What Are the Best Types of Collagen & Benefits of Each?
At least 28 types of collagen have been identified so far, but there are certain types of collagen that you’ll most often find in supplements due to their desirable benefits. As more and more collagen products come on the market, it’s important to know the difference between types of collagen, collagen sources, and specific collagen benefits by type.
Types of Collagen
What are the different types of collagen? There are many different types of collagen (at least 18 as just mentioned), but three types are considered to be most common.
What are the 3 types of collagen? The five most common varieties include type 1 collagen, type 2 collagen, type 3 collagen. These types of collagen are an absolutely essential part of our physical makeup and can be found all over the body.
Type I Collagen
What is type 1 collagen? Without a doubt, type I collagen is the most abundant protein found in humans (and in all vertebrates). Type I helps to form our skin, bones, tendons, corneas, blood vessel walls, and other connective tissues.Type I or type 1 collagen is the strongest variety of collagen. If you’re looking for a collagen for skin health, type 1 is a top choice since it’s literally a building block of the skin making it great for anti-aging and wound healing. As we age, our collagen production naturally decreases, which is why many people are turning to collagen supplements containing type 1 collagen to boost their levels.
Type 1 collagen, for example, can be found in supplements containing fish collagen, which mainly contains type 1 collagen as well as several amino acids, including proline, glycine and hydroxyproline.
Fish or marine collagen has a reputation for being easily absorb able by the body. Egg collagen, which is located in the whites and shells of eggs, contains mostly type 1 collagen, but also contains type 4 along with type 3 and type 10.
Type II Collagen
What is collagen type 2? Type 2 is the major collagen found in cartilage. Cartilage is connective tissue which protects the ends of long bones at the joints. It’s also a structural component of the ear, the nose, the bronchial tubes, the rib cage and more.Since type 2 collagen helps to form the cartilage that protects our joints, it’s no wonder that this variety of collagen is often considered best for improving joint health and symptoms of arthritis.
Supplements containing chicken collagen, such as chicken bone broth protein powder, are a top source of type II collagen. Chicken collagen also contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate, which are both popular for treating arthritis and general joint problems.
Type III Collagen
Type 3/type III is a fibrillar collagen and is a major component of our skin and organs. In the body, type 3 collagen is often found in the same locations as type 1.Like type 1, it is often in supplements designed to boost skin elasticity and firmness. Type 3 collagen as well as type 1 collagen also help to maintain the functional integrity of the heart.
Bovine collagen, which is derived from the muscles, bones and skin of cows is another collagen supplement option that contains mainly types 1 and 3 collagen. These are two of the most abundant types of collagen in the human body.
There are many different types of collagen – 16, to be exact. However, the most commonly researched types of collagen include: Types I, II and III.
Type I Collagen and Type III Collagen are the most prevalent within our bodies. Type I collagen is used for strong hair, skin, nails and bones. Type III is used for the same!
While Type II Collagen is less prevalent within our bodies, it still offers great benefit to the aging body by promoting joint and cartilage health!
As described above, Collagen Type I and Type III are the most commonly occurring collagen types within our bodies. These two types of Collagen promote hair, skin, nail and bone health.
Collagen Types I and III increase elasticity of the skin; thus, minimizing wrinkles and allowing you to get your youthful glow on! These Collagen types also help strengthen bones and nails. <– We ALL need that!
Collagen Types I and III also stimulates the production of amino acids, in particular Glycine.
What is GLYCINE?
Glycine is the amino acid that is responsible for building muscle and burning fat . It is super important!
Another benefit of these types of Collagen include stimulation of healthy hair. These types of collagen allow us to have THICK and SHINY hair!
It truly promotes natural health; and in the process, also slows down hair loss!
Collagen Type II is the form of collagen that promotes joint and cartilage health.
By offering support for joints, this type of collagen can reduce the progression of arthritis! Type II Collagen is comprised of: glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid.
As we all age, this type of collagen diminishes significantly
Therefore, in order to continue to obtain the benefits that this type of collagen has to offer, it is essential to supplement our diets with the supplements that contain natural collagen!
As I am sure you’ve seen all over social media there are many products out there now, that offer supplementation of natural collagen.
It is SUPER important to choose wisely, and only choose products that are organic and natural.
It’s also recommended to take these products with citrus, orange juice or supplements which contain Vitamin C. Vitamin C actually works as a co-enzyme to allow for better absorption of the collagen, which provides added benefit and better absorption.
Collagen supplement benefits have been evaluated through published medical studies. These medical studies have proven that adding oral collagen to your daily routine can increase the elasticity of our skin, along with other benefits. Medical research has proven that there IS definitely benefit to adding this supplement to your diet!
Which foods Rich in collagen.
If you want to skip the supplements, then make sure to include foods that are naturally rich in collagen in your diet. Some foods that are rich in collagen are:Bone broth
Wild caught salmon
Leafy greens
Citrus
Eggs + other proteins like lean turkey.
Soy
Tomatoes and other red veggies
Carrots
Avocados
Garlic
