What is the best type of collagen?
Collagen is one the newest super food supplements. Health food gurus credit this protein with the ability to improve skin and joint health while promoting graceful ageing.
Ongoing research continues to unveil the benefits of collagen but what do we know about their different types? Studies show that collagen comes in 24 different categories. Each category serves a unique function.
Type I Collagen
Type I collagen is mostly used for its skin tightening and brightening properties by those who want to age gracefully. It also strengthens the nails, hair, bones and ligaments, which makes sense when you consider that these organs are all made of this type of collagen.
Studies that have been conducted on Type I collagen show that it has the ability to increase the skin’s moisture content, improve thickness, function and overall appearance.
Fish peptides are the most common form of Type I collagen and is often used to make skin tightening creams and other topical cosmetic products.
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is mainly sourced from chicken. It is believed to boost the immune system while supporting joint health. Type II collagen is also present in the gut lining where it helps regulate digestive health. Type II collagen is a great option for anyone that wants to strengthen the joints because it’s a major component of cartilage.
Type III Collagen
Type III collagen is what the body uses to build arterial walls responsible for protecting heart health. It works in conjunction with Type I collagen but is available in much smaller quantities. Similar to Type I collagen, it is believed that Type III collagen helps strengthen bones and promote supple skin. Most people use these two proteins together in order to maximise their benefits.
Type III collage is typically derived from bovine (cow).
Type V And X Collagen
Type V and X collagen are not as widely used or well-known as the previous categories but this doesn’t mean that they’re not as important. In fact, both Type V and X collagen serve key bodily functions. For example, Type V collagen is credited with building cell membranes and placenta tissue (for women). While, Type X collagen supports the building of strong bones. Collagen supplements that combine Type V and Type X collagen are rare but very potent, so they are worth making the additional investment.
What to Keep in Mind When You Shop
Taking a collagen supplement is a great way to support your joints, build strong bones and promote glowing, tight skin. However, in order to reap these benefits, we believe you need a collagen supplement that combines several different types of this protein.
Most supplements only contain types I and III of the collagen protein which may not be as comprehensive as a supplement that contains three or more types.
When you look at the packaging of a collagen supplement you’re also likely to come across a label that says “hydrolysed.” This means that the different types of collagen present into the bottle have been broken down into peptides for ease of absorption.