Different Types of Collagen: Understanding Types I, II, III, IV & V

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF WELLNESS

Different Types of COLLAGEN

Collagen is far more than a single protein. It is a family of structural proteins that help support everything from radiant skin and strong nails to healthy joints and active movement. Each collagen type serves a unique purpose within the body, contributing to strength, resilience, and vitality.

Learn about the most important collagen types and discover which forms of collagen may best support your individual health and wellness goals.

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What Is Collagen? The Ultimate Guide to the Body’s Most Essential Protein

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up nearly 30% of our total protein content. It’s the structural backbone of our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and even blood vessels. Often described as the “glue” that holds the body together, collagen plays a vital role in maintaining strength, elasticity, and regeneration throughout the body.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down:

What collagen is
The different types of collagen
How your body makes collagen
Why collagen levels decline with age
The benefits of collagen supplements
Scientific research supporting collagen use

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What Exactly Is Collagen?

Collagen is a fibrous, structural protein made of long chains of amino acids, primarily:

Glycine
Proline
Hydroxyproline
Arginine

These amino acids form triple helices that bundle into strong collagen fibrils—key components of connective tissue.

It’s found in:

SKIN: providing firmness and elasticity
BONES & JOINTS: giving structure and shock absorption
MUSCLES: supporting strength and recovery
HAIR & NAILS: aiding growth and resilience
GUMS & TEETH: maintaining oral health

In fact, this wonder protein makes up around 70% of the dry mass of our skin and forms the extracellular matrix (the mesh network that keeps our skin resilient and bouncy).

How Does the Body Produce Collagen?

Your body naturally produces collagen by combining amino acids from protein-rich foods with cofactors like Vitamin C, Zinc, and Copper. Collagen synthesis takes place in fibroblast cells, mostly found in the skin and connective tissue.

However, this process slows down with age—especially after the age of 25.

Other factors that reduce collagen production include:

Sun exposure
Smoking
Stress
Poor diet
Lack of sleep

Marine vs Bovine vs Porcine vs Chicken Collagen

Collagen supplements are available from several different sources, each containing varying collagen types and offering unique benefits. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right collagen supplement for your individual health, beauty, or wellness goals.

Type I

Marine Collagen

Marine collagen is sourced from fish skin, scales, and connective tissues. It is naturally rich in Type I collagen, the most abundant collagen found in the human body and the primary collagen present in skin, hair, nails, tendons, and bones.

Key Benefits of Marine Collagen

✨ Rich in Type I collagen

✨ Popular for skin, hair, and nail support

✨ Sourced from fish rather than land animals

✨ Hydrolysed marine collagen mixes easily into drinks

✨ Often chosen as part of beauty and healthy ageing routines

Because Type I collagen makes up approximately 90% of the body's collagen, marine collagen is particularly popular among those looking to support healthy-looking skin and overall wellbeing.

Perfect for:
Skin, hair, nails, healthy ageing

Type I & III

Bovine Collagen

Bovine collagen is derived from cows and typically contains both Type I and Type III collagen. These collagen types are widely distributed throughout the body and play important roles in connective tissue structure.

Key Benefits of Bovine Collagen

💪 Contains both Type I and Type III collagen

💪 Popular for overall collagen support

💪 Supports skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues

💪 Commonly used in general wellness supplements

Bovine collagen is one of the most widely available collagen sources and is frequently used in multi-purpose collagen formulations.

Perfect for:
Skin, joints, bones, connective tissues

Type I & III

Porcine Collagen

Porcine collagen is sourced from pigs and has a collagen profile very similar to bovine collagen, containing primarily Type I and Type III collagen.

Key Benefits of Porcine Collagen

🌿 Similar amino acid profile to bovine collagen

🌿 Supports connective tissues throughout the body

🌿 Often used in general collagen supplements

For many consumers, bovine and porcine collagen provide comparable benefits due to their similar collagen composition.

Perfect for:
Skin, joints, bones, connective tissues

Type II

Chicken Collagen

Chicken collagen is naturally rich in Type II collagen, which is found primarily within cartilage.

Key Benefits of Chicken Collagen

🦵 Rich source of Type II collagen

🦵 Commonly used in joint-focused supplements

🦵 Popular among active individuals and older adults

🦵 Often included in mobility and cartilage-support formulations

Because cartilage contains large amounts of Type II collagen, chicken-derived collagen is frequently associated with joint health supplements.

Perfect for:
Cartilage and joint support

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Why Choose Marine Collagen?

Marine collagen, sourced from wild-caught fish skin and scales, is:

More bioavailable than bovine collagen (up to 1.5x better absorption)
Naturally rich in Type I collagen
Sustainable and eco-friendly
Suitable for pescatarians

Essentia Natura uses premium marine collagen peptides combined with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, and Zinc for enhanced results.

