Collagen Types Explained: Types 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10
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There are 28 known types of collagen, but supplement labels mostly list five: Type I (skin, bone, tendon), Type II (cartilage), Type III (skin and blood vessels), Type V (cell surfaces and hair) and Type X (growing cartilage). Which types a product provides depends on its source.
What are the main types of collagen?
Type I is the most abundant collagen in the body. It forms strong fibres in skin, bone, tendons and ligaments.
Type II is the main collagen in cartilage, the cushioning tissue at the ends of bones.
Type III is usually found together with Type I, in skin, muscle and blood vessel walls.
Type V is present in smaller amounts, on cell surfaces, in hair and in the placenta. It helps organise Type I fibres.
Type X is a specialised collagen found where cartilage is turning into bone, such as growth plates.
Collagen types 1 and 3: why are they listed together?
Types I and III naturally occur together in skin and hide, so collagen made from cattle hide usually provides both. Fish skin is mostly Type I. This is why bovine products often say Types I and III and marine products often say Type I.
Related reading: what is collagen?; what is hydrolysed collagen?; how to read a collagen label.
Which collagen source gives which type?
Bovine collagen from hide: mainly Types I and III.
Marine collagen from fish skin: mainly Type I.
Chicken cartilage: mainly Type II.
Multi-collagen products blend several sources to list more types, for example Types I, II, III, V and X.
Does the type matter when choosing a supplement?
Hydrolysed collagen is broken down into peptides before you take it, so the type describes the source tissue rather than a finished fibre. The type list is still useful: it tells you where the collagen came from and helps you compare like with like. Check the milligrams per serving and the source alongside the types.
Hyoomen's collagen figures
Hyoomen Bovine Collagen Peptides contains 10,000 mg of PEPTAN® B hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides per 10 g serving, providing Types I and III, unflavoured and sourced from grass-fed cattle.
See Hyoomen Bovine Collagen Peptides.
Hyoomen Marine Collagen contains 10,000 mg of hydrolysed wild-caught marine collagen peptides per daily serving, providing Type I.
Hyoomen Multi Collagen contains 10,000 mg of hydrolysed multi-collagen per daily serving, providing Types I, II, III, V and X.
All three are packed in resealable doypack pouches. Compare the Hyoomen collagen range.
Frequently asked questions
What are collagen types 1 2 3?
Type I is found in skin, bone and tendons, Type II in cartilage and Type III alongside Type I in skin and blood vessels.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 3 collagen?
Both form fibres, but Type I fibres are thicker and stronger, while Type III forms finer, more flexible networks. They usually occur together.
How many types of collagen are there?
28 types have been identified, but Types I, II and III make up most collagen in the body.
What does collagen types 1 2 3 5 10 mean on a label?
It means the product blends several sources, so it lists every type present. Multi-collagen products typically do this.
Important
This article is general information, not medical advice. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or under medical supervision, speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking a supplement. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose.