Do You Need All 5 Types Of Collagen? What You Need To Know

“Twenty-eight collagen types have been identified and characterized at the molecular level. Their functions have been determined either through direct assays or from the generation of knockout mice and the knowledge of defects occurring in tissues of patients with genetic diseases because of mutation(s) in genes coding for collagens.”

Dr. Sylvie Ricard-Blum, The Collagen Family

With the rise of collagen supplements popularity, a common question that comes up is do you need all 5 types of collagen?

This protein plays an important part in your body and is responsible for maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.

As we get older, our bodies begin to produce less and less of this magical protein, causing many of the woes and hassles of aging. That’s where the supplements come in! 

Collagen supplements have become a popular go-to for those seeing signs of aging in their body–wrinkles, sore joints, and thinning hair to name a few.

By adding more collagen into your diet through supplements, you can help offset the loss of production and keep your body looking and feeling young and healthy.

There are 5 types of collagen, which we’ll go into more detail about later on in this article. Let’s explore that a little more thoroughly!

What exactly is collagen? 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about one-third of its total protein content. It’s found in your skin, bones, tendons, muscles, and connective tissues. 

As you age, your collagen production decreases, which can lead to wrinkles, joint pain, and other age-related issues. This is why many people turn to collagen supplements in an effort to reduce the signs of aging and promote overall health. 

There are many different types of collagen, but the most common ones are types I, II, and III. These types of collagen make up the vast majority of your body’s collagen supply and are responsible for healthy skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. 

But what about those other two, you might say. Do we need all five types of collagen? Here’s a closer look at each type of collagen and what it does for your body.

What are the 5 most popular types of collagen? 

A lot of people are turning to collagen supplements these days to help with a myriad of problems associated with aging. Let’s take a look at each type of collagen and what exactly it can do for you. 

Type I Collagen

Type I collagen is the most common type of collagen, and it’s found in the skin, bones, tendons, muscles, and connective tissues. It’s responsible for creating strong, elastic fibers that give your skin its youthful appearance and help keep your bones and joints healthy.

As you age, your body produces less Type I collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. Supplementing with Type I collagen can help reduce the signs of aging and promote overall health.

Type II Collagen 

Type II collagen is found in cartilage and is responsible for its elasticity and strength. It helps protect your joints from wear and tear, and it plays a role in wound healing.

As Type II collagen is responsible for cartilage elasticity and strength, it helps protect your joints from wear and tear, and it plays a role in wound healing. So, it’s no wonder that people are interested in boosting their levels of this important protein.

A study published in The Eurasian Journal of Medicine shows that Type II collagen supplements are effective in reducing joint pain and improving joint function. 

Other studies published in the National Library of Medicine claim that Type II collagen can also help reduce inflammation and speed up the process of healing your wounds!

Type III Collagen 

Type III collagen is found in the skin, muscles, and blood vessels. It plays a role in the strength and elasticity of these tissues, which is why many people turn to supplements to boost their levels of this important protein.

Supplementing with Type III collagen can help improve skin health, muscle function, and circulation. It can also reduce inflammation and speed up wound healing, just like Type II.

Type V Collagen 

Studies published in the National Library of Medicine show Type V collagen is found in the basement membrane, which is a layer of connective tissue that separates the skin from the underlying tissues. It’s responsible for the strength and stability of this important barrier.

The basement membrane is an important function in your body because it helps to support and protect your cells. It also helps to regulate the flow of substances in and out of your cells, which is essential for proper cell function. 

Type V collagen supplements can help improve the health of your skin by strengthening the basement membrane.

It can also help improve the function of your organs and systems by regulating the flow of substances in and out of your cells.

Type V collagen is especially important for people with chronic illnesses like diabetes, as it can help regulate blood sugar levels as shown in a 2021 study published in Marine Drugs Journal.

Type X Collagen

Type X collagen is found in the cartilage of the ribs and is responsible for its strength and elasticity. This type of collagen plays an important role in keeping your ribs healthy and strong. 

Those who take Type X collagen supplements will find that they improve the health of their cartilage and promote overall joint health. 

As you can see, each type of collagen plays an important role in keeping your body healthy and strong. Now that you’ve seen what each unique portion of protein can do for your body, we ask the question again: do you need to take all 5 types of collagen?

Do you need all 5 types of collagen? 

While all five types of collagen are important, you may not need to supplement with all of them. The type of collagen that’s most beneficial for you will depend on your individual needs. 

If you’re interested in improving the health of your skin, hair, nails, and joints, then a type I and type III collagen supplement may be a good choice for you.

If you’re interested in improving the health of your cartilage and joints, then a type II collagen supplement may be a good choice for you.

And if you’re interested in improving the health of your ribs and cartilage, then a type X collagen supplement may be a good choice for you.

When it comes to choosing a collagen supplement, quality is important. Look for a product that’s made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows and that contains no artificial ingredients. You can find these in a variety of health food stores, pharmacies, and online retailers.

Be sure to do your research before taking any supplements, and read the labels to really be sure of what you’re putting into your body.

What type of collagen are collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides are a type of collagen that’s been hydrolyzed, or broken down, into smaller pieces. This makes it easier for your body to absorb and use. 

Studies have also shown that collagen peptides are beneficial for health:

• A 2019 study published in PubMed Central shows that collagen supplementation improves skin hydration and elasticity. 
• Another study published in the Journal of Current Medical Research and Opinion shows that supplementing with collagen can improve joint function and alleviate joint-related pain.
• Another research published in the journal Nutrients claims that collagen supplements can increase muscle mass. 

If you’re interested in taking a collagen supplement, then collagen peptides are a good choice.

You can find collagen peptides in powder form, which makes them easy to add to smoothies, soups, and other recipes. You can also find them in capsule form, which is convenient for those who want to take them on the go.

What do collagen peptides do?

These popular supplements can be taken in powder form or as a pill. They can also be added to food and drinks. To get the most benefit, it’s important to take collagen peptides regularly.

What is the best source of collagen?

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the best source of collagen is from animal sources, such as marine, beef, and chicken. As you can see, it’s not exactly a vegan- or vegetarian-friendly supplement. 

However, there are also plant-based sources of collagen, such as seaweed and soy, that can be made available to those with special restriction needs.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know a bit more about the different types of collagen, do you think you might need to supplement with one or more of them? Be sure to do your research and choose a quality product to get the most benefit. Your body will thank you!

If you’re looking to find more information on collagen supplements and other health-related questions, be sure to check out our other articles! If you’re ready to start your journey of collagen supplements to better your body, feel free to take a look at our organic, clean-sourced collagen products today!

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