Types of Collagen Explained: Type I, II & III
Types of Collagen Explained: Type I, II and III Collagen Benefits
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is found in the skin, joints, bones, muscles, tendons and connective tissues.
But did you know there are different types of collagen? Scientists have identified at least 28 different types of collagen, the most common and well-known are Type I, Type II and Type III collagen.
Each type of collagen has a different role within the body, which is why understanding the differences can help when choosing a collagen supplement.
In this blog, we explain the different types of collagen, what they do and which type is found in our collagen.
What Is Collagen?
When people search for the best collagen supplement, one of the most common questions is: what type of collagen is best?
This depends on what you are looking to support.
Different collagen types are found in different parts of the body and each has its own role. Understanding collagen types can help you choose the right collagen for your lifestyle, whether your focus is skin health, healthy ageing, joints, recovery or overall wellbeing.
Collagen is a structural protein that acts like the body’s “scaffolding”. It helps provide strength, support and structure throughout the body.
Collagen is naturally produced by the body, but production gradually declines with age. This decline can begin as early as our mid-20s and may contribute to:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Joint stiffness
- Reduced muscle mass
- Changes in hair and nails
- Reduced bone strength
Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, stress and poor sleep may also affect collagen levels.
This is why many people choose to include collagen supplements as part of their daily routine.
Type I Collagen
Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen type in the body, making up around 90% of the body’s collagen.
It is found mainly in:
- Skin
- Bones
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Teeth
- Connective tissues
Type I collagen is known for providing strength and structure.
Benefits of Type I Collagen
Type I collagen is commonly associated with:
- Skin elasticity and firmness
- Healthy hair and nails
- Bone support
- Tendon and ligament strength
- Healthy ageing support
Because it is so concentrated within the skin, Type I collagen is often used in beauty and skin-focused collagen supplements.
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is primarily found in cartilage.
Cartilage is the flexible connective tissue that cushions joints and helps support movement.
Benefits of Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is most commonly associated with:
- Joint support
- Cartilage health
- Flexibility and mobility
- Supporting active lifestyles
Type II collagen is often used in supplements aimed at joint comfort and mobility.
Type III Collagen
Type III collagen is commonly found alongside Type I collagen.
It is found in:
- Skin
- Muscles
- Blood vessels
- Organs
- Intestinal walls
Type III collagen helps provide flexibility and structural support.
Benefits of Type III Collagen
Type III collagen is associated with:
- Skin structure and elasticity
- Supporting connective tissues
- Supporting muscle structure
- Healthy blood vessels
- Overall tissue support
Type III collagen naturally declines with age, alongside Type I collagen.
Which Type of Collagen Is in Our Collagen?
If you are looking for collagen for skin, healthy ageing and connective tissue support, our collagen contains the collagen types most commonly associated with these benefits.
Our collagen contains bovine collagen peptides, which are a source of both Type I and Type III collagen.
These collagen peptides have been hydrolysed into smaller peptides for easy mixing and everyday use.
These collagen types are particularly associated with:
- Skin health
- Hair and nails
- Connective tissue support
- Bone support
- Healthy ageing
Our collagen has been carefully selected to provide a naturally rich amino acid profile, including glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, they are amino acids that are important for collagen structure and function.
The Amino Acid Profile in Our Collagen
Our collagen contains naturally occurring amino acids including:
- Glycine – 22.1g per 100g protein
- Proline – 13.3g per 100g protein
- Hydroxyproline – 11.0g per 100g protein
- Glutamic acid – 10.0g per 100g protein
- Alanine – 8.8g per 100g protein
- Arginine – 8.1g per 100g protein
- Aspartic acid – 5.6g per 100g protein
- Lysine – 3.6g per 100g protein
- Serine – 3.3g per 100g protein
- Leucine – 2.9g per 100g protein
- Valine – 2.4g per 100g protein
- Phenylalanine – 2.2g per 100g protein
- Threonine – 1.8g per 100g protein
- Isoleucine – 1.5g per 100g protein
- Histidine – 1.3g per 100g protein
- Hydroxylysine – 1.1g per 100g protein
- Methionine – 0.8g per 100g protein
- Tyrosine – 0.3g per 100g protein
This unique amino acid profile is what helps make collagen different from many other protein sources.
Why Are There Different Types of Collagen?
Different types of collagen exist because different tissues within the body require different structural properties.
For example:
- Skin needs flexibility and strength
- Cartilage needs cushioning and shock absorption
- Bones require rigidity and support
- Blood vessels require flexibility
Different collagen types help support these specific functions.
Collagen and Healthy Ageing
As collagen production naturally declines with age, many people choose to supplement collagen to help support:
- Skin elasticity
- Hydration
- Joint comfort
- Hair and nails
- Bone support
- Recovery from exercise
Providing the body with collagen peptides may help supply amino acids needed to support natural collagen production.
How to Support Natural Collagen Production
In addition to taking collagen supplements, there are several ways to support natural collagen production:
- Eat enough protein
- Include vitamin C-rich foods
- Avoid smoking
- Protect skin from excessive sun exposure
- Prioritise sleep
- Stay hydrated
- Manage stress levels
Vitamin C is especially important because it helps support collagen synthesis within the body.
Why Choose Our Collagen?
Our collagen has been selected to provide:
- Type I and Type III collagen peptides
- A naturally rich amino acid profile
- High levels of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline
- Everyday support for skin, connective tissues and healthy ageing
- An easy way to increase collagen intake as part of a balanced lifestyle
Collagen works best as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, alongside nutrients such as vitamin C which support natural collagen production.
Final Thoughts
Collagen is not just one single protein, it comes in different forms, each with its own role within the body.
Type I collagen is mainly associated with skin, bones and connective tissues, Type II collagen supports cartilage and joints, while Type III collagen helps support skin, muscles and blood vessels.
Our collagen contains Type I and Type III collagen from bovine collagen peptides, alongside a naturally rich amino acid profile designed to support overall wellbeing, healthy ageing, skin and connective tissues.
Understanding the different types of collagen can help you choose the collagen supplement that best suits your lifestyle and wellness goals.
For the full picture on collagen, see our Collagen: The Complete Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of collagen?+
The main collagen types are Type I, Type II and Type III collagen. Each type supports different structures within the body including skin, joints, cartilage and connective tissues.
What is Type I collagen good for?+
Type I collagen is mainly associated with skin, bones, tendons and connective tissues.
What is Type II collagen used for?+
Type II collagen is primarily found in cartilage and is commonly associated with joint support and mobility.
What type of collagen is in our collagen?+
Our collagen contains hydrolysed Peptan® B collagen peptides, which provide Type I and Type III collagen.
Why are collagen amino acids important?+
Collagen amino acids such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline help support collagen structure and connective tissues throughout the body.
Daisy, MSc PGDip ANutr, is a Registered Associate Nutritionist with a Master's Degree in Public Health Nutrition, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition, both of which are Association for Nutrition (AFN) accredited. She, also, has a BSc degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience; and has completed an AFN accredited Diet Specialist Nutrition course.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend consulting your healthcare professional before use.