Beef vs. Fish Collagen: Which Should You Choose?

Beef vs. Fish Collagen: Which Should You Choose?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is formed by chains of amino acids that act as building blocks. Some of these essential amino acids include glycine and proline. You find them almost everywhere, in your bones, tendons, joints, internal organs and of course your skin.

Unfortunately, natural collagen production decreases by 1% every year from about the age of 20. Of course, there are countless factors that contribute to the aging process and the problems that arise, but collagen certainly plays a major role here.

This is because collagen makes your skin look plump, youthful and strong. Without collagen, our skin begins to sag and sag and you may see more fine lines and wrinkles. One thing that some people may find confusing is that there are so many different types of collagen and the information about them can be confusing!

Difference in origin

The biggest difference between these two collagen supplements is the source. As the name suggests, fish collagen comes from fish, while bovine collagen comes from cows. Bovine collagen is made from cow hides and fish collagen is made from fish skin, bones and scales.

Different sources also means they come from different environments and the environment the animals lived in can play a role in the quality of the collagen supplement.

Ultimately, a sustainable and organic origin of a collagen supplement is decisive for determining its quality. Paleo Powders has distinguished itself from the start by committed to products that are made with attention and care for people and nature and that are of the highest quality. For example, Paleo Powders' fish collagen comes from 100% wild, sustainably caught cod and the bovine collagen comes from 100% grass-fed European cattle! In both cases there are no additives, hormones, pesticides or antibiotics, which contributes to the high quality of the products. We also have our products regularly tested for heavy metals.

Taking collagen is basically suitable for everyone and can therefore be very valuable for many people, depending on the needs of your body…

The similarities

Both fish collagen and bovine collagen are rich in collagen type I and hydroxproline, the amino acid that is an important part of the skin! But bovine collagen contains type III in addition to type I.

Type I collagen is the most common type of collagen found in the human body. It is also the strongest type, meaning it works most effectively to support and rebuild the body. Type I helps form our bones, skin and other tissues. type III is the second most common type of collagen in your body. Both type I and type III help with elasticity in the skin and intestinal support.

Bovine Collagen

As mentioned, bovine collagen mainly consists of type 1 and type 3 collagen, two types of collagen that play an important role in the growth and repair of bones, tendons, ligaments and the skin.

In order for the body to produce its own collagen, it needs a ready supply of amino acids like glycine and proline, and there's no better source of these amino acids than – you guessed it – collagen! Paleo Powders' bovine collagen also comes from 100% grass-fed European cattle and is independently tested for heavy metals.

Health benefits of bovine collagen

• Optimization joints; bovine collagen helps in the production of cartilage
• Improved intestinal function; Collagen can optimize intestinal function
• Post-workout recovery: The amino acids in collagen can speed recovery when taken after a workout.
• More strength: Collagen can make the "recycling" of ATP (energy) more efficient, which helps increase muscle strength and power.

Fish collagen

In the body, fish collagen works similarly to bovine collagen, providing amino acids essential for building strong, healthy connective tissue.

However, unlike bovine collagen, fish collagen is almost exclusively type 1 collagen and the peptide molecules are smaller, making them slightly more bioavailable and even more absorbable.

Fish collagen is also particularly rich in the amino acid hydroxyproline, which is an essential component of the skin, blood vessel walls and other connective tissues.

Health benefits of fish collagen

• Fewer Wrinkles: Fish collagen rebuilds tissues to increase skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
• Reduced signs of aging: Marine collagen is rich in antioxidants, which block free radicals and protect the skin against oxidation and aging.
• Healthier Skin: Marine collagen is scientifically proven to help increase skin's moisture levels and help protect against the harmful effects of UV exposure and aging.

Bovine collagen or fish collagen: the verdict

Whether you choose bovine collagen or fish collagen, you really can't go wrong.

Both offer powerful health benefits and help optimize your body when used regularly. The deciding factor mainly comes down to your personal preferences, dietary restrictions and health concerns, such as allergies.