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So before we get into the specific types, what exactly is collagen? For one, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. In fact, collagen makes up about a third of all the protein in our bodies, and it's found in everything from skin to bones.
Collagen is primarily concentrated in connective tissues that hold the body together and provide stability. Body parts containing collagen include:
Collagen is a fibrous protein. Proteins are classified based on their shape and structure as globular or fibrous. While globular proteins are spherical, mobile, and play roles in biological processes, fibrous proteins help provide structure.
Collagen is composed of three protein strands twisted together like a rope, also known as atriple helix. Each collagen strand is composed of the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, lysine, and arginine.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. In collagen, these amino acids are used to construct collagen fibers that are then bundled into collagen fibrils. The collagen fibrils help hold cells together, providing strength to collagen-based tissues.
As you age, collagen production slows down which causes collagen structures to weaken. This makes us more susceptible to theeffects of aging such as bone and joint pain, collagen degradation, and wrinkled skin. Collagen decline can lead to a variety of health problems, including the following:
Collagen supplements can help promote collagen synthesis in the body, helping collagen structures stay strong and healthy. As collagen synthesis increases, collagen-based tissues become stronger and better able to support the body.
Health benefits of collagen include:
Now let's explore the first five types of collagen. Incidentally, collagen types are named using Roman numerals. The collagen types make up varying structures within the body and each has its own function.
Type I collagen is created by about 25% of the collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) and makes up an estimated 80-90% of the collagen found in the human body.
Collagen I provides structure to collagen-based tissues, maintaining strength and flexibility where needed. These tissues include bones, skin, and tendons, as well as organs like the lungs, heart, kidneys, and stomach lining.
Clinicalstudies have shown that collagen peptides improve skin health and signs of aging. In addition, collagen may support stronger tendons and ligaments for improvedathletic performance.
Collagen I dietary supplements include collagen hydrolysate and collagen peptides. These are collagen molecules that have been broken down into smaller fragments for improved digestibility and greater bioavailability.
Choose a supplement containing type I collagen if you’re looking for health and beauty benefits such as: reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, speeding up wound healing, reducing theappearance of cellulite, strengthening skin and nails, and healing the gut lining.
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is the primary collagen found in cartilage and ligaments. It's more elastic and helps with joint function, reducing joint pain, and decreasing recovery time after exercise.
Some randomized double-blind trials have even found that supplementation with type II collagen leads to a decrease in swollen and tender joints in subjects withRheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Other research has shown that type II collagen supplements can help reducejoint pain in athletes. These effects could be especially beneficial long-term to prevent joint deterioration and injury in high-impact activities.
Type II collagen is often sourced from chickens. These supplements are best used in combination with collagen type I and collagen type III supplementation.
The health benefits of supplements containing type II collagen may include building cartilage, reducingjoint pain, whether due to arthritis, physical activity, and overall joint health.
Type III collagen has a similar structure to type I collagen, but type III collagen molecules are twisted.Collagen type III is the second most abundant form of collagen in the body (following type I) and is found primarily in skin and blood vessels. It's also present in the bones of the spine, ribs, skull, and pelvis.
Type III collagen is typically found in the body alongside type I and these two types have overlapping health benefits. Amandeanmarine collagen and premium grass-fedbovine collagen supplements both contain type I and type III collagen.
The major health benefits attributed to type III collagen supplements include supporting arterial walls and gut lining. Collagen type III is excellent for improving cardiovascular andskin health.
Although they are found in much smaller amounts in the body and in supplements, let's take a look at collagen types IV and V.
Type IV collagen is found inbasement membranes, a thin layer of connective tissue supporting layers of epithelial tissues in muscle, fat, and nerve cells. It’s also part of collagen structures called desmosomes, which help cells adhere to each other. This collagen protein network is found in the dermis of the skin and between muscle fibers, binding cells together to provide structural support.
When the body’s collagen type IV is healthy, it provides protection against environmental toxins. In addition, it helps increase collagen synthesis and improves collagen health for better nutrient absorption.
Finally, there'stype V collagen. Type V collagen is found in the shell of red blood cells. Collagen type V plays a vital role in the bone matrix, the cornea of the eye, interstitial matrix of muscles, liver, lungs, and placenta.
Type V collagen is essential for development. About 50% of patients withEhlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) have a mutation in type V collagen which causes certain connective tissue diseases.
Health and beauty benefits of types IV and V collagen includeanti-aging properties for healthier skin, healthy blood vessels, collagen synthesis in bones and joints, and supporting collagen structure in the gut.
Collagen is naturally found in animal skin, muscle, and bone. The best way to consume collagen through food sources is homemadebone broth. The source of collagen in supplements is typically from the skin or bones of fish, pigs, chickens, or cows. The two primary collagen supplements are:
When choosing a collagen supplement, you want to ensure that it's sourced ethically, sustainably, and doesn't contain any contaminants or hormones. Double-check ingredients to ensure there aren't extra fillers, and look for hydrolyzed collagen supplements with high bioavailability.
Amandean collagen supplements contain high-quality type I and type III collagen with 18 amino acids. Some of thebenefits of Amandean collagen supplements include:
When a combination of collagen types is consumed, optimal collagen synthesis can occur for improved collagen structure in the body. In addition,vitamin C is a critical factor in collagen synthesis. Be sure to includeLiposomal Vitamin C in your daily supplement routine. There are so many health benefits to collagen, be sure tovisit the shop to find the collagen supplement that's right for you.
Collagen makes up about a third of all the protein in our bodies, and it's found in everything from skin to bones
Collagen supplements can help promote collagen synthesis in the body, helping collagen structures stay strong and healthy
Collagen I provides structure to collagen-based tissues, maintaining strength and flexibility where needed
Type II collagen is the primary collagen found in cartilage and ligaments
Collagen type III is the second most abundant form of collagen in the body (following type I) and is found primarily in skin and blood vessels
Type IV collagen is found in basement membranes, a thin layer of connective tissue supporting layers of epithelial tissues in muscle, fat, and nerve cells
The Collagen Family. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3003457/
The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.12174
Effects of oral administration of type II collagen on rheumatoid arthritis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8378772/
24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1185/030079908X291967
Type IV Collagen. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128098479000040
Type-V Collagen. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/type-v-collagen
Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/
"Mom, Dad, I got my acceptance letter! I'm going to Collagen College, home of the fighting Polypeptides!"
In recent years, the benefits of collagen have begun to be recognized among those who are serious about their health and perhaps are wanting to explore an "alternative" diet like keto or paleo. If you already follow a paleo or keto diet, you might be interested to know how collagen and collagen peptides can ensure that you've got your amino-acid bases covered.
You might also be wondering if intermittent fasting is a passing fad, like television or the internet. Maybe you've got no one to discuss your autophagy with or whether your ketosis will prevent you from passing the MCTs. Relax, pour yourself a cup of bulletproof coffee, and let's take a little collagen break together. Your Collagen College orientation is about to begin!
Liquid collagen is a buzzy new take on the cult classic dietary supplement, collagen. Collagen supplements are used by skincare enthusiasts, new mothers,ultra-runners, recovering athletes, and bodybuilders alike. Liquid collagen was originally intended to be taken orally. Now, rather than just adding a bit of collagen to a moisturizer or eye cream, many people are wondering if you can get the same benefits by applying it directly to the skin. Though it's a fairly new product, here's what we know!
