Major Sources of Collagen

Collagen is a naturally occurring substance within the body. It's a fibrous protein and makes up 70 percent of the connective tissue of humans and animals. Collagen gives structural support to bones, skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Three main sources of collagen are bovine (cows), porcine (pigs) and marine fish.

Bovine Collagen

• Bovine collagen is extracted from cow skin. It's then sterilized, purified and rendered into a liquid form for cosmetic use. This form of collagen is primarily used as a skin filler and augmenter. The FDA approved bovine collagen for use in cosmetic surgeries in 1982 as a less invasive way to treat skin imperfections. Bovine collagen, like all collagen, breaks up naturally within the body, so the effects of the collagen usually last for only six months to a year. The length the protein takes to break down is dependent in part on the type of collagen used. Zyderm I and II are used mainly to treat surface scars, while Zyplast is used for longer and deeper injections. The main risks associated with bovine collagen use are allergic reactions and possible connective tissue disorders such as arthritis and lupus.

Porcine Collagen

• Porcine collagen, rendered from the skin tissue of pigs, is generally used for collagen replacement therapy. Pigs are kept in a close herd and are closely monitored to ensure that any collagen produced is pathogen free. Requirements for a close herd mean that there are no cases of specific pathogens. The animals have fully documented feeding histories, which includes no proteins from animal byproducts, and veterinary monitoring. All of the animals in the herd are monitored and traceable. New animals are introduced into the herd only if it can be proven that they're from herds with the same Specific Pathogen Free status. Once the collagen has been rendered, it's injected in humans just below the surface to smooth wrinkles.

Marine Collagen

• Marine collagen is derived from cold sea fish and marine algae. Unlike other types of collagen, marine collagen isn't injected, but is instead taken as a supplement or as a topical cream. It replenishes and promotes collagen production within the body rather than replacing absent collagen. A type of marine collagen called hydrolyzed collagen is beneficial in maintaining bone and joint health in older people. It can also help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Marine collagen enriches the nutritional content in dairy-based foods as well as soups, cookies, pasta and breads. Since plastic surgery isn't an option with this type of collagen, cosmetic companies such as Olay, Loreal and Eleris have begun manufacturing different creams and capsules that include marine collagen.