Collagen powders are labelled "beef collagen" on some packs, "bovine collagen" on others, and sometimes "cow collagen".
It is all the same thing. The more interesting question is where the collagen comes from and why the source makes a difference.
In this article, we look at what bovine collagen is, how it differs from fish and chicken collagen, and why collagen is always animal-based.
What is bovine collagen?
Bovine collagen is collagen obtained from cattle. "Bovine" is the technical term for "from cattle".
It mainly contains type I and type III collagen. These two types are also the most common in the human body, for example in skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
As a food supplement, bovine collagen is almost always hydrolysed, meaning it is broken down into small bovine collagen peptides. This makes it soluble and neutral in taste. We have explained exactly how this works here.
Where do bovine collagen peptides come from?
The raw material for bovine collagen is mainly hides and bones.
Both are by-products of meat production. Instead of being discarded, they are processed further. That is essentially nose-to-tail: the whole animal is used, not just the prime cuts.
What matters is what this means for quality. The collagen comes directly from the animal's tissue. How the cattle were raised and fed is therefore not a side issue.
Beef, fish or chicken: animal collagen compared
Not all collagen is the same. Collagen types and properties differ depending on the animal.
|
Source |
Collagen types |
Raw material |
Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beef (bovine) |
Type I and III |
Hides, bones |
neutral taste, broad range of types |
|
Fish (marine) |
mainly type I |
Skin, scales |
may taste slightly of fish, note fish allergy |
|
Chicken |
mainly type II |
Breastbone cartilage |
mostly used in joint products |
|
Pork |
Type I and III |
Rind |
unsuitable for some diets |
The point is not that one source is better across the board. All of them provide the typical collagen amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.
The point is that bovine collagen, with types I and III, covers the two most common collagen types in the body and has the most neutral taste. That is why it is the most widely used source.
Animal based: why collagen is always animal-derived
Plants do not produce collagen.
Products labelled "vegan collagen" therefore contain no collagen. They usually contain amino acid blends or vitamins that the body uses for its own collagen formation.
In an animal-based diet, animal foods take centre stage: meat, organ meats, eggs, animal fats and bone broth. A central idea is to use the whole animal.
This is exactly where collagen comes in. Earlier generations ate skin, tendons, cartilage and bones as a matter of course. Today, it is mainly lean muscle cuts that end up on the plate.
Collagen from meat: is your diet enough?
Lean muscle meat such as chicken breast or beef fillet contains only a little collagen. Roughly speaking:
Low in collagen: fillet, chicken breast, lean minced meat.
Rich in collagen: oxtail, beef shank, hocks, tendons, skin and cartilage.
Bone broth: extracts collagen from bones and connective tissue over many hours. How much ends up in it varies greatly depending on the bones and cooking time.
In short: if you regularly eat collagen-rich cuts, you take in collagen naturally. In everyday life, though, there is often not enough time for that.
Bone broth or collagen powder?
It depends.
Bone broth is a traditional food and, besides collagen, also provides minerals and flavour. The downside: it takes time, and the amount of collagen is hard to estimate.
Collagen powder is predictable. The amount per serving is clear, and an unflavoured powder dissolves in seconds in coffee, a smoothie or water.
What to look for in bovine collagen
With bovine collagen, a few points make the difference:
Husbandry and feeding. Grass-fed cattle raised on pasture live in a way that is more appropriate to their species than animals from conventional fattening.
Organic certification. Among other things, it regulates feeding and the use of antibiotics.
Ingredient list. Ideally, it lists collagen only. You do not need flavourings, sweeteners or fillers.
Labelling. Collagen types and origin should be clearly stated on the pack.
Our collagen powder comes from grass-fed organic cattle. Only type I and III collagen, nothing else.
Conclusion
Bovine collagen is obtained from the hides and bones of cattle and provides type I and III collagen.
It is hydrolysed into highly soluble collagen peptides. Collagen is always animal-derived, and in a nose-to-tail diet it fills the gap left by lean cuts of meat.
Quality depends directly on the origin. If husbandry and purity matter to you, it is worth taking a close look at the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is bovine collagen the same as beef collagen?
Yes. "Bovine" means "from cattle". Bovine collagen, beef collagen and cow collagen are the same thing.
Is bovine collagen better than marine collagen?
No source is better across the board. Bovine collagen provides types I and III and is neutral in taste. Marine collagen mainly provides type I and is an alternative for people who do not eat beef.
Is there vegan collagen?
No. Collagen only occurs in animals. Vegan products contain building blocks such as amino acids or vitamin C, but no collagen.