Collagen peptides are usually considered the best form of collagen for ingestion. Hydrolyzed collagen should be taken if a person wants to take a collagen supplement. Hydrolyzed collagen means the collagen has been broken down into small peptides, which are easy for the body to digest. Consuming collagen with vitamin C gives the body the best shot at taking full advantage of the collagen being consumed. Vitamin C will optimize the collagen supplement’s bioavailability because it is essential for collagen synthesis to occur. While picking up collagen peptide supplements, it is recommended to skip the flavored versions and always look for third-party certification. Choosing the best type of collagen also depends on specific health goals.
To maintain skin elasticity and hydration and for healthy eyes, bones and wound healing: Try one to two servings daily of marine collagen, which is high in type 1 collagen or bovine collagen, to get high amounts of both type 1 and 2 collagen.
Usually, 2.5 to 10 grams of collagen peptides taken orally daily for 8 to 12 weeks may make the skin healthy.
For joint pain and inflammation: Add one to two servings daily of type 2 collagen from organic bone broth protein or bovine collagen.
10 grams of collagen peptides taken daily in one or two divided doses for three to five months work well for joint pains.
For gut health: Aim for one to three servings daily of organic bone broth protein.
Check for collagen products that come from grass-fed, pasture-raised (in the case of bovine collagen), or wild-caught sources (for marine collagen).
What are the three main types of collagen?
There are 16 different types of collagen. However, the most researched types of collagen are types I, II, and III. Collagens are minute ropes of protein in the skin. When people are young, these protein ropes remain tight. However, with increasing age, the ends of these proteins begin to fray. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein that forms the connective tissue throughout the body, from the skin to bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It can be said collagen is the glue that holds everything together.
Type I collagen:
It is usually considered best for the skin. It is the most prevalent type of collagen in the body.
This collagen preserved the levels of collagen in the skin, hair, or nails.
Levels of type I collagen begin to decline around 25 years of age.
Because it is so prevalent in the connective tissues, the decrease of type I collagen can be observed when the skin starts to sag, fine lines appear, nails become brittle and the hair becomes thin.
However, type I collagen isn’t just a beauty-related substance. It’s also a major component of the tendons, organs, and bones. This makes it a vital component of any diet or wellness routine. Collagen peptides are primarily composed of type I collagen.
Type II collagen:
Another common type of collagen to find in supplements is type II collagen.
Though somewhat less prevalent in the body than type I and II collagen, it is extremely important.
It is the main component of cartilage and is extremely healthy for the skeletal system.
Active people who need to rely on their joints could also benefit from adding type II collagen into their diet. Cartilage collagen is composed of type II collagen.
Type III collagen:
Type III collagen is also found in the vital proteins line of collagen products.
Type III is generally found in reticular fibers, such as in the bone marrow.
It’s usually found alongside type I collagen in the body.
Vital proteins, collagen peptides, and marine collagen are rich in types I and III collagen.
What are collagen peptides?
Collagen peptides are soluble supplements derived from marine or bovine (cows) protein. These peptides are rich in types I and III collagen and are good for skin, bone, and joint health. Most peptides are flavorless and dissolve completely in hot or cold liquid.
Collagen peptides contain the same reparative amino acids that are found in the gelatin of bone broth. They are derived from pure collagen.
They are a functional ingredient used in food and beverages, as well as in dietary supplements, targeting both bone and joint health along with skin beauty.
Created through enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen, collagen peptides are a bioavailable form of collagen and are highly water soluble and nongelling.
Collagen peptides contain higher than 90% protein and are made from bovine, porcine, or marine sources.
They contain 8 of the 9 essential amino acids and are high in proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline.
Because of the high content of specific amino acids, including hydroxyproline-proline and hydroxyproline-glycine, collagen peptides are easily absorbed within the body and improve skin, joint, and bone health.
Because of their lower molecular weight, collagen peptides are easily absorbed in the digestive tract, delivering amino acids and high concentrations of hydroxyproline-proline and hydroxyproline-glycine dipeptides to enhance skin, joint, and bone health.
Collagen peptides have the added benefit of versatility in food, beverage, and supplement formulations. People may use them to spike their coffee or smoothie.
Because they cannot form gels, formulators can use collagen peptides in a wide variety of applications, including protein bars, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, and powders.
