Different Types of Collagen

What is Collagen?

Collagen is an abundant structural protein that occurs naturally in the human body; it has several important functions and is essential for optimal health. Think of collagen as the “glue” that holds you together and gives your tissues integrity, strength, and elasticity.

Types of Collagen

At least 28 different types of collagen have been identified in a variety of connective tissues such as cartilage, muscle, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, skin, and nails. However, 5 types are most commonly found and it’s important to know the difference when buying a collagen supplement.

Type 1

Type 1 collagen makes up about 80-90% of the collagen found in the human body. The long, tightly packed collagen fibers in type 1 form a matrix that’s flexible yet unbreakable. It’s vital for providing structure, strength, and elasticity to your skin, tendons, muscles, organs, blood vessels, bones, and even the cornea of your eyes. Type 1 collagen is probably most well-known for its skin health benefits. It makes up roughly 90% of collagen in the skin and is necessary for a supple, hydrated, and youthful appearance.

Type 2

Type 2 collagen fibers are the main component of joint cartilage. It forms about 90% of healthy articular cartilage, which creates a smooth sliding surface to protect the ends of the bones from grinding against each other. The fibers in type 2 are shorter than in type 1, giving it shock-absorbing properties that cushion joints and keep them flexible. Undenatured collagen type 2 can be found in our Carticol supplements, which have been expertly developed to reduce joint degeneration and painful arthritis.

Type 3

Type 3 collagen is the 2nd most abundant form of collagen in the body. These densely packed fibers work in conjunction with type 1 collagen to give firmness and elasticity to skin, muscles, lung tissue, the uterus, and the digestive tract.

Type 4

Type 4 collagen is a little different from other forms of collagen as it’s a sheet-like protein. It makes up the basal lamina – a thin, cushion-like layer of fluid that’s a vital part of the endothelial cells that surround and protect muscles, digestive organs, respiratory organs, blood vessels, and fat cells.

Type 5

Type 5 collagen consists of very long, thin fibers that work in conjunction with collagen types 1 and 3 to support healthy skin, eyes, and hair. It’s also essential for proper fetal development as it strengthens the placental tissue responsible for providing nutrients and oxygen to a baby in utero.