Collagen is one of the most important proteins in our body, forming the basis of connective tissues and ensuring their strength, elasticity, and hydration. Collagen makes up not only bones and tendons but also skin and other organs. In recent years, it has become a very popular ingredient in both food supplements and cosmetic products. In this article, we will focus on the differences between individual types of collagen (primarily types I, II, and III), explain the difference between native and hydrolyzed collagen, and also look at which collagen is suitable for joint care and which for skin.
Types of Collagen and Their Importance
Over 20 types of collagen have been discovered in the human body, but the most important and frequently mentioned in connection with health and beauty care include:
- Collagen Type I
- It is the most abundant, 80–90% of the total collagen in the body
- Found in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and teeth
- Ensures the strength and elasticity of these tissues
- Products with hydrolyzed collagen type I, for example from fish skin or bovine hide, are therefore mainly associated with improving the elasticity, hydration, and appearance of skin, hair, and nails
- Collagen Type II
- It is predominantly found in joint cartilage and the vitreous humor of the eye.
- Contributes to the elasticity and resilience of cartilage.
- It is often stated that collagen peptides prepared from type II collagen are ideal for supporting the musculoskeletal system – e.g., in food supplements for athletes or people suffering from joint problems.
- Collagen Type III
- Found in the walls of blood vessels, in the uterus, or in organs with a high proportion of reticular fibers (e.g., liver, spleen).
- It can play a supplementary role in supporting tissue and vascular health, but most often, it is seen in combination with type I.
Each of these types plays a slightly different role in the body. In practice, you will most often encounter products containing collagen type I, or a combination of types I and III.
Collagen type I (e.g., from fish) is most often associated with skin, but there is increasing evidence that even hydrolyzed peptides obtained from collagen type I are beneficial for the joint apparatus.
Myths and Reality About Collagen in Practice
- Myth: "Fish (type I) collagen is only for beauty, not for joints."
- Reality: Studies (e.g., Naticol® Joint Health 2020) suggest that hydrolyzed fish collagen type I can also have a positive effect on the joint apparatus.
- Myth: "Only type II collagen is good for joints."
- Reality: Although type II collagen is directly present in cartilage, even type I collagen peptides contribute to the overall regeneration of connective tissues.
- Myth: "The type of collagen before hydrolysis precisely determines its effect."
- Reality: During hydrolysis, the original structures are disrupted. Although the initial collagen type has a certain influence on the resulting combination of peptides, the crucial role is played by the correctly chosen hydrolysis method and the quality of the product.
Collagen is a universal structural protein, and the body can use it in many ways. Collagen type I is essential not only for youthful and healthy skin, but a new generation of clinical studies shows that it also helps support joints.
So, if you are looking for a comprehensive benefit for both skin and the musculoskeletal system, hydrolyzed type I collagen peptides (e.g., from fish) are an interesting and proven choice.
Why is this so? We will explain in the article below.
Native vs. Hydrolyzed Collagen
Native collagen is a protein in its original, three-dimensional helical structure (triple helix). It is firm, insoluble, and found in tissues in an almost untouched form. However, it is not often found in food supplements and cosmetic products because it generally has large molecules that are poorly absorbed and, moreover, are often difficult to dissolve.
Hydrolyzed collagen (also known as collagen peptides) is formed by controlled hydrolysis, usually enzymatic. This process breaks down long protein chains into shorter peptides:
- These peptides have a lower molecular weight and are easily dissolved
- They are better absorbed and the body efficiently uses them to build new collagen fibers
- They retain a high content of typical amino acids for collagen (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline), crucial for building connective tissues
Differences between collagen types blur:
The question of whether the "type" of collagen is maintained after hydrolysis is often debated. Essentially, there is a loss of the original structural features of types I, II, III, etc., because enzymatic cleavage disrupts the entire helix.
The differences between the initial collagen types are thus partly blurred.
However, each product can combine peptides and amino acids in a slightly different way, depending on the raw material (e.g., fish skin, bovine hide, chicken cartilage).
Studies supporting the effect of fish collagen (type I) on joints
Although there is a widespread belief that fish collagen (type I) is mainly for beauty, there are clinical studies that speak of a wider range of its uses:
-
Naticol® Joint Health 2020 Clinical Study
- It was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study on 30 subjects (average age 61 years).
- A daily dose of 10 g of collagen peptides from fish collagen type I (Naticol®) led to a significant reduction in joint problems after 8 and 12 weeks, evaluated according to the internationally recognized WOMAC index (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index).
- Pain scores and physical functions improved (mobility and ability to perform daily activities)
CONCLUSION: This study therefore shows that type I collagen from fish skin can positively affect joint health – its hydrolyzed form offers high absorption, and the body can effectively utilize it.
The reason for this is primarily the versatility of amino acids in collagen peptides. The body breaks down amino acids from collagen peptides and reuses them where needed, whether for skin or joints.
More information in our BLOG articles:
Collagen Peptides: Your Secret Weapon Against Cellulite
Collagen for Beautiful Skin: NATICOL Peptides That Really Work
- Naticol® Joint Health 2020 (Weishardt) – A clinical study with 30 subjects, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, demonstrating the positive effect of hydrolyzed type I fish collagen on reducing pain and improving physical function of joints.
