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Collagen supplements have become synonymous with healthier looking skin and support for joint comfort and exercise recovery.
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Still, many people are left confused about the different types of collagen supplements available, including various forms of collagen (like powder vs. capsules) as well as specific types of collagen within these supplements.
We’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of collagen. Below we’ll cover the main types of collagen and their unique roles, plus options for adding more collagen to your diet.
Common types of collagen and their benefits
In case you’re new to collagen, here’s some background: collagen is the most abundant type of protein in the human body, acting as a structural protein that helps form connective tissues.
It’s made up of linked amino acids that together support growth, maintenance and repair of basically the whole body.
Collagen is found in high concentrations in the joints, cartilage, ligaments, skin, tendons and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, plus elsewhere in smaller amounts.
There have been at least 28 different types of collagen that have been identified, but several are by far the most concentrated types in our bodies. These include collagen types I, II and III (or 1, 2 and 3), and to a lesser extent types 5 and 10.
Type I collagen
Type I collagen is the strongest type of collagen and highly prevalent in the skin, which is why it’s found in many collagen supplements aimed at improving skin’s appearance.
† Sources of collagen that contain type 1 collagen include bovine, eggshell membrane and fish collagens.
Type II collagen
Type II collagen is most valuable for its role in forming and repairing cartilage, which is the connective tissue that protects the ends of bones at the joints. Type II also helps form tissues in the ears, nose, bronchial tubes and rib cage. The best source of type II collagen is chicken collagen. You’ll find this type in many supplements aimed at joint and exercise support.
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Type III collagen
Type III collagen works with type I in many ways, especially to repair skin, joints and the gut lining. These two types are the major collagen components of skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, gums, teeth, eyes and blood vessels. The best source of type III is bovine collagen.
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How to get collagen in your diet
You can obtain different types of collagen from your diet, especially from traditionally-made bone broth, as well as from supplements.
As you can tell from the descriptions above, collagen is sourced from animals (there is no vegan source), including bovine, chicken, eggshell membrane and fish/marine collagens.
Collagen supplements that contain multiple types of collagen, such as Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein (which contains a whopping 10 types!), are made from a variety of collagen sources in order to offer bodyside benefits. That’s because each type has its own unique roles, so it makes sense why we’d want to consume as many types as possible.
In addition to providing you with multiple types of collagen, the best collagen supplements feature
hydrolyzed collagen (also called collagen peptides), which assists in absorption.
Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into smaller peptides which makes it easier for the body to digest and use. Another perk is that hydrolyzed collagen dissolves in both hot or cold water, making it very versatile (on its own collagen has virtually no taste).
Here are ways to add collagen to your daily routine:
1. Collagen protein powder
We recommend
Ancient Nutrition's Multi Collagen Protein, a premium collagen powder that provides 10 types of collagen from four food-based sources.
It offers profound benefits for the skin, joints and gut. This collagen powder is also sourced from non-GMO, pasture-raised, cage-free and cruelty-free sources.
Choose either unflavored/pure collagen powder — which can be added to coffee, smoothies or baked goods— or flavors such as chocolate or vanilla.
2. Collagen capsules
The same benefits as Multi Collagen Protein (MCP) powder are also available in
MCP Capsules, which feature 10 types of collagen that are fermented and hydrolyzed to maximize collagen absorption and support.
The main advantage of choosing collagen capsules over powder is that they’re super simple and convenient to take any time of day, either with water or another beverage.
3. Collagen gummies
If you like the ease of taking a collagen supplement by mouth, but prefer to chew supplements instead of swallowing them whole, then collagen gummies are the perfect choice.
Try Ancient Nutrition’s Collagen Peptides Gummies, which feature a clinically studied collagen ingredient that can deliver results in as little as one day. They feature a tasty berry flavor that the whole family will love.
Benefits of taking a daily collagen peptide gummy include support for resilient skin, strong nails and hair, flexible joints, a healthy gut and more.
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/12"][vc_single_image image="160786" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" link="https://www.vitacost.com/ancient-nutrition-multi-collagen-protein"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/12"][vc_single_image image="160785" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" link="https://www.vitacost.com/ancient-nutrition-multi-collagen-protein-90-capsules"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/12"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
