Did you know that marine and bovine collagen can be taken together as part of the same daily wellness routine? Because they come from different sources and naturally contain slightly different collagen profiles, many people choose to combine them to support multiple wellness goals at once.
Whether your priority is glowing skin, healthy hair, joint support or overall wellbeing - here's everything you need to know.
Can you take marine and bovine collagen together?
Yes. Marine and bovine collagen can safely be taken together.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that taking marine and bovine collagen together reduces their effectiveness. Instead, choosing one, alternating between them, or combining both simply comes down to your personal wellness goals and dietary preferences.
Our Marine Collagen and Bovine Collagen peptides each provide 10,000mg hydrolysed collagen peptides per serving. In terms of getting too much collagen, it is fine to enjoy both together - which would provide 20g collagen in total.
Can you take too much collagen?
If using both Marine and Bovine Collagen together daily we would not advise taking collagen from any other sources - as it is advisable to stay under a total of 25g total collagen supplementation per day.
That's not because it's dangerous as such (although excess intake can be) - but because most research showing the benefits of collagen is based on around 10g daily. So there's no need to exceed 20g per day, when you can enjoy the benefits with less.
Rheal Collagen also contains 100mg Vitamin C per serving, which helps to body to best absorb and utilise collagen peptides. So if taking both collagens together daily, just be mindful of the Vitamin C content if you are taking other supplements which contain this nutrient.
What's the difference between marine and bovine collagen?
Although both options provide collagen peptides, they come from different sources - which gives each its own unique collagen profile.
Marine collagen
Marine collagen is sourced from fish and is naturally rich in Type I collagen, the most abundant collagen found within skin.
Many people choose marine collagen when their goals include supporting:
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Skin hydration
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Skin elasticity
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Healthy hair
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Strong nails
Rheal Marine Collagen is made using MSC-certified wild-caught marine collagen peptides, providing a sustainably sourced option without compromising on quality.
Bovine collagen
Bovine collagen is sourced from cattle and naturally provides Types I and III collagen.
It's commonly chosen by those looking to support:
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Connective tissues
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Joint health
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Recovery from exercise
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Skin, hair and nails
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Whole-body wellbeing
Our Bovine Collagen uses premium European grass-fed bovine collagen peptides, with every serving delivering 10g of hydrolysed collagen.
Rheal Collagen provides 100mg Vitamin C per serving, whether you choose bovine or marine. This helps to support collagen synthesis, for optimal collagen utilisation in the body. Our collagen is also developed by nutritional experts using clinically studied ingredients. It's backed by science and third-party tested - for quality you can trust.
Why do some people take both?
Because marine and bovine collagen come from different sources, some people enjoy incorporating both into their routine to support a broader range of wellness goals.
For example:
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Marine collagen may be your go-to if skin is your primary focus
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Bovine collagen may appeal if you're looking to support joints, connective tissues and overall wellness
Taking both allows you to enjoy the benefits of each source without having to choose one over the other.
Ultimately, consistency matters more than whether you choose marine, bovine or both. Most clinical studies into collagen supplementation use daily intake over several weeks or months, rather than occasional use.
Is it better to mix them or alternate?
There's no single "best" approach.
Some people prefer to:
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Take marine collagen every day
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Take bovine collagen every day
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Alternate between marine and bovine throughout the week
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Combine both in the same day
Whichever routine fits most naturally into your lifestyle is likely to be the easiest to maintain.
Does taking two types of collagen provide more collagen?
Not necessarily.
Both Rheal Marine Collagen and Rheal Bovine Collagen already provide 10,000mg of collagen peptides per serving, which reflects the dosage commonly used in collagen supplementation research.
Rather than simply increasing your collagen intake, combining both products is more about choosing different collagen sources to suit your individual goals.
If you're considering taking multiple servings per day or have individual medical circumstances, it's always sensible to speak to a healthcare professional to find out what will work best for you.
When should you take collagen?
One of the best things about collagen is that it fits easily into your existing routine.
You can stir it into:
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Coffee
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Matcha
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Smoothies
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Protein shakes
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Porridge
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Overnight oats
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Yoghurt
There isn't strong evidence to suggest one time of day is superior. Instead, the most important factor is taking it consistently.
Looking for inspiration?
Try our refreshing Iced Collagen Matcha Recipe. It works beautifully with either Marine Collagen or Bovine Collagen, making it an easy way to enjoy your daily collagen ritual.
Or for hot summer days and a refreshing pick me up, you can add a serving of either collagen to our Watermelon Berry Cooler Recipe. With Balance Tonic for hormonal support, it's the perfect combo for whole-body wellness.
Which collagen should you choose?
The right collagen depends on your personal priorities and individual health goals.
Choose Marine Collagen if you:
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Prefer fish-derived collagen
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Want to support skin hydration and elasticity
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Are focused on healthy hair and nails
Choose Bovine Collagen if you:
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Prefer grass-fed bovine collagen
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Want to support joints and connective tissues
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Are looking for broader whole-body collagen support
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix marine and bovine collagen in one drink?
Yes. Both are hydrolysed collagen powders that dissolve easily into hot or cold drinks, smoothies and recipes.
Can I take marine collagen in the morning and bovine collagen at night?
Yes. There is no evidence that collagen must be taken at a specific time of day. Choose a routine you'll stick to consistently.
Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen?
Neither is objectively "better". Marine collagen is often chosen for skin-focused goals, while bovine collagen is popular for supporting joints, connective tissues and whole-body wellbeing. Your choice depends on your preferences and wellness priorities.
Can I take collagen every day?
Yes. Daily supplementation is the approach used in most published collagen research and is generally recommended for those looking to maintain consistency.
The Bottom Line
You can absolutely include both Marine and Bovine Collagen as part of your daily routine. Marine and Bovine Collagen are designed to complement a balanced lifestyle, using carefully sourced ingredients and a meaningful dose of collagen peptides in every serving. Whether you choose one, the other or both - consistency is key, so make sure collagen is on your daily health checklist.
References
Asserin, J., Lati, E., Shioya, T. and Prawitt, J. (2015) 'The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials', Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(4), pp. 291–301.
Bolke, L., Schlippe, G., Gerß, J. and Voss, W. (2019) 'A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: results of a randomised, placebo-controlled, blind study', Nutrients, 11(10), 2494.
Choi, F.D., Sung, C.T. and Juhasz, M.L.W. (2019) 'Oral collagen supplementation: a systematic review of dermatological applications', Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 18(1), pp. 9–16.
de Miranda, R.B., Weimer, P. and Rossi, R.C. (2021) 'Effects of hydrolysed collagen supplementation on skin ageing: a systematic review and meta-analysis', International Journal of Dermatology, 60(12), pp. 1449–1461.
König, D., Oesser, S., Scharla, S., Zdzieblik, D. and Gollhofer, A. (2018) 'Specific collagen peptides improve bone mineral density and bone markers in postmenopausal women: a randomised controlled study', Nutrients, 10(1), 97.
Moskowitz, R.W. (2000) 'Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease'. (Background reference; omitted from SEO body due to date.)
Pu, S.Y., et al. (2023) 'Oral collagen supplementation for skin health: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Nutrients, 15.
Zdzieblik, D., Oesser, S., Baumstark, M.W., Gollhofer, A. and König, D. (2015) 'Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly men', British Journal of Nutrition, 114(8), pp. 1237–1245.
