Collagen peptides are very small pieces of protein from animal collagen. They are made by breaking down whole collagen proteins into smaller pieces. Collagen is one of the materials that makes up cartilage, bone, and skin. Collagen peptides are extracted from animals such as cows, chickens, fish, and even eggshell membrane. The majority of collagen extracted today comes from bovine (cow) bones. Collagen peptides are typically made from bovine (beef) or porcine (pork) sources, but marine collagen supplements made from fish skin or scales are also available. Collagen peptides are a safe, convenient, and effective way to help support new collagen synthesis and counter age-related decreases in collagen synthesis.