Why Type 1 Collagen? (Vs Other Types of Collagen)
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it plays a critical role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, joints, and more. There are several types of collagen, but Type 1 collagen is the most prevalent, making up around 90% of the collagen in our bodies. In this article, we will explore the differences between Type 1 collagen and other types of collagen, their pros and cons, and why Type 1 collagen is often considered the best choice for supplementation.
What are the 16 Different Types of Collagen?
There are at least 16 types of collagen in the human body, each with its unique structure and function. Here are:
Type I:
This is the most abundant type of collagen in the human body, and it’s found in bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, teeth, and other connective tissues. It’s responsible for providing tensile strength, resistance to stretching, and firmness to these tissues.
Type II:
This type of collagen is found in cartilage, which is the tough, rubbery tissue that cushions joints and provides flexibility. It’s responsible for providing structural support to cartilage.
Type III:
This type of collagen is often found alongside Type I collagen, particularly in skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. It’s responsible for providing elasticity and support to these tissues.
Type IV:
This type of collagen is found in the basement membrane, which is a thin layer of tissue that separates different layers of cells. It’s responsible for providing a scaffold for the cells to attach to and helping to filter molecules that pass between the layers.
Type V:
This type of collagen is found in cell surfaces, hair, and placenta tissue. It’s responsible for regulating the growth and development of tissues.
Type VI:
This type of collagen is found in cartilage and the cornea of the eye. It’s responsible for anchoring cells to their surroundings and providing stability to tissues.
Type VII:
This type of collagen is found in the skin, hair follicles, and other epithelial tissues. It’s responsible for anchoring cells to the basement membrane and providing support to these tissues.
Type VIII:
This type of collagen is found in the cornea of the eye and blood vessels. It’s responsible for providing structural support and helping to maintain the shape of these tissues.
Type IX:
This type of collagen is found in cartilage and intervertebral discs. It’s responsible for providing structural support and helping to maintain the shape of these tissues.
Type X:
This type of collagen is found in the growth plate of bones and is involved in bone growth and development.
Type XI:
This type of collagen is found in cartilage, intervertebral discs, and the vitreous humor of the eye. It’s responsible for providing structural support and helping to maintain the shape of these tissues.
Type XII:
This type of collagen is found in tendons and ligaments. It’s responsible for providing structural support and helping to maintain the shape of these tissues.
Type XIII:
This type of collagen is found in cell surfaces and is involved in cell adhesion and migration.
Type XIV:
This type of collagen is found in cartilage and is involved in the regulation of collagen fibril formation.
Type XV:
This type of collagen is found in cell surfaces and is involved in cell adhesion and migration.
Type XVI:
This type of collagen is found in cell surfaces and is involved in cell adhesion and migration.
*Of the 16 types of collagen, the most common types found in the body are Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 collagen. As a reminder – Type 1 collagen is the most abundant type and is found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, and teeth. Type 2 collagen is primarily found in cartilage and Type 3 collagen is found in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs.
The various types of collagen differ in their amino acid sequences and structural arrangements. Type 1 collagen is composed of densely packed fibers that provide strength and support to tissues, while Type 2 collagen has a looser arrangement that allows for flexibility and movement in joints. Type 3 collagen is similar in structure to Type 1 collagen but is more flexible and often found in reticular fibers, which make up supportive frameworks for organs like the liver and spleen.
Pros and Cons of Type 1 Collagen
Type 1 Collagen Pros:
Supports skin health: Type 1 collagen is a critical component of the skin, and supplementation may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Promotes bone health: Type 1 collagen is a major structural component of bones, and supplementation may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
Helps wound healing: Type 1 collagen is involved in the process of wound healing, and supplementation may help improve the speed and quality of healing.
Supports joint health: Type 1 collagen may help improve joint health by promoting the growth of new cartilage tissue and reducing inflammation.
Type 1 Collagen Cons:
May not be suitable for certain individuals: Type 1 collagen is derived from bovine or marine sources and may not be suitable for individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Limited benefits for certain conditions: While Type 1 collagen has many benefits, it may not be the best choice for certain conditions, such as arthritis or joint pain, where Type 2 collagen may be more effective.
Why Choose Type 1 Collagen?
