Collagen is the most common protein in our system. It’s found in everything from our hair down to our toenails. Knowing the different types of collagen not only allows us to better understand how to replenish it when our collagen production slows down as it does as we age but knowing which collagen is found where will allow us to know why we have certain ailments. Out of the 28 different types of collagen, the first four are the most abundant and the types that are most marketed to.
Type of Collagen
Type I
The most abundant collagen in the human body. Type I is present in scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscle, the organic part of the bone, the skin, the teeth, joints, and organ capsules. This is the type that you have seen advertised the most in beauty and health ads.
Type II
This type is also advertised a lot in arthritic ads because Type II is found in cartilage. If you have had any kind of cartilage damage, your medical professional may have advised you to take a collagen supplement that is sourced from chicken protein because it is extremely effective for supporting cartilage in the body, therefore Type II collagen supplements are usually derived from fowl.
Type III, Alpha I
Type III is commonly found alongside Type I because it is abundant in reticular fibers. Reticular fibers are found in connective tissue. These fibers then crosslink to form a network that as a supporting mesh in soft tissues such as liver, bone marrow, and the tissues and organs of the lymphatic system (part of the circulatory system and a vital part of the immune system).
Type V
Type V is also closely associated with Type I because V is found on cell surfaces, in the placenta, and in our hair. You may have heard this while researching hair products, but if not it’s likely because many companies just use the old standby, Type I.