What is Collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein that is the building block of skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It's the most abundant protein in the human body and is responsible for maintaining the strength, elasticity and regeneration of connective tissues. As we age, our natural collagen production decreases, leading to visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin and joint discomfort. There are many options available in the market, differing in sources, taste and usage. In this blog, we will compare two of the most common ones found in supplements - Marine collagen and bovine collagen.
Do You Need Collagen Supplements?
Firstly, let us try and understand why collagen supplements are required. While our body produces collagen naturally, various factors like age, sun exposure, smoking and poor diet can deplete collagen levels faster than the body can replenish it. This is where collagen supplements come into play. Understanding the science can explain why it is beneficial to take collagen supplements
Additionally, oral collagen supplements provide collagen peptides, ready building blocks for collagen production, in the dermis layer of the skin and have been shown by clinical studies to be effectively absorbed by the body with noticeable benefits. By providing our bodies with an external source of collagen, these supplements can help replenish our collagen levels and support overall health and wellness.
Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is derived from the scales, skin and bones of cold water fish like cod, salmon and snapper. It is primarily composed of Type 1 collagen, the most abundant form of collagen in the human body and essential for maintaining the structural integrity of skin, bones and connective tissues. The marine collagen derived from wild-caught, deep-sea fish is regarded as the highest quality of collagen.
Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen peptides come from cows. The collagen is extracted specifically from their skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. They are equally beneficial as other collagen peptide sources. Bovine collagen is cost-effective and widely available.
Choosing the Right Collagen Supplement
Dietary restrictions: Bovine collagen is derived from cows. Hence, due to cultural and religious reasons, many Indians may be averse to consuming it.
Safety: Land animals have a much higher risk of contamination through hormones and disease than ocean animals. Wild-caught marine collagen is the cleanest form of collagen available and is typically regarded as the safest variety.
Sustainability and environmental impact: Marine collagen is typically derived from the byproducts of the fishing industry, making it a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice compared to bovine collagen, which contributes to the environmental impact of livestock farming.
Conclusion:
As you can see, the main difference between marine collagen and bovine collagen is where it is sourced from. Bovine collagen is not suitable for anyone who does not consume meat for religious or cultural reasons. This can make marine collagen a better option. Similarly, if you have a seafood allergy, poultry collagen would be more suitable.
When you take a collagen supplement, you want to know that you are getting as many of the nutrients from it as possible and that it will work quickly. The bioavailability of marine collagen is one of the reasons our Nutrova Collagen+Antioxidants sachets are so popular.
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