Collagen head to head
Marine vs bovine collagen
Marine collagen is almost entirely Type I, the dominant collagen in skin and tendons, and typically arrives at the smallest molecular weights for gut absorption. Bovine collagen is Type I plus Type III combined, slightly cheaper per gram, and pairs well with goals around gut lining and vascular support. Neither is universally better; the choice depends on dietary preference and goal.
| Marine | Bovine | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Fish skin and scales | Cow hide |
| Type composition | Almost entirely Type I | Type I + Type III combined |
| Typical kDa | 1 to 3 kDa (small) | 3 to 6 kDa |
| Best evidence for | Skin and tendon | Skin, gut lining, vascular support |
| Typical 10g serving cost | £1.10 to £1.40 | £0.60 to £0.95 |
| Sustainability framing | Wild-caught preferred (traceability) | Grass-fed preferred (audit chain) |
| Vegetarian / Halal compatibility | Pescatarian-friendly | Bovine: typically Halal-certified options exist |
| Bioavailability | Strong (smallest kDa) | Strong with hydrolysed forms |
Cross-reference: marine vs bovine vs vegan deep-dive · best UK marine collagen.
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