You've done your research, and you're convinced about the benefits of collagen. All the same, figuring out which kind to take can be overwhelming. Should you choose marine collagen or grass-fed bovine (beef) collagen? There are advantages and disadvantages to both types, and the right one for you may depend on some individual factors.
Why Use Marine Collagen?
If you want to use collagen to improve your skin, marine collagen is probably the way to go. It is a Type I collagen just like the collagen that our bodies produce in the greatest abundance.
Of course, the problem with relying on your body to produce more collagen is that as you get older, this production slows. This is one cause of the telltale signs of aging, such as dull skin and aching joints. However, marine collagen can help reduce these effects. It is good for your hair as well.
Marine collagen may also be the right choice for you if you are passionate about lowering your environmental impact. This is particularly true if the type that you use is from fish that are wild-caught in a sustainable way, like Zen Principle Marine Collagen Peptides Powder.
Why Use Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen?
One big reason to choose grass-fed beef collagen over marine collagen is the price. Zen Principles Beef Collagen Peptides Powder can still offer many of the benefits of marine collagen at a lower price point.
Consisting mostly of Type I collagen but with some Type III collagen mixed in, grass-fed beef collagen might not provide as many skin benefits as marine collagen, but it does help your bones and joints. It does help restore and preserve the elasticity of your skin, and it can also improve your digestion.
While some people might prefer marine collagen because they feel it is more likely to be free of impurities, keep in mind that grass-fed cattle are also a source of healthy products and by-products. The cattle used in these products are raised humanely. Some people dislike the taste of fish and prefer the grass-fed bovine collagen as a result.
There is not an organic certification for collagen, but Zen Principle’s collagen is produced in compliance with organic principles.
Side by side comparison: Marine Collagen vs Grass-Fed Bovine Collagen
Another factor that might influence which type of collagen you choose is your diet. Both types of collagen are kosher and Halal, but if you do not eat beef or are allergic to fish, you can enjoy the many benefits from either product that you are able to consume. Both products are tested to ensure that they are free of antibiotics and toxins.
Both marine and grass-fed beef collagen from Zen Principle come in the form of peptides powder, which is easy to digest. However, there is another alternative for grass-fed beef. You can also get beef gelatin. This does not work in exactly the same way that collagen does, but it is still good for your skin and can also help with weight loss.
Beef gelatin can also be a good choice if you are looking for a protein boost that can act as a thickener for the food you are preparing, such as sauce and soup. This makes it a healthy replacement for thickeners like flour and cornstarch. You can also use it in baking.
Your priorities and your reasons for supplementing your diet with either of these products will guide which one is best for you. Ultimately, the choice of whether to use marine collagen or grass-fed beef collagen is up to you.
another reason for promoting pasture raised beef collagen, if it comes from well managed herds, is that grazing lands are an excellent carbon sink, possibly even better than forests, and can enhance water retention by the soil to control flooding and replenish our aquafers, particularly important in the desertifying western usa. California Rangeland Coalition is one resource for information on benefits to overall environmental health contributed by rangelands.
Hi Derrell,
While I’m not a medical professional, I can share some general information that might be helpful. Bovine collagen peptides are derived from cowhide, bones, and cartilage, so they may contain traces of bovine proteins. While the processing methods are designed to remove impurities, it’s not guaranteed that they are completely free of all components.
Now, PsA is complex and influenced by various factors, not just what you eat. A change in your usual routine, losing some weight, or even pushing yourself on a bike ride could all play a role. A doctor can help determine the cause and best management approach.
While bovine collagen peptides contain traces of beef protein, it’s difficult to definitively link the PsA increase solely to that.
I hope this information helps!
My PsA count went up to 5.19 after being low always before. I lost 30 lbs. and biked over 3000 miles in five months. I also took Bovine Collagen Peptides everyday. I don’t eat beef but did beef get into my system through the Bovine Collagen?
Hi Ellen,
Thanks for your question.
Technically, you can take both Marine Collagen and Beef Collagen at the same time.
Both will count towards your daily protein intake. What is important to consider is the amount that you include in your diet. It is best to discuss this with your physician or dietician as they would be the ones to know your medical history and your current condition.
I hope this helps.
What if you took both at the same time? Is this advisable?