OUR COLLAGEN

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Types of Collagen

There are at least 28 different types of collagen in the human body, each serving a unique purpose. However, five types are particularly important for skin, joints, connective tissues, and overall well-being.

Type I Collagen

The most abundant collagen in the body, accounting for around 90% of total collagen. Found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues, Type I collagen helps provide strength, structure, and resilience.

Type II Collagen

Primarily found in cartilage, Type II collagen helps support joint structure and cushioning, making it particularly relevant for mobility and active lifestyles.

Type III Collagen

Commonly found alongside Type I collagen in the skin, muscles, blood vessels, and internal organs. It contributes to tissue elasticity and structural support.

Type IV Collagen

Located within the skin's deeper layers and various membranes throughout the body. It plays an important role in supporting cellular structure and filtration processes.

Type V Collagen

Found in the cornea, hair, placenta, and other tissues. Type V collagen helps support tissue formation and development throughout the body.

Animal bones, skin, and connective tissue are common collagen sources, like those in cows and pigs (bovine and porcine).

However, our marine collagen is derived from fish scales, which have been scientifically validated as a premier collagen source.

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What Happens When Collagen Declines?

Collagen loss is a natural part of ageing. By the time you reach 40, you may lose up to 1% of collagen each year. This leads to:

Wrinkles and sagging skin
Joint discomfort
Loss of muscle mass
Thinner hair and brittle nails
Delayed wound healing

This is why many turn to collagen supplements to support natural levels.

How to Support Natural Collagen Production

While collagen supplements are a convenient way to increase collagen intake, your body also produces collagen naturally. Supporting this process through healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain collagen levels and contribute to overall wellbeing.

🍊 Vitamin C
🍗 Protein Intake
😴 Prioritise Quality Sleep
🏃 Stay Physically Active
💧 Maintain Good Hydration
☀️ Protect Existing Collagen

Supporting Collagen From Within

A combination of good nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, hydration, and healthy lifestyle habits can help support your body's natural collagen production. Many people also choose to incorporate high-quality collagen supplements into their daily wellness routine as part of a balanced approach to healthy ageing and overall wellbeing.

🍊 Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen formation and is essential for the body's natural collagen-producing processes. Without sufficient vitamin C, collagen synthesis can be impaired.

Good dietary sources include:

Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits
Strawberries
Kiwi fruit
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Leafy green vegetables

🍗 Protein Intake

Collagen is made from amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Consuming adequate protein through your diet provides the nutrients your body needs to produce collagen and maintain healthy tissues.

Protein-rich foods include:

Fish and seafood
Lean meats
Eggs
Dairy products
Beans and legumes
Nuts and seeds

😴 Prioritise Quality Sleep

Sleep is when many of the body's repair and recovery processes take place. Consistently getting enough quality sleep supports overall health and may help maintain the body's natural ability to repair and regenerate tissues.

Most adults should aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night.

🏃 Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise supports circulation, muscle health, and overall wellbeing. Physical activity also helps maintain healthy joints, bones, and connective tissues, all of which rely on collagen-rich structures.

Activities such as:

Walking
Running
Strength training
Swimming
Yoga and Pilates

can all contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

💧 Maintain Good Hydration

Hydration is important for overall health and helps support the body's tissues, including the skin and connective tissues. Drinking enough water throughout the day can contribute to healthy-looking skin and optimal bodily function.

General hydration recommendations vary by individual, activity level, and climate, but maintaining regular fluid intake is essential.

☀️ Protect Existing Collagen

Certain lifestyle factors may accelerate collagen breakdown over time. To help support healthy collagen levels:

Wear sunscreen and limit excessive UV exposure
Avoid smoking
Maintain a balanced diet
Manage stress levels
Stay physically active

Resilience Refined

Collagen Resilience®, you’re building strength from the inside out—supporting not just beauty, but vitality, performance, and long-term health.

Brilliance Bottled

Collagen Brilliance®, you're nurturing your natural glow from within—supporting not just skin luminosity, but lasting hydration, smoothness, and youthful confidence.

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Science-Backed Benefits of Collagen Supplementation

Numerous clinical studies support the effectiveness of collagen:

Skin Health
A 2019 review in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that oral collagen peptides improve skin elasticity, hydration, and density in as little as 4–8 weeks.

Joint Pain Relief
Research in Current Medical Research and Opinion (2008) found that collagen Type II reduced joint discomfort and stiffness in athletes and older adults.

Muscle Mass
A study in British Journal of Nutrition (2015) showed that collagen peptides plus resistance training helped improve muscle mass in elderly men.

Hair & Nails
Participants in a 2017 study reported stronger nails and reduced breakage after daily collagen use for 24 weeks. Similar benefits are seen in hair growth and shine.

Effectiveness of Essentia Natura's Peptan®F collagen peptides

A clinical study with 33 women aged 40-59 showed a 28% increase in skin hydration after ingesting collagen peptides. Peptan® Collagen peptides improved skin dryness for most participants.

