Bovine Collagen or Marine Collagen: Which Should You Choose?

On the supplement market, there are several types of collagen, the most popular being bovine collagen and marine collagen. Both are hydrolyzed forms of collagen (peptides), but their origins, characteristics, and uses vary. We use bovine-sourced collagen for specific reasons, which we explain in this article.

A Question of Source and Composition

Marine collagen is extracted from the skin, scales, or bones of fish, while bovine collagen comes from the connective tissues (such as hides) of cattle. These two natural sources are processed into hydrolyzed collagen, meaning they’re broken down into smaller peptides for easier absorption.

Each type of collagen contains different bioactive peptides. For example:

Different Uses for Different Needs

Marine collagen is often recommended for its skin benefits, particularly due to its peptide profile linked to skin regeneration. It’s popular in anti-aging products, skincare, and supplements for dermatological health. Bovine collagen, on the other hand, is more strongly associated with the health of bones, muscles, and joints. This is why it’s commonly chosen for supplements designed to support mobility, reduce joint discomfort, and strengthen connective tissues.

The Unique Case of Genacol AminoLock Collagen

It’s sometimes said that bovine collagen is harder to absorb than marine collagen. This may be true for certain brands, but not for Genacol.


Our AminoLock Collagen is produced using a patented technology that breaks down bovine collagen molecules to a molecular weight below 1 kDa, which is much lower than the market average (often around 3–5 kDa for marine collagen).

The result? Scientifically demonstrated optimal absorption and proven benefits for joint health.

Excellent Compatibility with the Human Body

Bovine collagen has a structure very similar to human collagen, making it highly compatible with our bodies. This means the body recognizes it easily, tolerates it well, and can use it effectively for natural tissue repair and support.

In addition, our collagen shows low immune reactivity. In other words, it’s unlikely to trigger an immune system response, which contributes to its excellent tolerance, especially for sensitive individuals.

Responsible and Sustainable Production

Choosing bovine collagen at Genacol also reflects a resource-conscious approach. We use by-products of the food industry (such as bovine hides), which helps reduce waste and maximize the use of animal resources already mobilized for human consumption.

By contrast, the sustainability of marine collagen largely depends on fishing practices. Some sources may have a higher environmental impact if they don’t meet strict resource management standards.

Proven Effectiveness for Joint Health

Thanks to our exclusive technology, we obtain unique bioactive peptides whose effectiveness for joint health has been validated by several clinical studies. These studies notably demonstrate a reduction in joint discomfort and an improvement in mobility for users of Genacol supplements.

This isn’t just a difference in source, but rather the combination of the collagen type we use and Genacol’s specific manufacturing process.

Criteria
Marine Collagen
Bovine Collagen (Genacol)
Source
Fish skin, scales, or bones
Cattle connective tissues
Main use
Skin health
Joint health
Average molecular weight
3-5 kDa
<1 kDa (AminoLock Collagen)
Absorption
Good (varies by brand)
Very high (optimized)
Key peptides
Ala-Hyp-Gly
Pro-Hyp, Gly-Pro-Hyp
Possible risks
Fish allergies
Well tolerated, low reactivity
Environmental approach
Varies by fishing practices
Upcycling of bovine by-products
Criteria
Marine Collagen
Source
Fish skin, scales, or bones
Main use
Skin health
Average molecular weight
3-5 kDa
Absorption
Good (varies by brand)
Key peptides
Ala-Hyp-Gly
Possible risks
Fish allergies
Environmental approach
Varies by fishing practices
Criteria
Bovine Collagen (Genacol)
Source
Cattle connective tissues
Main use
Joint health
Average molecular weight
<1 kDa (AminoLock Collagen)
Absorption
Very high (optimized)
Key peptides
Pro-Hyp, Gly-Pro-Hyp
Possible risks
Well tolerated, low reactivity
Environmental approach
Upcycling of bovine by-products

Choosing between bovine and marine collagen depends on your goals: skin appearance or joint health. We chose bovine collagen for its compatibility with the human body, its proven joint health benefits, and the superior quality we achieve through our patented AminoLock technology. It’s a natural choice based on tangible scientific evidence.

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