Background
Collagen Type I is the most abundant collagen in the human body, making up nearly 90% of skin, hair, nails, bones, and tendons. It provides structure, firmness, and elasticity, helping skin stay youthful while also supporting strong connective tissues. In supplements, it is widely used for anti-aging, beauty, and bone health.

Origin, Source, and Traditional/Historical Use
Type I collagen is typically sourced from bovine (cow), marine (fish), or porcine (pig) tissue. Historically, people consumed collagen through bone broths, soups, and animal cartilage. Traditional medicine often associated these foods with improved healing, joint strength, and skin appearance.

Key Active Compounds and Composition

• Composed mainly of amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
• Provides essential peptides that stimulate new collagen and elastin production.

Bioavailability, Absorption, and Metabolism
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides from Type I are highly bioavailable. They are absorbed in the gut, enter the bloodstream, and accumulate in the skin and connective tissues where they trigger fibroblast activity to increase collagen production.

Current Availability and Use
Commonly found in collagen powders, capsules, drinks, and functional foods. Popular in skin, joint, bone, and nail support formulas.

Clinical Features

• Improves skin elasticity and hydration.
• Reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
• Supports wound healing and tissue repair.
• Strengthens bones and reduces risk of osteoporosis.
• Promotes hair and nail growth.

Dosing
Typical dose: 2,500–10,000 mg/day of hydrolyzed collagen peptides.

Safety
Generally recognized as safe. Rare side effects may include mild digestive upset. Safe for long-term use.

Mechanism of Action

• Provides bioactive peptides that act as building blocks for new collagen.
• Stimulates fibroblasts to boost collagen and elastin production.
• Enhances skin hydration and reduces UV-related collagen breakdown.

Supports bone and joint matrix regeneration.

Background
Collagen Type II is the main collagen in cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions joints. It is important for joint flexibility, comfort, and mobility. In supplements, it is often used for arthritis relief and joint health.

Origin, Source, and Traditional/Historical Use
Usually sourced from chicken sternum cartilage or bovine trachea. Traditional diets that included bone broth and cartilage-rich soups were associated with healthier joints and fewer mobility issues.

Key Active Compounds and Composition

• Rich in amino acids such as hydroxyproline, proline, and glycine.
• Contains unique peptides that specifically target joint cartilage.

Bioavailability, Absorption, and Metabolism
Hydrolyzed collagen Type II is absorbed as peptides in the small intestine. These peptides travel to joint tissues, where they support cartilage regeneration and reduce inflammation.

Current Availability and Use
Found in joint-support powders, capsules, and specialized arthritis supplements. Often combined with hyaluronic acid and chondroitin for enhanced effects.

Clinical Features

• Supports joint cushioning and flexibility.
• Reduces stiffness and discomfort in arthritis.
• Protects cartilage from age-related wear.
• Improves recovery after exercise.
• Enhances mobility in aging adults.

Dosing
Typical dose: 500–2,500 mg/day of hydrolyzed collagen peptides.

Safety
Safe and well tolerated. Mild digestive upset possible.

Mechanism of Action

• Provides structural proteins to repair cartilage.
• Stimulates chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to make new collagen.
• Reduces inflammatory cytokines in joint tissue.

Improves joint lubrication by supporting extracellular matrix.

Background
Collagen Type III is found in skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. It works closely with Type I collagen to give skin elasticity and structure. It is especially important for youthful, firm skin and healthy circulation.

Origin, Source, and Traditional/Historical Use
Commonly sourced from bovine hides or fish skin. Historically, collagen-rich foods like bone marrow soups and organ meats were believed to strengthen skin and circulation.

Key Active Compounds and Composition

• High levels of glycine and proline.
• Works synergistically with Type I collagen in skin and blood vessels.

Bioavailability, Absorption, and Metabolism
Hydrolyzed peptides are absorbed in the gut and distributed to skin and connective tissues. Stimulates fibroblasts to build new collagen and elastin fibers.

Current Availability and Use
Found in skin and beauty collagen supplements, often blended with Type I collagen.

Clinical Features

• Supports youthful skin elasticity.
• Helps reduce fine lines and sagging.
• Strengthens blood vessels and circulation.
• Aids in wound healing and tissue repair.
• May support gut lining integrity.

Dosing
Typical dose: 2,500–10,000 mg/day when blended with Type I collagen.

