most to you.

Visit Fish collagen if:

• You want to contribute to environmentally sustainable fishing (through MSC certification)
• If you're looking for a product with a mild flavor that dissolves well;
• You avoid (beef) for personal reasons;
• You mainly want type I collagen. 
  

Want to learn more about Fish collagen? Read " What is the best Fish collagen?"

Choose bovine collagen if:

• You want both Type I and Type III collagen;
• You don't mind the slightly stronger flavor
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Bovine Collagen vs. Fish collagen

When is the best time to take collagen?

You can take collagen at any time of day—for example, in the evening or before or after working out. The most important thing is to choose a time that fits well with your daily routine so that you can take it consistently.

How soon do you notice the effects of collagen?

Most people notice a difference after 6 to 12 weeks, depending on usage and their individual circumstances.

How long can you take collagen?

You can use collagen long-term as part of your daily routine. 

What does "Dalton" mean in relation to collagen?

Dalton refers to the molecular weight of collagen. Our Artic Blue collagen has an average molecular weight of 3,000 daltons. This means that the collagen has been broken down into small collagen peptides of approximately 3,000 daltons, making it highly soluble. By comparison, a non-hydrolyzed collagen molecule has a molecular weight of approximately 300,000 Daltons.

Conclusion: Which is better, fish collagen or beef collagen?

Both Fish collagen and bovine collagen have their own benefits, but Fish collagen stands out for its mild flavor. In addition, by choosing MSC-certified Fish collagen , you’re supporting environmentally sustainable fishing practices.

Whether you choose beef or fish collagen, quality is still the most important factor. So pay attention to the source, opt for hydrolyzed collagen whenever possible, and give it time. Give collagen about three months to see if you notice a difference.

At Arctic Blue , quality, transparency, and environmental sustainability are our top priorities. Our fish collagen products are made from the skin of MSC-certified wild-caught fish and contain high-quality hydrolyzed collagen peptides with more than 95% protein. In addition, our nutrition scientists actively share their knowledge so that you can make well-informed choices.

Curious about our vision and approach? Read more about Arctic Blue.

*Beauty Claims*