Type 1 collagen is often considered the best choice for supplementation because it is the most abundant type of collagen in the body and plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, bones, and other connective tissues. Additionally, Type 1 collagen is easily absorbed by the body and has been extensively studied for its health benefits.
Pros and Cons of Type 2 Collagen
Type 2 Collagen Pros:
Type 2 collagen is primarily found in cartilage, making it an essential component for joint health. As such, Type 2 collagen supplementation may help improve joint pain and mobility in people with conditions such as osteoarthritis. In addition, some studies suggest that Type 2 collagen supplementation may also improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Type 2 Collagen Cons:
However, Type 2 collagen supplementation may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may experience side effects such as upset stomach, headaches, and fatigue. Additionally, Type 2 collagen supplements are typically derived from animal sources, which may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Pros and Cons of Type 3 Collagen
Type 3 Collagen Pros:
Type 3 collagen is commonly found alongside Type 1 collagen in the body, and is primarily responsible for providing structure and support to organs such as the liver, lungs, and blood vessels. As such, Type 3 collagen supplementation may help improve the health and function of these organs.
Type 3 Collagen Cons:
However, excessive Type 3 collagen production has been linked to the development of certain health conditions, such as fibrosis. This means that while Type 3 collagen supplementation may be beneficial in certain cases, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before supplementing with Type 3 collagen to ensure that it is appropriate for your specific needs. Additionally, like Type 1 & 2 collagen, Type 3 collagen supplements are often derived from animal sources, which may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
*Note: There is some evidence to suggest that excessive consumption of certain types of collagen supplements, such as Type 1 and Type 3, may contribute to fibrosis. This is because these types of collagen are involved in the formation of scar tissue, which is a characteristic of fibrosis. However, it is important to note that not all forms of collagen are linked to fibrosis and that the risk of developing fibrosis from collagen supplementation is generally low. It is also important to consider the source of the collagen. Some studies have suggested that collagen derived from bovine and porcine sources may be more likely to contribute to fibrosis than collagen derived from marine sources. Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of collagen supplements or combining collagen supplements with other factors that contribute to fibrosis, such as alcohol consumption or exposure to certain toxins, may increase the risk of developing fibrosis. Overall, while there is some evidence to suggest a potential link between collagen supplementation and fibrosis, the risk is generally low and can be mitigated by consuming collagen from high-quality sources and in moderation. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Does Type 1 Collagen Help with the Production of Other Types of Collagen?
While Type 1 collagen is the most abundant type of collagen in the body, it does not directly contribute to the production of other types of collagen. However, Type 1 collagen does provide a supportive environment for the growth and maintenance of other types of collagen. Additionally, some studies suggest that Type 1 collagen supplementation may stimulate the production of other types of collagen, such as Type 3 collagen, which is often found alongside Type 1 collagen.
Should You Choose Type 1 Collagen?
Choosing the right type of collagen supplement depends on your individual needs and goals. While all types of collagen offer benefits for skin, joint, and bone health, Type 1 collagen is often considered the most versatile and beneficial type of collagen due to its abundance in the body.
Additionally, Type 1 collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and texture, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This is because Type 1 collagen is a major component of the skin’s extracellular matrix and helps provide structural support to the skin.
It’s important to note that while Type 1 collagen is highly beneficial, it’s still important to maintain a balanced and varied diet that includes a range of nutrients to support overall health.
Why Type 1 Collagen Vs Other Types of Collagen – Conclusion
Collagen is an important protein that provides structural support to various parts of the body. While there are multiple types of collagen, Type 1 collagen is the most abundant and versatile type. It plays a crucial role in skin, joint, and bone health and is often derived from bovine or marine sources.
However, different types of collagen may offer unique benefits and it’s important to choose a collagen supplement that aligns with your individual needs and goals. Whether you choose Type 1 collagen or another type, adding collagen supplementation to your diet can help support overall health and wellness.
Sources:
- Kim DU, Chung HC, Choi J, Sakai Y, Lee BY. Oral Intake of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Improves Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkling in Human Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018;10(7):826. Published 2018 Jul 2.
- Sun K, Luo J, Jing X. The role of type I collagen in skin fibroblast behavior. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2019;107(9):1941-1948.
- Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, et al. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):47-55.
- Liu D, Nikoo M, Boran G, Zhou P, Regenstein JM. Collagen and gelatin. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol. 2015;6:527-557.