Type X collagen is a special collagen made where cartilage turns into bone. It helps guide how minerals are laid down as new bone forms. Type X is also found in eggshell membrane, one of the four collagen sources in Multi Collagen Complex. Here is what type X does, what the research on eggshell membrane and bone shows, and how type X fits into Multi Collagen Complex.
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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 X is a key marker of new bone formation. Cartilage cells make it just before cartilage turns into bone [1][4].
- It helps guide bone minerals. Type X helps control how minerals build up in the cartilage around it [1].
- Eggshell membrane is a natural source of type X. The membranes under the eggshell contain type X collagen [5][2].
- Eggshell membrane is being studied for bone health. Research points to benefits for bone [6].
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Type X 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] |
| Where type X is found | Cartilage where new bone forms, and eggshell membrane [1][5] |
| Kinds of evidence | Reviews of type X biology, lab studies, a review of eggshell membrane and bone, and trials in people [1][6][7] |
| Allergens in the product | Fish and egg [3] |
What is type X collagen?
Much of our bone forms from cartilage. In this process, cartilage cells multiply, build up the cartilage around them, and then grow larger [4]. The cartilage is then turned into bone [1].
Type X collagen is made within these enlarged cartilage cells [1]. The cells make it after they have grown larger, but before much mineral has built up in the cartilage [4].
How type X collagen supports bone formation
Type X appears in the same place where new bone forms, just before it starts [1]. It helps control how minerals are laid down in the cartilage. It also helps keep the parts of the cartilage in order [1].
Because of this close link, researchers use type X as a reliable marker of new bone formation in joint cartilage [1].
In lab studies of cartilage cells, adding calcium raised how much type X collagen the cells made [4].
Eggshell membrane: a natural source of type X
Under the hard shell of an egg are two thin membranes [5]. Lab studies of these membranes found type X collagen in them [5][2]. Another paper also notes type X in these membranes, which do not harden like the shell [4].
Bone: what the research shows
Eggshell membrane and bone
A 2024 review looked at eggshell membrane and bone health. It found that the membrane and human bone have a similar makeup. Both are made mainly of type I collagen and a few other compounds [6].
Eggshell membrane and its parts improved mineral build-up in bone tissue. In human cells, it improved calcium uptake. A pilot study in people with osteoporosis reported less pain. Lab tests showed more activity in bone-building cells. The review concluded that these findings support eggshell membrane as a helpful supplement for bone health [6].
Collagen peptides and bone density
Collagen peptides have also been tested for bone. In a 12-month trial, 131 women after menopause with lower bone density took collagen peptides or a placebo. Bone density in the spine and the top of the thigh bone rose more with collagen [7].
Joints
Eggshell membrane has also been tested for joint comfort. A 2024 review of seven trials in people with knee osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) found less knee pain and better joint scores than with placebo [8]. Our article on type V collagen covers these joint trials in more depth.
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?
In a knee trial, eggshell membrane was well tolerated, with no serious side effects reported [9].
Type X 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 [11].
- 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 [11].
If you are deciding
Type X collagen is made where cartilage turns into bone, and it helps guide how bone minerals are laid down [1]. Eggshell membrane, one of the four collagen sources in Multi Collagen Complex, contains type X [5][3]. Research points to benefits of eggshell membrane for bone [6]. Multi Collagen Complex includes type X collagen as one part of a five-type formula [3].
The short version
Type X collagen is a key marker of new bone formation, and eggshell membrane is a natural source of it [1][5]. Multi Collagen Complex includes type X collagen as one part of a formula to help support healthy bones and joints [3].
Frequently asked questions
What does type X collagen do in the body?
Type X collagen is made where cartilage turns into bone, and it helps guide how bone minerals are laid down [1].
Where is type X collagen found?
Does eggshell membrane help bone health?
A 2024 review found that eggshell membrane and its parts improved mineral build-up in bone tissue and calcium uptake, with findings supporting it as a helpful supplement for bone health [6]. Multi Collagen Complex includes type X collagen from eggshell membrane as one part of a formula to help support healthy bones [3].
Does eggshell membrane help joints?
References
- Shen G. The role of type X collagen in facilitating and regulating endochondral ossification of articular cartilage. Orthod Craniofac Res. 2005;8(1):11-17. doi:10.1111/j.1601-6343.2004.00308.x. PMID: 15667640.
- Arias JL, Fernandez MS, Dennis JE, Caplan AI. Collagens of the chicken eggshell membranes. Connect Tissue Res. 1991;26(1-2):37-45. doi:10.3109/03008209109152162. PMID: 1905610.
- Anirva. Multi Collagen Complex Supplement Facts label (image from Anirva, October 15, 2026).
- Schmid TM, Bonen DK, Luchene L, Linsenmayer TF. Late events in chondrocyte differentiation: hypertrophy, type X collagen synthesis and matrix calcification. In Vivo. 1991;5(5):533-540. PMID: 1768805.
- 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.
- Fladerer JP, Grollitsch S. Eggshell membrane as promising supplement to maintain bone health: a systematic review. Bone Rep. 2024;21:101776. doi:10.1016/j.bonr.2024.101776. PMID: 38872992.
- König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, et al. Specific collagen peptides improve bone mineral density and bone markers in postmenopausal women—a randomized controlled study. Nutrients. 2018;10(1):97. doi:10.3390/nu10010097. PMID: 29337906.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
