There are 5 common types of collagen that make up our body. And while our body produces less of it as we age, there is evidence that consuming the collagen of animals and marine life can help increase our own levels. The label on the supplement container will indicate which type(s) it supports.
• Type I Collagen
This is the most abundant type found in humans. And it helps to form skin, muscles, bones, connective tissue, blood vessel walls, and tendons.
Type 1 collagen supplements are often made from cattle, fish and marine collagen, as well as the whites and shells of eggs. This is the type you want to see listed on the supplement label for targeting skin health, anti-aging, and wound healing.
• Type II Collagen
Type 2 collagen is found in cartilage, which is the connective tissue that protects the ends of your bones at the joints. It’s also found in your ears, nose, rib cage and bronchial tubes.
Chicken collagen is the primary source you’ll generally see listed for this type of collagen supplement. It also contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate, which are both popular for treating arthritis and general joint problems.
• Type III Collagen
You’ll typically find Type 3 collagen in the same places you find Type 1 as well as in your organs. Similar to Type 1, it is also made from the muslces, skin, and bones of cattle.
You’ll usually see Type 1 & Type 3 listed together in collagen supplements because they both support skin health.
• Type V and Type X Collagen
These two types are not as common or abundant in the body as the first three. But they still have important roles to play.
Type 5 collagen is needed to create the cells of a woman’s placenta when she is pregnant. And it also aids in forming cell surfaces and hair.
Type 10 collagen is mainly found in cartilage and it is critical for healing bone and cartilage after an injury.
Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements are available in multiple forms. Capsules can be taken orally on a daily basis, and powders, which are often called collagen peptides, can be added to smoothies, water, juices, etc.
As previously mentioned, collagen protein supplements are made from the bones, skin, and connective tissue of animals, including cattle, chicken, fish, pigs, etc. The source is usually specified on the label. And while it’s a little harder to find, there is vegan collagen protein on the market.
When you see the word peptides or hydrolysate, it just means that the amino acids in the collagen have been broken down so that they will be more easily digested and absorbed by your body.
When reseaching collagen protein peptide powders, you will usually see Type I and Type III listed together on the label, or all five types will be shown which is great, too. It’s rare to see Type V and Type X sold on their own. But at a minimum, you want Types I & III.
Evidence That Collagen Supplements Work
The powders are generally odorless and tasteless. But the research has shown some very promising results. Collagen may reverse skin aging, build muscle and burn fat, reduce cellulite, ease joint pain, and improve digestive health. Check out the results from just two of several studies:
- May reverse skin aging. A study published in 2014 randomly chose 46 random women, ages 35 to 55, to take a collagen hydrolysate supplement. And another 23 women with the same age range took a pacebo. The women who took the collagen showed noticeable improvement in skin elasticity within four weeks.
- May help build muscle and burn fat. There’s not a ton of research on collagen and exercise. But a study in 2015 Trusted Source looked at collagen supplements in 53 older men with a condition called sarcopenia, where you lose muscle mass due to aging. After 3 months, those who took supplements and participated in resistance training saw an increase in fat loss and muscle strength more than the placebo group.
So, if you’re ready to give collagen peptides a try, check out the product reviews at collagenplus.bestdeallocator.com
