Marine or bovine collagen: what is the difference?

The main difference between marine and bovine collagen is the source: marine collagen is made from fish skin and scales, bovine collagen from the hides, bones and cartilage of cattle. That source decides which collagen types you get, which allergens are present and whether it fits your diet.

Both are usually sold as hydrolysed collagen (collagen peptides). Neither has an authorised health claim in the EU, so this article compares them on facts only: origin, collagen types, allergens, diet, sustainability and taste.

Where do marine and bovine collagen come from?

Marine collagen is made from fish that are caught or farmed for food. Producers mainly use the skin and scales, which are left over after filleting. Cod and tilapia are common examples.

Bovine collagen comes from cattle raised for meat and leather. The raw material is mostly the hide, plus bones and cartilage. A third common source is porcine collagen from pig skin. According to the German consumer organisation Verbraucherzentrale, a large share of the collagen on the market comes from pigs, so check the label if that matters to you.

Which collagen types do fish and cattle provide?

The source shapes the collagen type. Fish skin consists mainly of type I collagen, the type that makes up more than 90% of the collagen in the human body. Cattle hide contains type I together with type III. Type II sits in cartilage and is usually made from chicken or cattle cartilage.

Some products combine sources or types. A label that lists types I, II and III often uses bovine hide plus cartilage. Want to know where each type occurs in the body? Read our collagen supplements guide.

Marine vs bovine collagen: what are the differences at a glance?

Which collagen fits allergies and dietary choices?

Fish allergy

Fish is one of the major allergens in EU food law, so it must be highlighted in the ingredient list. If you are allergic to fish, marine collagen is not for you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before you choose any collagen supplement, and also check the label if you are allergic to shellfish.

Pescatarian, halal and kosher

If you eat fish but no meat, marine collagen fits your diet and bovine collagen does not. For halal and kosher, the animal alone does not settle it. It depends on the source, the processing and an official certification, so check the label or ask the manufacturer. The same applies if you avoid beef or pork for religious or personal reasons.

Vegetarian and vegan

All collagen comes from animals. Neither marine nor bovine collagen is vegetarian or vegan.

Is marine or bovine collagen more sustainable?

Both are made largely from by-products: fish skin and scales from fish processing, and cattle hides and bones from meat production. A 2024 review notes that the fish processing industry uses only around a quarter of a fish's total weight. Collagen production is one way to use part of the rest.

Which option has the lower footprint depends on the fishery or farm, transport and processing. There is no simple winner. Information on the fish species, fishing area or origin of the cattle tells you more than the words "marine" or "bovine" alone.

Do marine and bovine collagen taste or dissolve differently?

Unflavoured marine collagen can have a light fishy smell or taste, depending on how it is purified. Bovine collagen is usually more neutral, sometimes slightly brothy. In a flavoured shot or powder you will rarely notice either.

Both are hydrolysed into peptides, so both dissolve in cold and warm drinks. How small the peptides are depends on the manufacturing process, not only on the animal. Some brands state the average molecular weight in daltons (Da). There is no authorised claim that one source or peptide size works better than another.

Which Liquid Nefer product uses which collagen?

We use both sources, each in its own liquid shot:

• Marine Beauty Collagen: 10,000 mg hydrolysed fish collagen types I and III per shot, with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, biotin, selenium and other vitamins. Contains fish. Forest fruit and strawberry flavour.
• Joint Support MAX: 12,000 mg hydrolysed bovine collagen types I, II and III per shot, with vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium and other ingredients. Berry flavour, sugar-free.

Both shots contain vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin. That claim is about vitamin C, not about the collagen. Both come in 500 ml bottles: keep them in the fridge after opening and use within two months.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. This article is general information and not medical advice.