Which Is The Best Collagen Supplement?
The word collagen originates from the ancient Greek word 'Kolla', meaning glue.
Collagen is the most abundant and strongest protein in the body. Collagen fibres are formed by the cross-linking and winding together of amino acids. Collagen is found throughout the body and helps the skin cells repair and renew and assists with keeping the skin moist.
Collagen contains the amino acids needed to produce keratin which keeps our nails and hair healthy, shiny and strong. Gut issues are on the rise and in the western world. As collagen is an important component of the gut connective tissues, it may help support and repair the gut lining.
Collagen helps to regulate stomach acid secretion, which in turn assists the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins in the intestine.
Collagen and elastin production give skin its firmness and elasticity. These gradually decline as we age but also due to lifestyle and environmental stressors like pollution and free radicals. As a result of this, the skin becomes looser, weaker, less elastic and drier. We don't want that!
There are three different collagen products on the market and they differ in type, absorption, and benefits:
• Vegan (this plant-based alternative not true collagen as such – see below for more details)
• Bovine (cow-derived)
• Marine (fish-derived)
Bovine Collagen: Primarily contains Type I and Type III collagen. Type I: Found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments (most abundant in the human body.) Type III: Supports skin, blood vessels, and organs and is often found alongside Type I.
Marine Collagen: Mainly consists of Type I collagen, making it highly beneficial for skin, hair, and nails.
Absorption & Bioavailability
• Bovine Collagen has larger peptides, requiring more digestion but still effectively supports joint and skin health.
• Marine Collagen has smaller peptide molecules, which makes it more bioavailable and easier to absorb than bovine collagen.
Benefits
Bovine Collagen:
• Best for joint, tendon, gut, and skin health.
• Supports muscle recovery and bone strength.
• Often preferred by those with shellfish or fish allergies.
Marine Collagen:
• More beneficial for skin hydration, elasticity, and anti-ageing.
• Rich in Type I collagen, which is most abundant in human skin.
• May be more suitable for pescatarians.
Sustainability & Ethical Considerations
• Marine Collagen is often sourced from fish skin and scales, which can be more sustainable than bovine collagen from cow hides.
• Bovine Collagen is derived from cow bones and hides, often as a by-product of the meat industry.
Allergenic & Dietary Differences
• Marine Collagen: Not suitable for those with fish allergies.
• Bovine Collagen: Not suitable for vegans/vegetarians and may not be ideal for those avoiding red meat by-products.
Which One Should You Choose?
• For skin, hair, and anti-ageing → Marine collagen (better absorption, Type I collagen-rich).
• For joints, gut health, and overall body support → Bovine collagen (contains both Type I & III collagen).
• For pescatarians or those avoiding land animal products → Marine collagen.
• For those with fish allergies → Bovine collagen.
EXPLORE THE BEST COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS
Vegan Collagen
Vegan collagen is a plant-based alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. Instead of extracting collagen from animals, vegan collagen is typically synthetically produced or plant-derived using innovative techniques.
Vegan collagen products do not contain actual collagen but instead provide nutrients that stimulate the body’s natural collagen production.
Common ingredients include:
• Amino Acids (from plant proteins like soy, wheat, or peas)
• Vitamin C (essential for collagen synthesis)
• Algae
• Silica (from bamboo or horsetail)
• Zinc & Copper (help with collagen formation)
• Antioxidants (protect collagen from breakdown)
Benefits of Vegan Collagen
• Ethical & Sustainable: No animals are harmed, and it’s often more environmentally friendly.
• Hypoallergenic: No risk of fish, bovine, or shellfish allergies.
• Supports Collagen Production: Provides key nutrients that enhance the body’s ability to make its own collagen.
Avea
If you are looking for a science backed Vegan Collagen product then I would encourage you to explore Avea.
Avea Collagen Activator is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as they are using plant-based sources for their patent-pending vegan collagen precursor Colgevity™.
From Avea:
“We are convinced that addressing the root cause of collagen breakdown has a higher impact on our skin age than just supplementing collagen from animal sources. Our patent-pending collagen precursor Colgevity™ has been shown to significantly increase collagen synthesis and extend lifespan and healthspan in model organisms. It consists of three amino acids - glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, the building blocks of collagen fibers themselves. Furthermore, we are aiming to offer a plant-based alternative to common collagen products.”