Different Types of Collagen – Which is Best Collagen Type?

Here at AC HQ, we love keeping our Absoluters confident, assured, and well-informed – which is why we wrote in-depth articles on what collagen is and the science behind the sachet!

In this little guide, we are going to talk through the different types of collagen that your body produces, as well as explain why we think Type 1 marine collagen is the best type of collagen to take for your skin, hair, and nails. 

Continue reading, below, to find out all about collagen types.

What are the different collagen types?

Seeing as collagen accounts for almost a third of the body’s protein levels, there is not just one single collagen type at play here. So, how many types of collagen are there?

Well, it depends who you ask. Some scientists say there are 16 different types of collagen, while others argue that figure is closer to 28. For the purposes of this article, we are going to talk about the five collagen types that have been identified as crucial to human health.

Type 1 Collagen

When you’re enjoying your daily sachet of Absolute Collagen, you can do so in the knowledge that you’re treating yourself to a hearty dose of Type 1 collagen.

For our money, Type 1 is the best type of collagen. After all, it makes up around 90% of the collagen in your body, found in bones, skin, and connective tissue in between. However, levels of this collagen type start to naturally decrease from 25 years old, resulting in sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

And while it’s possible to get this collagen type from the likes of bone broth and egg whites, our own Type 1 marine collagen allows for a much higher absorption rate than food based sources. That’s because our liquid collagen has been hydrolysed, allowing for a 90-95% absorption rate!

Our Absoluters certainly love our Type 1 collagen, talking up its benefits in the many success stories that they love to share with us!

Type 2 Collagen

Type 2 collagen, by contrast, isn’t usually associated with anti-ageing properties. It’s found in different parts of the body, too – often in elastic cartilage. Some studies have suggested that Type 2 collagen could have a big impact on joint damage and arthritis.

Type 3 Collagen

Type 3 collagen wins the second-place prize for volume found in our bodies, after Type 1. However, seeing as Type 1 makes up about 90% of our collagen, that’s not saying much!

Found in the intestines, Type 3 collagen has been linked to muscles, organs, and blood vessels.

Type 4 Collagen

Another collagen type found in egg whites; Type 4 collagen forms the base membranes for organs, including kidneys. Structurally, this collagen type has a sheet-like formation, in distinction to the helix shape found in different kinds of collagen.

Type 5 Collagen

Unlike the other collagen types listed in this article, Type 5 is more heavily associated with embryonic development. However, this collagen type can also be found in our eyes – or, more specifically, in the cornea (the clear outer layer at the front of your eyes).

What is the best type of collagen?

Though we’re always keen to brush up our collagen knowledge, there’s no question that Type 1 – as found in the Absolute Collagen you know and love – is the best type of collagen for those wanting to look and feel their best!

In fact, according to our clinical trial study, 100% of participants taking this type of collagen supplement experienced improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the appearance of skin evenness!

Plus, as we’ve previously mentioned, our Type 1 hydrolysed marine collagen is readily absorbed into the body. What’s more, marine collagen is protected from any farmyard diseases that can affect collagen from cows, pigs and chickens, which is another reason why we prefer this collagen type!

It’s also worth noting that, alongside 8000mg of Type 1 collagen, each daily sachet of Absolute Collagen is enriched with 60mg vitamin C (75% of your NRV*). Not only does this help our bodies make the most of this collagen type, but vitamin C* also helps against tiredness and fatigue.

*Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Enjoy a daily dose of Absolute Collagen as part of a balanced, healthy diet and active lifestyle. NRV is Nutrient Reference Value.

Now you know about the different types of collagen, do you feel ready to become an Absoluter? Start your Absolute Collagen journey today by shopping for our award-winning marine collagen supplements!