Collagen - Part 4 - Collagen types to consider for your goals

As you know, collagen can be found naturally found in animal-based dietary sources such as bovine, porcine, poultry, and marine. Collagen can naturally be found in skin, hides, scale and connective tissues. Furthermore, collagen can be found in smaller amounts in the eyes, brain, heart, stomach, and more. However, not all the collagen is created equal. There are 28 types of collagen and different types make up different tissues. Of the 28 types, the majority found in the body include types I, II, and III. Take a look at the differences in collagen types.

Collagen Type I is the most common of the three. In fact, type one makes up about 90% of all collagen found in the human body. Generally, type I is found in combination with type III. Collagen is found in all fibrous tissues except cartilage. Therefore, type I can be found in tissues such as skin, tendons and bones. The main benefit of collagen type I is to help support healthy skin and nails.

Collagen Type II is found in cartilage. Joints are where two bones meet and depending on the joint it can be made up of cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Cartilage is the tissue found at the end of bones. Joints are essential for our skeletal muscle, movement and flexibility. It’s what helps our bodies to move. Type II may help to support joint health and cartilage.

Collagen Type III is generally found in combination with type I and helps to support healthy joints and cartilage.

Which Type is Right for You?

Now that you have a better understanding of the types - how do you know which source to choose? Well, that really depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Remember, collagen has benefits from beauty to performance. If you’re looking to support skin, then type I may be just what you’re looking for. Collagen type I can help to support skin and nails. It may be something to consider, knowing that collagen production naturally declines with age. Skin is the largest organ of the body so it’s important you take care of it each day and over time. If you’re looking to support joint health, then you may want to go for collagen types II and types III as these types can help support healthy joints and cartilage.

In all, consider your body and goals and make the best choice for you! Ultimately, depending on the type, collagen can help to provide structural support to various tissues in the body, give elasticity is skin, contribute to mechanical properties, organization, and shape of tissues. Want to learn more? Check out part 5 of the collagen series to learn more about how collagen can help support your performance.