What Type of Collagen is Best? A Guide to Bovine Collagen and Its Benefits

Collagen is the most common protein in the human body, and it acts as the glue that holds everything together. It provides structure, support, and elasticity to your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Unfortunately, collagen production naturally declines with age. This decrease causes wrinkles, sagging skin and weak joints.

There are many ways to increase your collagen levels, but taking collagen supplements is a popular and effective choice. However, with so many sources of collagen available, you may be wondering, what type of collagen is best?

This post takes an in-depth look at bovine collagen, a type derived from cows. We’ll explore the different types of collagen, the benefits of bovine collagen, and how to incorporate it into your diet.

Different Types of Collagen

The collagen in your body gives structure, strength, and elasticity to the skin, hair, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even blood vessels. Think of it as body scaffolding. As you age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint problems. In addition, factors such as smoking, excessive exposure to sunlight, and a diet high in refined carbohydrates can also affect collagen production. This is where collagen supplements come in.

There are over 28 types of collagen, each with its own distinct amino acid composition and function. Here’s a breakdown of the most common:

Type I: The most abundant, makes up 90% of your body’s collagen. It is found in your skin, bones, teeth, tendons, and connective tissues. Type I is very important for maintaining skin health, increasing elasticity, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. You can find type I collagen in fish scales, pork, chicken skin, bone broth, and egg whites [1].

Type II: Concentrated in your cartilage, this type cushions and supports your joints. Supplementing with type II collagen may be helpful for people with joint pain and arthritis. Chicken cartilage and joint tissues are common sources of type II collagen.

Type III: Found alongside type I in your skin and connective tissues, type III supports the structure of your organs and is involved in wound healing.

Type IV: A major component of your basement membrane, a thin layer that separates the layers of your skin, type IV collagen provides structural support and filtration.

Type V: Type V collagen, found in small amounts throughout your body, helps with cell communication and development [2,3].

Bovine Collagen – What Is It?

Bovine collagen comes from cows and is mainly extracted from their bones and connective tissues. To produce it, cow bones or other cow byproducts are boiled in water. Once the collagen is extracted, it is dried and powdered to create a supplement.

Additionally, hydrolyzed bovine collagen undergoes a process called hydrolysis, in which it is broken up into smaller pieces called collagen peptides. Your body more easily absorbs these peptides, which are effective for various health benefits.

Bovine collagen mainly increases type I and III collagen in your body, which is essential for skin health. It reduces wrinkles and increases elasticity and skin moisture. Marine collagen, on the other hand, strengthens types I and II and may improve cartilage and skin health.

Health Benefits of Bovine Collagen

Bovine collagen, your body’s natural source of building blocks, offers an amazing range of benefits beyond just creating youthful skin. Let’s explore the science-based ways that bovine collagen can boost your overall health.

1. Skin Rejuvenation: A Youthful Glow from Within

Bovine collagen peptides have promising studies in improving skin health. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that women aged 35 to 55 who took hydrolyzed collagen daily for eight weeks had much better skin elasticity, moisture, and roughness than a control group. This suggests that bovine collagen can help the skin look younger by getting rid of wrinkles and rejuvenating the skin [4].

2. Joint Relief: Moving With Ease

The presence of type II collagen in some bovine collagen products is especially beneficial for joint health. Supplementing collagen can greatly reduce the stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease. A review analyzing multiple studies found that collagen hydrolysate supplementation effectively reduced pain and improved joint function in people with OA [5].

3. Muscle Building and Recovery: Fueling Your Fitness

Bovine collagen is full of type I and III collagen as well as important amino acids like glycine, proline, and arginine. These amino acids play an important role in muscle growth and repair, making bovine collagen a valuable ally for athletes and active people. A study that examined the effects of collagen supplementation on athletes found that those who took collagen peptides along with resistance training gained more muscle growth and strength than those who received a placebo.

These findings show that bovine collagen can significantly increase the effectiveness of workouts by supporting muscle growth and recovery [6].

4. Potential Benefits for Bone Health

Several animal studies have shown that bovine collagen may help prevent bone loss [7]. This is especially promising for people at risk of osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones less dense and increases the risk of fractures. A 12-week study in mice found that those given an oral supplement containing bovine collagen and calcium citrate experienced significantly less bone loss compared to a control group [8].

5. Beyond The Surface: Gut Health and Sleep

The benefits of bovine collagen go beyond physical structures. Glycine, an amino acid abundant in collagen, can improve digestion and gut health. Glycine helps increase stomach acid production, which is essential for proper food breakdown. Early research also suggests potential benefits for people with leaky gut syndrome [9,10].

Additionally, glycine acts as an immunonutrient, promoting deeper and more restorative sleep. Studies show that glycine affects neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to better sleep quality. This suggests that bovine collagen, due to its high glycine content, may act as a natural sleep aid [11].

How to Incorporate Bovine Collagen into Your Diet

The FDA considers bovine collagen to be safe for consumption. Here are some ways to include it in your diet:

Hydrolyzed Collagen Powders: Easily mix them into smoothies, coffee, tea, or even baked goods like pancakes, cookies, and yogurt.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Capsules or Tablets: Take them with water for a convenient way to consume collagen.

Foods Containing Gelatin: Enjoy foods such as jelly, custard, and yogurt that often contain gelatin, a type of bovine collagen.

Remember, gelatin is primarily used for thickening and may not have the same health benefits as hydrolyzed collagen supplements.

Selecting the Right Bovine Collagen Supplement

With the increasing popularity of collagen supplements, many brands and types have flooded the market.

NATful Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides are here to simplify your search! Made with hydrolyzed bovine collagen from ethically sourced cows, our easily absorbed powder dissolves perfectly in hot or cold beverages. Add two scoops to your coffee, smoothie, or oatmeal for a convenient and delicious way to support your skin, hair, joints, muscles and more. Choose natFul – an easy and effective way to experience the power of collagen!

The Bottom Line

Bovine collagen offers many benefits for your skin, joints, muscles, and overall health. By including bovine collagen supplements in your routine, you can support your body’s natural collagen production and look healthier and younger. Remember, consistency is key! With a dedicated effort, you can experience the positive effects of increased collagen levels and live a vibrant life that feels as good as it looks.