Collagen Supplements in South Africa: Marine vs Bovine, Benefits and Dosage
Collagen is now one of the most-searched supplements in South Africa — and with good reason. It's the most abundant protein in the human body, and from your mid-20s, your body makes progressively less of it. But not all collagen supplements are equal. Here's what you actually need to know.
What Is Collagen and Why Do You Need It?
Collagen is a structural protein that provides tensile strength and elasticity to skin, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bones. Think of it as the body's scaffolding.
From around age 25, collagen production declines by approximately 1% per year — accelerated by sun exposure, smoking, high sugar intake, and chronic stress. By 40, most people have lost around 15% of their total collagen.
The visible effects: wrinkles and skin laxity, increased joint discomfort, slower wound healing, and reduced gut lining integrity.
Supplementing with hydrolysed collagen peptides provides your body with the amino acids it needs — particularly glycine, proline and hydroxyproline — to stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin, joints and gut.
Types of Collagen: What's the Difference?
Type I Collagen — The most abundant in the body. Found in skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Most collagen supplements target Type I.
Type II Collagen — Found primarily in cartilage. Relevant for joint health.
Type III Collagen — Found in skin and blood vessels alongside Type I.
Marine Collagen — Sourced from fish skin and scales. Rich in Type I collagen. Highly bioavailable — marine collagen peptides are smaller than bovine, meaning they're absorbed more easily. Preferred for skin and anti-ageing goals.
Bovine Collagen — Sourced from cow hide. Contains both Type I and Type III. Cost-effective and well-studied. Good for both skin and joint goals.
Vegan "Collagen" — There is no plant-based collagen. Products marketed as "vegan collagen" typically contain collagen-boosting nutrients (vitamin C, glycine, proline) rather than actual collagen peptides.
What Does the Research Say?
The evidence for hydrolysed collagen peptide supplementation is solid:
Skin: Multiple randomised controlled trials show significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle depth after 8–12 weeks of supplementation. A 2019 meta-analysis of 11 studies confirmed these effects.
Joints: A 2017 study in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that collagen supplementation combined with exercise significantly reduced joint pain in athletes with knee pain. A 24-week trial in Current Medical Research and Opinion found clinically meaningful reductions in joint pain.
Gut: Preliminary research suggests collagen peptides may support gut barrier integrity — relevant for those with leaky gut or IBS.
Collagen Dosage Guide
- Skin health: 2.5–10g of hydrolysed collagen peptides daily
- Joint health: 10g daily (often combined with vitamin C, which is required for collagen synthesis)
- Gut health: 5–10g daily
Important: Take collagen with vitamin C. Vitamin C is a required cofactor for collagen synthesis — without it, the body cannot use the amino acids effectively.
Timing: Collagen can be taken at any time. Many people mix collagen powder into coffee, smoothies or water. Allow 8–12 weeks for visible skin results.
Collagen Supplements Available in South Africa
WellnessTree stocks a comprehensive range:
Powders: - Beauty Gen Naked Collagen 360g — Pure hydrolysed collagen powder, unflavoured - Beauty Gen Naked Collagen Complete 600g — With added vitamins and minerals - Beauty Gen 5-in-1 Collagen 450g — Multi-action collagen formula, Blueberry flavour - Remedy Greens Collagen Mobility 450g — Collagen + mobility support blend
Capsules: - New Leaf Marine Collagen 60 Capsules — Highly bioavailable fish-sourced collagen - Sfera Marine Collagen 120 Capsules — Value marine collagen
Gummies: - New Leaf Collagen Gummies 60s — Great-tasting collagen with vitamin C
All dispatched from Limpopo with delivery across South Africa.
Shop all collagen supplements →
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a health condition or are on medication.
