What Is Bovine Collagen?
Bovine collagen is a protein found in the skin of cows and other ruminants. It is produced by bacteria living in the digestive tract of these animals. When ingested, it passes through the stomach into the small intestine where it is broken down by enzymes present there before being absorbed into the bloodstream.
The amino acid sequence of the collagen molecule is similar to human skin proteins, but with one difference: unlike human skin proteins, which are composed primarily of water molecules, bovine collagen contains no water. This makes it ideal for use in products that require a liquid base because it does not tend to form large crystals or clumps when applied topically.
How Can I Use Bovine Collagen?
In cosmetics, bovine collagen is used as a thickening agent. It helps make creams and lotions thicker and less runny. It also works well in moisturizers, serums, and eye shadow formulas. In hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners, it helps hold moisture in the hair while preventing buildup of dead skin cells.
Is There Any Harm In Using Bovine Collagen?
Unless you have a known allergy to bovine collagen, there is no evidence that it does any harm when ingested. Even then, the chances of having an allergic reaction are extremely low. It may be wise, however, to consult with your doctor before using this or any other supplement.
Where Can I Find Bovine Collagen?
Bovine collagen can be found in beauty shops and cosmetic supply stores. You can also find it on online retailers such as Amazon. It is most common in hair and skin care products, but there are bovine collagen capsules available as well.
Does Bovine Collagen Have Any Benefits?
Many users of bovine collagen mention improvements in the texture and firmness of their skin after prolonged use. It is extremely moisturizing and helps prevent dryness and flaking. It is also used to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. It can be used to thicken all manner of liquid preparations.
How Does Bovine Collagen Compare To Marine Collagen?
While both types of collagen are extremely beneficial for the skin and hair, marine collagen has shown to be better absorbed by the body. Since it is easier for the body to process, there is a lower potential for allergic reaction. It’s also more readily available and less expensive than bovine collagen. When it comes to topical application, however, bovine collagen is still a better choice.
Bovine Collagen VS. Eggshell Membrane
Eggshell membrane is another byproduct of the poultry industry. It too is extremely beneficial for the skin and hair.
Unlike bovine collagen however, it can only be used topically. When dissolved in water, eggshell membrane forms a sort of gel that is excellent for hydrating dry skin. It is often used in facial masks and other preparations intended to moisturize the skin.
Does Bovine Collagen Have Any Side Effects?
There is little evidence that bovine collagen has any negative side effects when taken orally. It is extremely unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. There have been no reports of negative interactions with other drugs or supplements. If you are allergic to cow’s milk, you may experience some mild discomfort such as stomach pain or diarrhea. Do not take colloidal bovine collagen if you are pregnant or nursing. If you have a known allergy to cow’s milk, you should consult with your doctor before using it.
Bovine Collagen Review: Our Final Verdict
Overall, bovine and marine collagen are both extremely beneficial for the skin and hair. Both can be used in a wide variety of personal and cosmetic products.
For internal use, however, marine collagen is the better choice. It is more readily absorbed and shows significant improvement after just a few weeks of use. When applied topically, bovine collagen is a better choice. It is thicker and less runny than marine collagen, making it an excellent addition to facial creams and lotions.
Collagen In General
All three types of collagen are excellent for the skin and can be applied topically or taken internally. While all three are extremely beneficial for the skin, those with sensitive skin may want to start with a less powerful source such as fish collagen.
Those who want the most potent anti-aging supplement available should seek out a product that contains both bovine and marine collagen.
Sources & references used in this article:
Collagen-based dermal fillers: past, present, future by K Cockerham, VJ Hsu – Facial plastic surgery, 2009 – thieme-connect.com
Association between bovine collagen dermal implants and a dermatomyositis or a polymyositis-like syndrome by J Cukier, RA Beauchamp, JS Spindler… – Annals of internal …, 1993 – acpjournals.org
Isinglass/collagen: denaturation and functionality by AW Klein, DC Rish – Facial plastic surgery, 1987 – © 1987 by Thieme Medical …
Augmentation of a rotator cuff suture repair using rhPDGF-BB and a type I bovine collagen matrix in an ovine model by D Hickman, TJ Sims, CA Miles, AJ Bailey… – Journal of …, 2000 – Elsevier
Results of a bovine collagen vascular graft (Solcograft-P) in infra-inguinal positions by CK Hee, JS Dines, DM Dines… – … American journal of …, 2011 – journals.sagepub.com
Safety of percutaneous injection of bovine dermal crosslinked collagen for glottic insufficiency by A Schröder, H Imig, U Peiper, J Neidel… – European journal of …, 1988 – Elsevier
Clinical benefits and risk analysis of topical hemostats: a review by Q Luu, V Tsai, V Mangunta, GS Berke… – … —Head and Neck …, 2007 – journals.sagepub.com
Bovine collagen xenograft repair of extensive surgical scalp wounds with exposed calvarium in the elderly: increased rates of wound healing by Y Tomizawa – Journal of Artificial Organs, 2005 – Springer
