The role of collagen in the human body
Collagen is an integral protein in the human body, essential in keeping hair and skin looking healthy and smooth, and increasing bone strength and muscle mass.
There are as many as 28 different types of collagen. With its role as a supportive protein, collagen is often considered the glue that helps bind the body together. The word ‘collagen’ is derived from the Greek word ‘kólla’, or glue.
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein produced by animals, comprising one-third of the total protein in the human body. It’s an essential component in numerous organs.
Skin
Collagen is abundant in the skin and is a crucial component of the dermis layer. It provides strength, elasticity, and support, contributing to the skin’s structure and maintaining its plump, youthful appearance.
Tendons and Ligaments
Collagen forms the majority of tendons and ligaments, connecting muscles to bones (tendons) and bones to bones (ligaments). This structural protein is essential for maintaining the integrity and flexibility of these connective tissues.
Cartilage and bones
Collagen is a major component of cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions joints and allows for smooth movement. It plays a vital role in joint health and function.
In bones, collagen provides a framework for mineralisation, contributing to bone strength and density. It is a key component of the extracellular matrix in bone tissue.
Blood vessels
Collagen provides strength and flexibility to blood vessel walls, contributing to cardiovascular health. It is a crucial component of the connective tissue in arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Eyes
Collagen fibres are present in the cornea of the eye, contributing to its transparency and structural integrity.
Lungs
Collagen forms part of the connective tissue of the lungs, providing support and elasticity to lung structures.
Digestive system
Collagen is present in the connective tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, including the walls of the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Liver and kidneys
In the kidneys, collagen is a component of the renal extracellular matrix, providing structural support to the kidneys which holds them open for fluids to flow freely.
In the liver collagen plays a similar role, in the connective tissue framework contributing to its structural organisation.
Bladder
Collagen is found in the connective tissues of the bladder, providing support and maintaining bladder structure.
What’s the difference between types I, II and III collagen?
There are as many as 28 different types of collagen found in nature. However, only three of these (collagen types I, II, and III) make up the bulk of collagen naturally found in the human body.
- Up to 90% of the collagen in our bodies consists of collagen Type I, making it the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen Type I is found in skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, and teeth.
- Collagen Type II is the major type of collagen found in cartilage, and it plays an important role in protecting the joints.
- Collagen Type III is abundant in the skin and provides structural support to connective tissues like intestinal walls and blood vessels.
Why does collagen decline in the human body?
As you age, your body’s ability to build healthy collagen declines. Studies show that by the average age of 20, our body’s natural collagen production begins to decrease by 1% each year.
Although this decrease in collagen production can start as early as the age of 18, the effects are most prominent by the time we’re 40, when most people start developing wrinkles and thinning hair. By around 80, your body’s natural collagen production will have decreased by 75%.
The causes and reasons are not well understood. Some lifestyle factors can accelerate the natural decrease in collagen production. These include exposure to UV light, smoking, and eating too much sugar and processed carbohydrates.
Bovine and Marine Collagen supplements: How to they work?
Collagen supplements don’t just provide the required nutrients that go into collagen. It’s thought that they work by stimulating the body to repair its own collagen from the nutrients in everything you eat. There’s currently research taking place into compounds in collagen supplements that may drive this process.
This explains why a 1,000mg daily dose of collagen is sufficient, and you don’t get a greater benefit from a higher dose than this.
What to look for in any good bovine collagen or marine supplement
- Look for hydrolysed collagen, as it is the most easily absorbed. Supplements with a molecular weight below 2,000 daltons offer greater benefits.
- Take the right dose, which is around 1,000mg daily. Collagen supplements work by prompting your body to internally rebuild collagen, utilising nutrients from your diet. Around 1,000mg of bioavailable collagen is sufficient to trigger this effect, and going over this dose won’t increase the benefits.
- Choose supplements that have been independently analysed and certified free from harmful contaminants and toxins.
Bovine Collagen and Marine Collagen Compared
Below we list the main points of difference between bovine and marine collagen, to help you make the right choice for you.
Animal Source
Marine Collagen: Sourced from fish, usually fish skin or scales. Our marine collagen does not contain shellfish, meaning you are safe if you have a shellfish allergy.
Bovine Collagen: Derived from the skin, bones, or cartilage of cows. Our bovine collagen is halal and kosher.
Conclusion: You will need to make the right choice based on your animal source preferences.
Type of Benefits
Marine Collagen: Contains primarily Type I collagen, which is abundant in the skin and provides structural support.
Bovine Collagen: Bovine collagen is rich in Type I and Type III collagen, which are abundant in the skin, bones, and cartilage.
Conclusion: If your goal is to specifically target joint health and muscle development, bovine collagen may be your best choice. If skin rejuvenation is your main concern, our marine collagen may have more impact for you.
Absorption and Bioavailability
Marine Collagen: Often considered more bioavailable and easily absorbed due to its smaller particle size. Despite this, we have our marine collagen hydrolysed to make it even more easily absorbed.
Bovine Collagen: May have a larger molecular size, potentially impacting absorption. Our bovine collagen is hydrolysed to make it far more easily absorbed. The molecular weight is just 2,000 daltons, which you will notice if you pick up the tub, which is very large but surprisingly light!
Conclusion: Both our marine and bovine collagen products offer maximum absorbability.
Sustainability
Marine Collagen: Can be considered more sustainable, as it is often a by-product of the fishing industry, using parts of the fish that might otherwise go to waste.
Bovine Collagen: The sourcing of bovine collagen can have environmental considerations related to cattle farming.
Conclusion: For sustainability, marine collagen is the more popular choice.
Allergy Concerns
Marine Collagen: Suitable for individuals with beef allergies or dietary restrictions.
Bovine Collagen: May not be suitable for those with beef allergies or who prefer to avoid beef. Some people with dairy allergy have noted a reaction to beef collagen and may prefer marine collagen for that reason.
Conclusion: We do all we can to minimise allergens in our products. If you have allergy concerns, please play it safe and avoid taking anything that could trigger a harmful reaction.
Price
Marine Collagen: Tends to be slightly more expensive than bovine collagen due to the extraction process and sourcing.
Bovine Collagen: Generally the more economical choice.
Conclusion: Both our collagen products are priced to be highly competitive compared to alternatives. We give extra for the price by making sure our products are better absorbed and more potent.
VitaBright Bovine Collagen and Marine Collagen supplements
Our 500g tub of highly potent Bovine Collagen Peptides powder contains 50 servings of 100% pure, Hydrolysed, Type 1 & 3 bovine collagen with 19 amino acids, and high levels of all 8 essential amino acids including BCAAs. It comes from cows and is kosher and halal friendly.
Our potent 1,000mg dose of superior quality hydrolysed type-1 marine collagen is enhanced with a complementary blend of soft-tissue supporting nutrients including 100mg Hyaluronic Acid, Iodine, Zinc, Copper and Vitamins C, E, B7 and B2. This formula gives you all the nutrients your body needs to moisturise skin from within, increase plumpness, reduce wrinkles, improve bone & joint health and boost collagen production throughout the body to fight the signs of aging.