Safety
Generally safe. Mild digestive effects in sensitive individuals.

Mechanism of Action

• Stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin.
• Restores extracellular matrix in skin and blood vessels.
• Improves circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues.
• Reduces breakdown of collagen from UV damage.

Background
Collagen Type V is a minor but essential collagen that helps form tissues alongside Type I and III. It regulates the size of collagen fibers, supporting skin, hair, eyes, and reproductive tissues.

Origin, Source, and Traditional/Historical Use
Sourced from bovine connective tissues. Historically, diets including animal tendons and connective tissue were linked to healthier skin and hair strength.

Key Active Compounds and Composition

• Contains glycine, hydroxyproline, and arginine.
  
  
• Works as a regulator of collagen fiber formation.
  
  

Bioavailability, Absorption, and Metabolism
Absorbed as peptides in the gut and transported to connective tissues. Plays a supporting role in collagen fiber assembly.

Current Availability and Use
Included in advanced multi-collagen supplements.

Clinical Features

• Supports strong, healthy hair growth.
• Helps maintain corneal health (eyes).
• Works with Type I/III to maintain skin structure.
• Supports reproductive tissue health.
• May help in tendon and ligament strength.

Dosing
Typical dose: provided in blends (exact contribution varies).

Safety
Safe at standard supplemental levels.

Mechanism of Action

• Regulates fibrillogenesis (collagen fiber formation).
• Balances Type I/III collagen for strong, flexible tissue.
• Promotes hair follicle strength and growth.
• Maintains transparency and health of the cornea.

Background
Collagen Type X is found in cartilage and plays a key role in bone formation and repair. It is essential for skeletal growth and fracture healing.

Origin, Source, and Traditional/Historical Use
Typically sourced from chicken cartilage and bone. Traditional bone broths provided small amounts of Type X collagen, historically linked to strong bones and recovery.

Key Active Compounds and Composition

• Rich in glycine and proline.
• Specializes in cartilage mineralization and bone strength.

Bioavailability, Absorption, and Metabolism
Absorbed in peptide form, delivered to cartilage and bone tissue.

Current Availability and Use
Often included in advanced multi-collagen formulas for bone and joint health.

Clinical Features

• Supports bone mineral density.
• Enhances fracture repair and healing.
• Supports joint cartilage regeneration.
• Aids skeletal development and strength.
• Works with Type II for joint cushioning.

Dosing
Generally provided in blends (50–500 mg/day contribution).

Safety
Safe at supplemental levels.

Mechanism of Action

• Stimulates chondrocytes for cartilage regeneration.
• Promotes mineralization of bone matrix.
• Helps repair microfractures and skeletal injuries.
• Supports osteoblast activity for new bone formation.

Background
DigiSEB® is a proprietary digestive enzyme blend that helps the body break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In collagen supplements, it supports better absorption of collagen peptides and reduces bloating.

Origin, Source, and Traditional/Historical Use
Digestive enzymes are naturally produced by the body (stomach, pancreas, intestines). Supplemental enzymes have been used for centuries, from papaya (papain) and pineapple (bromelain) to aid digestion.

Key Active Compounds and Composition

• Proteases (break down protein, including collagen peptides).
• Lipase (digests fats).
• Amylase (digests carbohydrates).
• Lactase and cellulase (help with dairy and fiber digestion).

Bioavailability, Absorption, and Metabolism
Enzymes act locally in the digestive tract, improving nutrient breakdown and absorption. By supporting digestion, they ensure collagen peptides reach the bloodstream efficiently.

Current Availability and Use
Found in enzyme complexes, digestive health supplements, and advanced collagen blends.

Clinical Features

• Improves absorption of collagen peptides.
• Reduces bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort.
• Helps individuals with enzyme deficiencies digest food more effectively.
• May improve nutrient uptake (proteins, vitamins, minerals).
• Supports gut comfort and regularity.

Dosing
Dose varies depending on formulation. Typically 100–500 mg per serving.

Safety
Generally safe. Rare side effects may include mild stomach upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Mechanism of Action

• Breaks collagen proteins into smaller, absorbable peptides.
• Enhances the digestion of fats, carbs, and proteins.
• Supports gut efficiency and nutrient delivery.
• Reduces digestive stress, making supplements gentler on the stomach.