Unlocking the Benefits of Bovine Collagen : A Comprehensive Guide to Health and Beauty

Collagen is a vital protein found in abundance in the human body and is also present in different animals. Collagen acts as one of the primary building blocks in bones, skin, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels and muscles.^{(1, 2)}

Additionally, collagen is also available in supplement from and as food additive. This protein has been gaining quite a bit of popularity not only in health industry, but also in the beauty/cosmetic industry for its potential to decrease the effects of aging on the skin.

One of the famous forms of collagen is Bovine collagen which is primarily derived from cows. Bovine collagen has many health benefits, such as better skin, relief from arthritis pain and prevention of bone loss.

In this article, we will discuss about what exactly is bovine collagen and it types, uses and benefits.

Our body naturally produces collagen and it can also be obtained from different foods and supplements. Many of the collagen supplements are taken from different plant and animal sources and the most common form of this is bovine animals, pigs, and also marine species, such as jellyfish, fish and sponges. Other less common collagen sources consist of genetically modified bacteria and yeast.^{(1, 3)}

Bovine species comprise of cows, yak, bison, antelope and water buffalo; however, bovine collagen primarily is obtained from cows.

It is made by boiling cow bones or other byproducts of cattle in water after which the collagen is extracted, dried and powdered to be sold as a supplement form.⁽⁴⁾

There are more than 20 types of collagen in the body and each of it plays a specific function. The main forms of collagen are I, II, III, and IV.^{(3, 5)}

Depending on the source, collagen supplements have different types present in it.

Bovine collagen has more of collagen types I and III collagen, and marine collagen has more of types I and II.^{(3, 4)}

The collagen present in the skin is mainly made of types I and III collagen, which means that bovine collagen is potentially beneficial in promoting elasticity, reducing wrinkles and increasing the moisture content in the skin.⁽⁴⁾

Marine collagen is beneficial in improving the health of skin and cartilage. Studies also show that marine collagen has a reduced risk of transmitting diseases, has lesser inflammatory effects, and also has increased absorption rate when compared to bovine collagen.^{(1, 6)}

Marine collagen is relatively new when seen in comparison to bovine collagen. However, research has revealed that marine collagen has promising health benefits for regeneration of bone tissue and also anti-wrinkling effects, wound healing and protection from UV radiation.^{(3, 7, 8, 9)}

As a person’s body ages, the collagen production naturally starts to decline and this can lead to many medical problems, such as deteriorating health of bone and joint and also skin problems.

People, who smoke, consume lot of refined and sugary carbs, who get lot of sun exposure; all these affect the production of collagen where gets decreased and lesser produced in the body.^{(10, 11, 12)}

This is where bovine collagen supplements come to the rescue and help in combating the effects of reduced levels of collagen. However, more research is needed on the potential benefits of collagen supplements.

Bovine collagen helps in relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis which is a common form of arthritis occurring as a result of disintegration of the protective cartilage present at the ends of the bones. This causes stiffness and pain in the hands, hips and knees and also in other parts of body.⁽¹³⁾

A test-tube study done in mouse cells showed that bovine collagen helped in increasing the formation of bone and mineralization, which can help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Other than this a 13-week study done in 30 individuals suffering from osteoarthritis in the knees and the participants who were given 5 g of bovine collagen twice a day had improved symptoms.⁽¹⁵⁾

Prevent Bone Loss with Bovine Collagen: In several animal studies, bovine collagen was shown to prevent bone loss.^{(14, 16, 17)} It can help in combating the symptoms of osteoporosis, where there is reduction of bone density. Patients suffering from osteoporosis are at increased risk of fractures.

A 12-week study done in rats where they were given oral supplement containing calcium citrate and bovine collagen showed that they had substantially lesser bone loss.⁽¹⁶⁾

Bovine collagen can help in decreasing the signs of aging by improving the quantity and quality of skin collagen. A 8-week study done in older mice showed that bovine collagen supplements did not help with the skin moisture; however, it greatly improves the elasticity of the skin, collagen fibers, collagen content and antioxidant activity.⁽⁵⁾

The two primary types of bovine collagen supplements are hydrolyzed collagen and gelatin collagen, the difference between the two being in their way of usage.

Gelatin is nothing but cooked collagen and it is usually available in powdered form and is mostly used in desserts, as it can help with gelling of the liquids. People who eat gravy, jello, custards and other foods which have this additive are already consuming bovine collagen.

Hydrolyzed collagen is a form of collagen that has been broken down into smaller proteins thus making it easier for it to absorb by the body. This type of collagen is convenient and can be easily added to any cold or hot beverage. Hydrolyzed collagen is available in different forms, such as capsules, tablets and powders.

Using it for Skin: If one needs to utilize collagen in their beauty regime, then there are many creams for face and body creams, which have collagen in them to avail its potential benefits for the skin.

There hasn’t been a specific or fixed dosage recommendation for collagen intake; however, it is deemed as safe to consume by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).⁽¹⁸⁾

Depending on the individual preferences, hydrolyzed collagen can be taken in a pill form or mixed in different drinks, such as orange juice, coffee or smoothies in a powdered form. Hydrolyzed collagen can also be added to sweets and baked goods, such as crepes, pancakes, yogurt, pudding, brownies, cakes and muffins.

Collagen as a gelatin is better to be used for making custards, thickening liquids or making gummies.

Bovine collagen is a popular type of collagen whose demand is increasing day by day for its various benefits.  It is also a common food additive along with being used in a supplement form derived from cows.

Even though there are studies required to confirm its benefits, there is no denying the various health benefits of it can have, such as bone loss prevention and improved skin health.

Bovine collagen is not only safe to consume, but it is also easy to incorporate into your daily diet. If pill is not preferred as a supplement, then collagen powder can be used by incorporating it into coffee, smoothies, baked goods, various snacks, drinks and desserts as such.

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