Placebo

Peptan®

Peptan® collagen increases skin hydration but 28% after 8 weeks! Plus in those women the skin hydration level increased a phenomenal 91% after 8 weeks as well.

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When & How to Take Collagen

Best Time: Morning on an empty stomach or post-workout

Form: Liquid (like Essentia Natura), powder, or capsules

Dosage: 5–10g per day is typically effective

Support Nutrients: Take with Vitamin C to enhance absorption

Your top collagen questions answered...

Beyond being naturally found in the human body, collagen is sourced from animals such as fish, chickens, cows, and pigs.

For our supplements, Essentia Nature uses Type 1 marine collagen, which is known for its superior absorption rate — up to 1.5 times faster than other collagen types.

This marine-based collagen is not only effective, but also free from common, animal-derived health risks, giving you both the highest quality AND optimal results.

Essentia Natura's liquid collagen formula provides you with a highly concentrated, daily dose.

Both Collagen Resilience and Collagen Brilliance contain:

✅ 10,000 mg of hydrolysed collagen per 25 ml serving from Collagen Fish Peptan®

This is a high-potency dosage, aligning with clinical studies that typically use between 2,500 mg and 10,000 mg daily for benefits in skin, joints, hair, nails, and muscle recovery.

Our advanced formula is also infused with vitamin C - essential in stimulating collagen synthesis and assisting in antioxidant protection against UV-induced damage.

Collagen liquid is a drinkable supplement made with hydrolysed collagen peptides (also known as collagen hydrolysate). These peptides have been broken down into smaller molecules to enhance bioavailability—meaning your body absorbs them quickly and efficiently.

Liquid collagen is a powerful, convenient, and scientifically supported way to replenish your body’s natural collagen supply. It not only supports beauty—from skin to hair—but also wellness, strength, and resilience from within.

Essentia Natura Collagen Liquid is expertly formulated to nourish your body from the inside out—naturally.

Collagen liquid isn’t just about collagen—it’s a blend of powerful, synergistic nutrients designed to support your skin, joints, hair, nails, and overall vitality from the inside out. Here's a breakdown of what collagen liquid is typically made of—and what makes it so effective:

🧬 1. Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides (Peptan®)

This is the key active ingredient. Collagen peptides are derived from high-quality bovine or marine collagen and broken down (hydrolysed) into smaller, bioavailable amino acids your body can absorb and use quickly.

Amount: 10,000 mg per 25ml in Essentia Natura products
Function: Supports skin elasticity, joint health, bone density, muscle repair, and more.

💧 2. Purified Water

Acts as the base to dissolve all active ingredients into a convenient, drinkable formula.

🍊 3. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

A crucial cofactor for collagen synthesis. Your body can't produce collagen without it.

Amount: 200–250 mg (up to 312% of your NRV)
Function: Boosts collagen production, fights oxidative stress, brightens skin.

⚡ 4. B-Complex Vitamins

These include:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – Supports energy metabolism and nerve function
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – Helps with cell regeneration and skin health
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) – Promotes skin healing and elasticity
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – Supports amino acid metabolism
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) – Essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) – Supports red blood cell production and energy

☀️ 5. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Supports bone health, immune function, and works with collagen to strengthen connective tissue.

💎 6. Hyaluronic Acid

Naturally found in your skin and joints. This molecule can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, keeping skin plump and joints cushioned.

Amount: 40 mg in Collagen Brilliance

🦴 7. Glucosamine HCL & Collagen Type II (in Collagen Resilience)

Targeted support for joint comfort and cartilage regeneration.

🌱 8. Opti-MSM® (Methylsulfonylmethane) (in Collagen Resilience)

A natural sulphur compound that helps reduce inflammation, improves joint flexibility, and promotes collagen cross-linking for stronger tissue.

🍓 9. Natural Flavouring & Sweeteners

Strawberry Vanilla flavour in Essentia Natura
Sweetened with Stevia (a natural, calorie-free plant extract)
Acidic components like citric acid and malic acid for taste and preservation

🚫 10. What’s NOT in It

Essentia Natura’s liquid collagen is:

Sugar-free
Gluten-free
Lactose-free
Halal and Kosher certified
NON-GMO
Free from artificial dyes or preservatives

📌 Our Premium Blend

Collagen liquid is made from a scientifically balanced blend of:

High-strength hydrolysed collagen
Essential vitamins and minerals
Joint and skin hydrators
Natural flavours and preservatives

All in a convenient 25ml serving you can drink straight or mix into water or juice.

Find the Right Collagen for Your Goals

Whether you're looking to support healthy-looking skin, stronger nails, active joints, or overall wellbeing, understanding the different types of collagen can help you choose the supplement that's right for you.

Essentia Natura’s marine collagen formula is clean, effective, and backed by science—so you can support your body from the inside out.

Explore Essentia Natura Collagen and start your wellness journey today.

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