Type V collagen is a small but important part of the body's collagen. It works inside type I collagen fibers and helps control how those fibers form. Multi Collagen Complex includes eggshell membrane, a thin collagen-rich layer from inside the eggshell. Eggshell membrane has been tested in several joint trials and in trials on hair and skin.
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From Anirva, the maker of Multi Collagen Complex. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- Type V helps build collagen fibers. It works together with type I collagen in skin and in the clear front of the eye [1].
- Eggshell membrane is a natural collagen source. It is rich in collagen and other proteins [4].
- Joint comfort improved. A 2024 review of eggshell membrane trials found less knee pain and better joint function [5].
- Joints felt better after exercise. Joint stiffness and pain after exercise were lower [8].
- Hair and skin were studied too. Hydrolyzed eggshell membrane improved crow's feet, skin tone and hair thickness [6].
Here is what that research shows, and how type V collagen fits into Multi Collagen Complex.
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Type V collagen [1][3] |
| Collagen sources in Multi Collagen Complex | Bovine hide, chicken bone broth, fish and eggshell membrane [3] |
| Amount in Multi Collagen Complex | 1,600 mg of collagen from four sources, in 3 capsules a day [3] |
| Main research areas | Joint comfort and stiffness; recovery after exercise; hair and skin [5][8][6] |
| Kinds of evidence | Trials in people, reviews of joint trials, and studies of how collagen fibers form [5][9][6][2] |
| Allergens in the product | Fish and egg [3] |
What is type V collagen?
Type V collagen is a fiber-forming collagen. It makes up a small share of the body's collagen, but it is found in many tissues [1][2].
Type V works together with type I collagen. The two join to form mixed fibers. This happens in the skin's deeper layer, the dermis, and in the cornea, the clear front of the eye [1].
How type V helps build collagen fibers
Type V collagen helps decide how collagen fibers start and how thick they grow [2][10].
In a lab study, adding more type V collagen to type I collagen made the fibers thinner and more even in size [11]. In mice, type V collagen was needed for collagen fibers to start forming at all [12].
Researchers describe type V as a "dominant regulator" of how collagen fibers form in skin and in the cornea [1].
What is eggshell membrane?
An egg has a hard outer shell. Just under the shell are two thin membrane layers [13].
Eggshell membrane is rich in collagen and other proteins [4]. It contains type I collagen and type X collagen [13]. It also contains type V collagen. Type V is found mainly in the finer fibers, especially in the inner layer [14]. It has been studied as an ingredient for dietary supplements [4].
Where type V collagen comes from in Multi Collagen Complex
Multi Collagen Complex uses four collagen sources: hydrolyzed bovine hide collagen peptides, chicken bone broth collagen concentrate, hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides and eggshell membrane collagen. Together, they provide collagen types I, II, III, V and X [3].
Joints: what the eggshell membrane studies show
| Study | Who took part | Length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruff 2009 [9] | 67 adults with knee osteoarthritis | 8 weeks | Pain and stiffness improved compared with placebo, starting at day 10. Function and the overall joint score did not differ significantly |
| Ruff 2018 [8] | 60 healthy women after menopause, on an exercise program | 2 weeks | After-exercise stiffness improved more than with placebo from day 4. After-exercise pain did so from day 8. A marker of cartilage breakdown was lower. Pain right after exercise did not differ |
| Hewlings 2019 [15] | 88 adults with knee osteoarthritis | 12 weeks | Measured from each person's start, gains beat placebo. Stiffness improved by day 5 and walking distance by week 12. Standard scores did not differ significantly |
| Kiers 2021 [16] | 150 adults aged 40–75 with knee osteoarthritis | 12 weeks | Knee pain scores improved from week 1, and daily-life scores also improved. Scores on a simple pain scale fell by about the same amount in both groups |
Reviews of the joint trials
A 2024 review pooled placebo-controlled trials of eggshell membrane in people with knee osteoarthritis. Eggshell membrane reduced pain and improved the overall joint score compared with placebo [5].
A 2025 review of 39 trials in people with knee osteoarthritis found that eggshell membrane did not raise side effects compared with placebo [17].
Hair and skin
In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial, 88 healthy middle-aged adults took hydrolyzed eggshell membrane or placebo. Crow's feet improved by week 4 and skin tone by week 8. Hair thickness, hair growth and hair breakage improved at weeks 4, 8 and 12. Nails showed no improvement [6].
In a 57-day trial in adults with signs of skin aging, fresh eggshell membrane improved skin firmness and elasticity compared with placebo [7].
How much collagen is in Multi Collagen Complex?
Three capsules provide 1,600 mg of collagen from four sources, plus 50 mg of the DigeSEB® enzyme blend [3].
Five types of collagen from four sources
Multi Collagen Complex is a daily three-capsule collagen supplement with types I, II, III, V and X collagen from bovine hide, chicken bone broth, fish and eggshell membrane, plus the DigeSEB® enzyme blend. Every ingredient and amount is listed on the label.
See Multi Collagen ComplexIs eggshell membrane safe?
Eggshell membrane was well tolerated in two joint trials, with no serious side effects reported [9][8].
Type V collagen is one part of Multi Collagen Complex
Multi Collagen Complex is a daily three-capsule collagen supplement. It has five types of collagen (I, II, III, V and X) from four sources: bovine hide, chicken bone broth, fish and eggshell membrane. It also has the DigeSEB® enzyme blend. They were chosen to promote healthy skin, hair and nails and to support healthy bones and joints [3].
When you take Multi Collagen Complex, you are not relying on one ingredient alone.
