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The ultimate guide to bovine collagen: benefits and side effects
Written byMedico Digital
Reviewed byJulie Cunningham
If you’ve been searching for supplements to tackle wrinkles, you’ve likely heard the hype about bovine collagen. So what’s the fuss all about?
Summary
1What is bovine collagen?
Bovine collagen is a protein found in the bones, skin and connective tissues of animals in the bovine family…
2The potential benefits of bovine collagen
Bovine collagen boasts a multitude of potential benefits for overall health and wellness…
3Side effects of bovine collagen
Side effects from bovine collagen are rare. Most studies show no adverse effects, even at doses as high as 60g per day…
Bovine collagen is rapidly becoming a favourite in beauty and wellness circles, especially among those passionate about skin. But what exactly is this type of collagen, and why’s it getting so much attention?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and is crucial for providing strength and support to your skin, bones, muscles and connective tissues.1 Experts sometimes describe it as the ‘glue’ that holds everything together, giving your body its elasticity and strength.1 But, as we age, our natural collagen production declines.2,3
Bovine collagen supplements can potentially top up your body’s collagen levels.4-6
Keen to learn more? Let’s find out all about bovine collagen, from where it comes from to possible benefits and side effects.
What’s bovine collagen?
Bovine collagen is a protein found in the bones, skin and connective tissues of animals in the bovine family.7 Bovine animals are domesticated cattle that farmers keep as livestock, such as cows, bulls, buffalo and bison.8
To convert bovine collagen into a supplement, manufacturers use a process called hydrolysis.9
During this process, large collagen molecules are broken down into smaller, more digestible peptides using heat or enzymes like trypsin and Alcalase.9 These collagen peptides are then dried and turned into powder, tablets or capsules, ready to add to your food and drinks.9
Hydrolysed collagen is popular because it’s highly bioavailable, meaning your body can easily absorb and use it.9
There are several types of collagen. For example, bovine collagen is rich in type I and III collagen.10 These types closely resemble the collagen naturally produced in your body.1,9,10
Bovine collagen is similar to marine collagen, which comes from fish. Both types offer essential amino acids. Marine collagen is known for its higher absorption rate due to its smaller particle size, but bovine collagen is more common and often more affordable.11
Additionally, bovine collagen isn’t suitable for everyone. You might prefer marine or plant-based collagen options if you’re vegetarian or vegan or follow specific dietary restrictions (for example, for religious reasons).
The potential benefits of bovine collagen
While researchers are looking into the possible benefits that bovine collagen could bring across a multitude of health and wellness areas, more research is needed to confirm any findings.
However, there are two key areas that bovine collagen can support us in:
- skin health: collagen, including bovine collagen, gives skin its structure.3,10 It may support skin elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles.5,10 This makes it a popular ingredient in beauty products and supplements. Some collagen products contain vitamin C, which contributes to collagen formation for the normal function of skin13
- joint health: collagen helps make up cartilage – the cushioning that enables your joints to move smoothly4
Keep in mind that while research on bovine collagen shows promising results, more studies are needed to confirm them.
Side effects of bovine collagen
Side effects from bovine collagen are rare and most studies show no adverse effects.5,6
That said, some people who take collagen have reported minor gastrointestinal side effects like nausea
flatulence
indigestion symptoms (like heartburn and bloating).12
Talk to a healthcare professional if you experience severe or ongoing side effects. Tweaking your dosage or trying a different collagen type could help ease these symptoms.
Is bovine collagen safe?
Collagen supplements, including bovine collagen, are considered safe for most people.5,6 However, you should always check the ingredients list for potential allergens or other substances that could cause side effects. For instance, some collagen supplements may contain added flavours, preservatives or other additives that could trigger allergies or sensitivities.
The best collagen supplements should be free from unnecessary fillers, artificial ingredients and allergens. Always read the labels and choose products clearly stating their sourcing and production methods.
As with any supplement, follow the dosage recommendations on the packaging and pay attention to how your body responds to help avoid any potential digestive issues or other side effects.
If you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before starting bovine collagen supplements. Your doctor can offer personalised advice based on your health history and specific needs.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
The final say
Collagen is a protein that connects tendons, ligaments, and muscles together in the body. It’s also a major constituent of skin and bones.
While side effects of bovine collagen are rare and generally mild, it’s important to be aware of potential reactions and monitor your body’s response. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements to ensure they suit your health needs.
By understanding what bovine collagen is and recognising its potential benefits and side effects, you can decide whether it’s right for you. Remember, quality matters. Select reputable brands and products to get the best possible benefits.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
- Wu M, et al. Biochemistry, collagen synthesis. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709
- Varani J, et al. Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin. Am J Pathol. 2006;168(6):1861–8. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302
- He, Tianyuan, et al. Age-related Changes in Dermal Collagen Physical Properties in Human Skin. PLOS ONE, 2023;18(12) https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292791.
- Dierckx Campos, Luana D., et al. Collagen Supplementation in Skin and Orthopedic Diseases: A Review of the Literature. Heliyon. 2023; 9(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14961
- Dewi D, et al. Exploring the Impact of Hydrolyzed Collagen Oral Supplementation on Skin Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2023;15(12): e50231.https://www.cureus.com/articles/207671-exploring-the-impact-of-hydrolyzed-collagen-oral-supplementation-on-skin-rejuvenation-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis#!/
- Steele, C. Collagen: a review of clinical use and efficacy. Nutr Med J.. 2022;1 (2): 12-36. https://www.nmi.health/collagen-a-review-of-clinical-use-and-efficacy/
- Matinong AME, et al. Collagen extraction from animal skin. Biology (Basel). 2022;11(6):905. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11060905
- Zhang K, et al. Evolution and domestication of the Bovini species. Anim Genet. 2020;51(5):637–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/age.12974
- León-López A, et al. Hydrolyzed collagen — sources and applications. Molecules. 2019;24(22):4031. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224031
- Wang H. A review of the effects of collagen treatment in clinical studies. Polymers. 2021;13(22):3868. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/22/3868
- Jafari H, et al. Fish collagen: Extraction, characterization, and applications for biomaterials engineering. Polymers. 2020;12(10):2230. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102230
- Bianchi, Ferdinando M., et al. Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplement for Improving Skin Moisturization, Smoothness, and Wrinkles. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2022;15 (3). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8944283.
- European Commission. Food and Feed Information Portal Database: Health Claims [Internet]. [cited 2025 Feb 13]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register
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