Collagen Showdown: Fish vs. Bovine vs. Vegan - Which Type Reigns Supreme?

Collagen—this protein superstar is storming the wellness community, touted for its incredible powers to boost elasticity in your skin, strengthen hair and nails, and calm joints. But with a plethora of collagens lining shelves, selecting one that best addresses your issue can actually become a challenge in and of itself. Perhaps one of your most important choices involves choosing between types: fish, cattle, or one for veggie devotees. Let's explore these options and discover which variation actually addresses your specific requirements.

The Fish Collagen: Sea-faring Saviour

Harvested from scales and skin of fish, fish collagen comes predominantly in its Type I form, and it is actually the most common form of collagen in the human body. With its high bioavailability, it can easily be taken in and utilized in your body. Fish collagen is touted for its high effectiveness in: 

Enhancing moisture and elasticity in your skin: According to studies, fish collagen can boost moisture in your skin, smoothing wrinkles out. 

Strengthening hair and density: Some studies have uncovered that fish collagen can stimulate hair follicles, creating fuller, healthier hair. 

Bone density maintenance: Type I collagen is responsible for bone development, and fish collagen can contribute to bones being strong and healthy. 

Perfect for: Those in search of overall hair and skin care, and for any individual in search of a high bioavailability source of collagen.

The Bovine Collagen: Cowskin

Harvested from cows' hides, bovine collagen is rich in both Type I and Type III collagen. Type III complements Type I in supporting healthy, soft, and supple skin and in providing best elasticity. Bovine collagen is renowned for its high effectiveness in:

Enhancing skin texture and wrinkles: By balancing out Type I and Type III collagens, your wrinkles can be smoothened, and your overall skin can become even more lovely. Sturdy joints and aches: Bovine collagen can possibly build up cartilage, possibly providing aches in your joints with a break and an added boost in your range of motion. Muscle healing: With its key role in mending tissue in your muscles, many fitness enthusiasts and competitive athletes opt for taking bovine collagen. Best for: Anyone looking for a balanced collagen supplement for healthy skin, joints, and muscles, and for those in search of an affordable alternative.

The Plant-Powered Alternative: Vegan Collagen

Although "vegan collagen" is a little of an oxymoron—since real collagen can only come from animals—it's worth noting that "vegan collagens" use ingredients that stimulate your body to make its own collagen, including: Vitamin C, a necessity in producing collagen; Proline, an amino acid important in producing collagen; and Lysine, yet another amino acid important in creating collagen. While your vegan collagen won't work overnight, such as with fish and bovine sources, it can act as a supporting companion, getting your body’s own creation of collagen started.
Best for: Vegans and vegetarians who'd prefer to naturally stimulate your body’s creation of its own collagen.

The Winner:

What will work for you will depend on your specific requirements and your desire. For healthy skin and hair, your best bet will most likely be fish collagen, with its high bioavailability and high concentrations of Type I collagen. For general healthy skin, for joints, and for general maintenance of your muscles, try taking a shot at bovine collagen, and possibly save a little dough in the long run, too.

For those living a vegan or a vegetarian lifestyle, a vegan collagen supplement can provide your body with important building blocks to produce its own collagen. Regardless, remember that it is key to maintain a consistent routine. Add your preferred form of a collagen supplement to your daily routine and have patience for its possible effects to manifest.