Multi Collagen Complex is made in Phoenix, Arizona, in a cGMP-certified facility. Every ingredient is listed on the label [3].
- Take 3 capsules a day with a meal, as the directions say [19].
- Multi Collagen Complex contains egg and fish. If you have an egg or fish allergy, ask your healthcare provider before taking it [3].
- If you are pregnant or nursing, or take any medicine, ask your healthcare provider before taking Multi Collagen Complex [19].
If you are deciding
Type V collagen helps type I collagen form even, well-organized fibers [1][11]. Eggshell membrane, one of the four collagen sources in Multi Collagen Complex, eased knee pain and stiffness in trials [5][9]. It also lowered joint stiffness and pain after exercise, and it improved hair and skin [8][6]. Multi Collagen Complex includes type V collagen as one part of a five-type formula [3].
The short version
Type V collagen helps build collagen fibers, and eggshell membrane has been tested for joint comfort, hair and skin [1][5][6]. Multi Collagen Complex includes type V collagen as one part of a formula to help support healthy joints and promote healthy skin and hair [3].
Frequently asked questions
What is type V collagen good for?
What is eggshell membrane?
Does eggshell membrane help joints?
Does eggshell membrane help hair and skin?
Can I take eggshell membrane if I am allergic to eggs?
Eggshell membrane comes from eggs, and Multi Collagen Complex contains egg [3]. If you have an egg allergy, ask your healthcare provider before taking it.
References
- Mak KM, Png CY, Lee DJ. Type V collagen in health, disease, and fibrosis. Anat Rec (Hoboken). 2016;299(5):613-629. doi:10.1002/ar.23330. PMID: 26910848.
- Birk DE. Type V collagen: heterotypic type I/V collagen interactions in the regulation of fibril assembly. Micron. 2001;32(3):223-237. doi:10.1016/s0968-4328(00)00043-3. PMID: 11006503.
- Anirva. Multi Collagen Complex Supplement Facts label (image from Anirva, October 15, 2026).
- Zhang Y, Wen Z, Wei T, et al. Eggshell membrane: composition, extraction, functional properties, and high-value applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2026;25(3):e70485. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.70485. PMID: 41981859.
- García-Muñoz AM, Abellán-Ruiz MS, García-Guillén AI, Victoria-Montesinos D. Efficacy of eggshell membrane in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2024;16(16):2640. doi:10.3390/nu16162640. PMID: 39203777.
- Kalman DS, Hewlings S. The effect of oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane on the appearance of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(6):1463-1472. doi:10.1111/jocd.13275. PMID: 31904175.
- González-Rodríguez Y, La Nuez-García MA, Jiménez M, et al. Comparative effects of MKARE® eggshell membrane and hydrolyzed collagen as nutricosmetics on skin biophysical properties: a randomized clinical trial. Front Nutr. 2026;12:1689701. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1689701. PMID: 41613921.
- Ruff KJ, Morrison D, Duncan SA, et al. Beneficial effects of natural eggshell membrane versus placebo in exercise-induced joint pain, stiffness, and cartilage turnover in healthy, postmenopausal women. Clin Interv Aging. 2018;13:285-295. doi:10.2147/CIA.S153782. PMID: 29497287.
- Ruff KJ, Winkler A, Jackson RW, et al. Eggshell membrane in the treatment of pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Clin Rheumatol. 2009;28(8):907-914. doi:10.1007/s10067-009-1173-4. PMID: 19340512.
- Fichard A, Kleman JP, Ruggiero F. Another look at collagen V and XI molecules. Matrix Biol. 1995;14(7):515-531. doi:10.1016/s0945-053x(05)80001-0. PMID: 8535602.
- Birk DE, Fitch JM, Babiarz JP, et al. Collagen fibrillogenesis in vitro: interaction of types I and V collagen regulates fibril diameter. J Cell Sci. 1990;95(Pt 4):649-657. doi:10.1242/jcs.95.4.649. PMID: 2384532.
- Wenstrup RJ, Florer JB, Brunskill EW, et al. Type V collagen controls the initiation of collagen fibril assembly. J Biol Chem. 2004;279(51):53331-53337. doi:10.1074/jbc.M409622200. PMID: 15383546.
- Arias JL, Fernandez MS, Dennis JE, Caplan AI. The fabrication and collagenous substructure of the eggshell membrane in the isthmus of the hen oviduct. Matrix. 1991;11(5):313-320. doi:10.1016/s0934-8832(11)80202-7. PMID: 1725804.
- Wong M, Hendrix MJ, von der Mark K, Little C, Stern R. Collagen in the egg shell membranes of the hen. Dev Biol. 1984;104(1):28-36. doi:10.1016/0012-1606(84)90033-2. PMID: 6203793.
- Hewlings S, Kalman D, Schneider LV. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical trial evaluating water-soluble chicken eggshell membrane for improvement in joint health in adults with knee osteoarthritis. J Med Food. 2019;22(9):875-884. doi:10.1089/jmf.2019.0068. PMID: 31381494.
- Kiers JL, Bult JHF. Mildly processed natural eggshell membrane alleviates joint pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Med Food. 2021;24(3):292-298. doi:10.1089/jmf.2020.0034. PMID: 32633648.
- Zhang Y, Gui Y, Adams R, et al. Comparative effectiveness of nutritional supplements in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2025;17(15):2547. doi:10.3390/nu17152547. PMID: 40806131.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Collagen. The Nutrition Source. Last reviewed May 2021. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/collagen/ (accessed October 17, 2026).
- Anirva. Multi Collagen Complex product page. https://anirva.com/pages/multi-collagen-complex (accessed October 15, 2026).
