Collagen type 1, 2 or 3? What is the difference
What are the different types of collagen?
There are 28 different types of collagen - it is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom. But not all collagen is the same. Collagen supplements have many different benefits, but each type of collagen reacts differently in the human body. And each collagen supplement may contain different types of collagen…
As more and more collagen supplements appear on the market, it is important to understand the different types of collagen, as well as the different sources and health benefits of each type. Because collagen powder supplements are derived from animals – mainly cattle and fish – collagen is not vegan or vegan.
Below we discuss the five main types of collagen. Which ones promote bone health? Which ones improve healthy, hydrated skin? Which types have side effects?
Types of collagen protein
Although there are 28 known types of collagen, we will only look at the five main types of collagen.
Type I collagen
Up to 90 percent of the collagen in the body is type I collagen. Type I collagen fibers are found in the skin and bones and blood vessel walls, as well as in connective tissue and fibrocartilage.
It is also found in scar tissue. This fact, along with findings from some studies, suggests that collagen type I may aid in wound healing.
Type I collagen is best known for its anti-aging properties. Of the different types of collagen, this fibrous protein is the best at minimizing wrinkles and improving skin health and hydration.
Best Sources for Type I Collagen
- Fish collagen
- Protein
- Protein-rich foods, such as fish and beef
- Bone broth
Type II collagen
Found in elastic cartilage. Type II collagen is known for promoting joint health. If you don't care much about skin care, this is another collagen to try. This type of collagen is known to keep the joints in optimal condition!
Bone broth is the food richest in type II collagen, but also contains other beneficial substances such as hyaluronic acid. Some collagen supplements also contain type II collagen.
Best Sources for Type II Collagen
- Bone broth
- Protein-rich foods, such as chicken
Type III collagen
Type III collagen provides and improves the structure of muscles, organs and blood vessels. This form of collagen is the second most common form after type I.
Type III is also common in the intestines. There is evidence that type III (and to a lesser extent type I) can improve exercise performance. This also seems logical because type III collagen is the type most commonly found in muscles. It is believed that by using collagen type III you can work more efficiently on building muscle mass.
Best Sources for Type III Collagen
- Bovine Collagen Peptides
- Protein-rich foods, such as beef and fish
- Bone broth
- Collagen protein powder
Type IV collagen
This less common type of collagen helps with the function of the kidneys and other organs. Type IV collagen naturally exists as building blocks in different skin layers. These layers of skin often surround our muscles, organs and fat cells.
Type IV forms in sheets because collagen type IV lacks a specific amino acid (glycine) that is present in most other types of collagen.
Basal lamina is the name for a deep layer of the skin. Type IV collagen forms basal lamina, which serves as the upper half of the basement membrane. The basement membrane is where the outer layers of skin meet the inner layers of the human body.
Best Sources for Type IV Collagen
- Protein
- Protein-rich foods, such as beef and fish
- Bone broth
Type V collagen
Type V collagen is a fibrous collagen found in some layers of the skin, hair, and especially the placental tissue. Like some other types of collagen, type V can be found in collagen fibrils – that is, long, very thin collagen fibers.
Because the placenta is vital for providing growing embryos with nutrients and oxygen, type V collagen is considered a crucial protein for neonatal development.
Type V collagen is also found in the cornea of the eye. Deficiency of type V has been associated with reduced transparency in the cornea.
Best Sources for Type V Collagen
- Bone broth
Best types of collagen
All types of collagen are useful for the human body. They each work in a unique way and help many bodily processes and functions.
The most thoroughly researched are types I and II collagen. These are often considered useful sources of collagen for the greatest number of people.
Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen found naturally in the human body. If you want the optimum of all types of collagen, bone broth is the absolute king because it contains collagen types 1 to 5. If you want more type 1 collagen, go for our collagen from Wild Cod or Beef Collagen.