Different Types of Collagen at a Glance

• There are at least 28 different types of collagen.
• Types I, II, and III are the most abundant.

• Type I is primarily found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.*

• Type II is the main collagen found in cartilage.*

• Type III is found in skin, muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissues.*

• Type V helps support the structure of tissues such as the skin and cornea.*

• Type X is found in cartilage and plays a role in bone development.*

• Multi collagen supplements provide several collagen types in one serving.*

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It provides structure and support for skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, and other connective tissues.*

Although collagen is often discussed as a single nutrient, it's actually a family of proteins. Scientists have identified at least 28 different collagen types, each serving a unique structural purpose throughout the body.

Fortunately, you don't need to memorize all 28. Most collagen supplements focus on the types that are most abundant or commonly studied.

Type I Collagen

Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen in the human body, accounting for the majority of your body's collagen.

It is primarily found in:

• Skin

• Bones

• Tendons

• Ligaments

• Teeth

Because of where it's found, Type I collagen is commonly included in collagen supplements designed to support healthy skin and connective tissues.*

Type II Collagen

Type II collagen is found primarily in cartilage.

Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones and helps support comfortable movement as part of a healthy musculoskeletal system.*

Many collagen supplements formulated for joint health include Type II collagen because of its presence in cartilage.

Type III Collagen

Type III collagen often works alongside Type I collagen.

It is commonly found in:

• Skin

• Muscles

• Blood vessels

• Connective tissues

Together, Types I and III make up much of the body's structural framework.

Type V Collagen

Although less well known, Type V collagen is still an important structural protein.

It is found in tissues including:

• Skin

• Cornea of the eye

• Hair

• Placenta

Type V collagen helps support the organization of collagen fibers and contributes to the structure of several tissues throughout the body.*

Type X Collagen

Type X collagen is primarily found in cartilage and plays a role in the normal process of bone formation and development.*

While it isn't included in every collagen supplement, it helps round out a more comprehensive multi collagen formula.

Why Do Some Collagen Supplements Include Multiple Types?

Since different collagen types are naturally found in different tissues, many people prefer a multi collagen supplement that provides several collagen types rather than just one.

Instead of focusing on a single area, a blend of collagen types helps reflect the diversity of collagen found naturally throughout the body.*

This is one reason multi collagen supplements have become increasingly popular for those looking to support overall wellness.

Where Do Different Types of Collagen Come From?

Different collagen types are typically sourced from different animals.

Common sources include:

• Bovine (cow): Rich in Types I and III.

• Chicken: Naturally rich in Type II.

• Marine (fish): Primarily provides Type I.

• Eggshell membrane: Naturally contains Types I, V, and X.

Using multiple sources allows manufacturers to provide a wider variety of collagen types in a single product.

Why We Chose Five Types of Collagen

At Alaya Naturals, we formulated our Multi Collagen Powder with Types I, II, III, V, and X because these are among the most recognized collagen types found throughout the body.

Our formula combines collagen from grass-fed bovine, chicken, wild-caught marine, and eggshell membrane sources to provide a diverse collagen profile.

It also includes MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin to complement collagen's role in supporting healthy joints and connective tissues.*

The Bottom Line

There are many different types of collagen, but Types I, II, III, V, and X are among the most commonly discussed in collagen supplements.

Each type is naturally found in different tissues throughout the body, which is why many people choose a multi collagen supplement that provides several collagen types instead of just one.*