What are the types of collagen?

Don't know what types of collagen there are? At The EveryDay Lab we'll tell you everything you need to know about this protein.

Although we can find collagen in food, i.e. naturally, nowadays there are supplements that allow us to acquire it. But what are the types of collagen?

Collagen is an essential protein found throughout the human body. It is the main component of connective tissue and is responsible for providing strength, structure and elasticity to skin, bones, cartilage, tendons and other tissues.

What are the 5 types of collagen?

Among all collagen types, 90% is composed of types I, II, III, V and X. Type I collagen is found in skin, tendons, organs and bones. Type II is the most abundant in cartilage.

Type III is present in the skin, large blood vessels, uterus and intestinal wall. Type V is found on cell surfaces, hair and the placenta. Finally, type X is found in hypertrophied and mineralized cartilage .

It is worth noting that there are 28 different types of collagen , each with a specific structure and function. However, the most common and studied are the following:

Collagen type I

It is the most abundant collagen in the body, representing about 80% of total collagen. It is found in the skin, bones, tendons, cornea and other organs. Its main function is to provide tensile and tension resistance.

Collagen type II

It is found primarily in articular cartilage, where it provides cushioning and support to joints. It is also found in the cornea and lens of the eye.

Collagen type III

It is found in skin, blood vessels and other connective tissues. Its main function is to provide structural support and help tissue elasticity.

Collagen type IV

It is found in the basement membrane, a thin layer that surrounds cells and provides structural support. It is also found in the skin, kidneys, and other organs.

Collagen type V

It is found on the surface of cells and in loose connective tissues. Its main function is to help cell adhesion and tissue organization.

Other types of collagen: Collagen types VI to XXVIII have lesser-known functions but are found in various tissues of the body, such as bones, cartilage, blood vessels, skin, and internal organs.

What is the best type of collagen?

When we delve into the world of collagen, a common question is which type is best. To determine this, we must consider two important aspects: the main structure that we want to reinforce and that the collagen is hydrolyzed , that is, fragmented into small peptides.

Hydrolyzed collagen is optimally absorbed and assimilated, which directly stimulates collagen synthesis and can cause these peptides to accumulate in the cartilage.

In addition, our body needs several cofactors to produce collagen, such as vitamin C , copper, zinc and boron (a mineral with anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoporotic effects).

We can rely on a varied diet to obtain these nutrients, or opt for supplements like ours, which includes the five main types of collagen, plus all the vitamins and minerals necessary for its optimal synthesis.

This supplement also contains hyaluronic acid, which retains water and helps lubricate joints and fascia, and devil's claw, a natural anti-inflammatory.

Is collagen good for joints?

Yes, collagen is beneficial for joints, but it is not the only thing you should consider to maintain joint health. In addition to collagen, it is important to incorporate other crucial molecules.

Glucosamine is essential for the synthesis of substances that act as lubricants and shock absorbers in the joints. Together with chondroitin, it has a synergistic chondroprotective effect, reducing the need for painkillers, which is ideal in cases of osteoarthritis.

It is also useful to consume substances rich in sulfur, such as MSM, a molecule naturally present in the body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and ESM, of natural origin and with essential proteins for the skin , being useful for maintaining healthy cartilage and synovial fluid.

Combined with the anti-inflammatory power of medicinal plants such as Boswellia serrata and turmeric, these supplements take care of your joints, both for athletes and the elderly.

How does collagen work on skin and hair?

Collagen has extensive benefits for the skin and hair, including:

Collagen for the skin

The skin, the largest organ of the human body, acts as a natural protective barrier, regulating temperature and defending the body against external threats.

The thickest layer of the dermis contains collagen and elastin fibers that contain hyaluronic acid, which is lost with age. Therefore, it is important to choose a type of collagen that is suitable for your skin.

It is advisable to choose a collagen that contains types I and III, as well as hyaluronic acid, antioxidant compounds such as coenzyme Q10, which helps reduce photoaging, and minerals that nourish the skin from within.

Collagen for hair

Collagen deficiency not only manifests itself with wrinkles and joint pain, but also with the progressive thinning of hair as we age.

Biotin is known for its role in keratin synthesis, so a deficiency of this vitamin can weaken hair.

Summary of the types of collagen

As we have seen, collagen is an essential protein for the health of the skin, bones, cartilage and other tissues. The main types of collagen are:

• Type I : In the skin, bones, tendons and organs.
• Type II : Predominant in cartilage.
• Type III : In the skin, large blood vessels, uterus and intestinal wall.
• Type V : On cell surfaces, hair and placenta.
• Type X : In hypertrophied and mineralized cartilage.

Hydrolyzed collagen is better absorbed. For joint health, it is beneficial to combine it with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and anti-inflammatory plants. For skin and hair, supplements with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and biotin are recommended.

We hope that our article on what types of collagen there are has been useful to you. See you later!