What is the difference between bovine collagen and collagen?

Collagen and its derivative, known as "bovine or beef collagen," have become increasingly popular in dietary supplements and skincare products, in recent years. While collagen and bovine collagen powder are obviously different—one being a general term for a particular type of protein and the other being a specific product containing a certain form of collagen—the terms are often used interchangeably. To fully understand the differences and how to best use them, let’s break down what collagen and bovine collagen actually are, and how they work in the body.

 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is made up of three long chain amino acids — glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Collagen is found in connective tissue, such as skin and tendons, and other structures in the body, like muscles and blood vessels. It’s predominately responsible for providing structure and support, by keeping cells and tissues together. Collagen is also the main component of your skeletal system, providing strength and flexibility. There are more than 28 different types of collagen, and each type has a specific function.

 

Bovine collagen, which is also known as beef collagen, is a type of collagen derived from bovine (beef) sources. Bovine collagen is a popular source for collagen supplements due to its low cost and ability to be absorbed by the body when taken orally or topically. Beef collagen acts similarly to other forms of collagen, as it helps with skin elasticity, the regeneration of skin cells and it helps to improve the overall appearance and quality of the skin.

 

When it comes to differences between collagen and bovine collagen powder there are a few things to consider. As mentioned above, collagen is a broad term that is used to describe several different chemicals within the body. Bovine collagen, on the other hand, is made up of a specific type of collagen, type 1 and type III, which are both commonly found in human skin. Collage type I and III are the main forms of collagen involved in the structural health of skin, providing support, strength and majority of skin’s elasticity.

 

As collagen and bovine collagen both serve similar functions, there is not too much of a difference between the two. However, when comparing quality, bovine collagen is usually of a higher quality and more easily absorbed by the body compared to other types of collagen. Bovine collagen is also generally considered more health-promoting than plant collagen, as plant collagen is not a complete source of protein, unlike collagen from animal sources.

 

In conclusion, while collagen and bovine collagen powder have very similar benefits, there are some key differences that make bovine collagen the preferred choice. Bovine collagen is generally of a higher quality, is more easily absorbed by the body and is a complete source of protein. So, when looking for quality collagen supplements, it’s important to consider bovine collagen as it will provide you with the most bang for your buck.