What is Type II Collagen?
Updated Aug 5, 2021
Collagen has become an increasingly popular health and wellness supplement. People take it for everything from joint pain, to gut health, to glowing skin, and stronger hair and nails. It's a multifunctional supplement that can be used to address so many issues. Not to mention, there are several varieties, like collagen peptides, collagen protein, and hydrolyzed collagen. This means there's an option for everyone. You may not know it, but there are a few different types of collagen. The main types are: Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, and Type X. Type I is a protein and helps form our bones, skin, and other tissues. It’s also the most abundant type of collagen found in the human body. It’s the strongest type, meaning it works the most effectively to heal and rebuild in your body. Type II collagen is found in the body’s cartilage. This means that it is used to support joint and connective tissue health. Type III is similar to Type I, and is largely found in our skin and organs. It’s the second most abundant type of collagen in your body. Both Type I and Type III help with elasticity in the skin and gut support. Type V is what composes the cells in the placenta of a woman during pregnancy. Type X is typically found within our cartilage, and is important for bone and joint cartilage growth. When it comes to collagen supplements, you will typically find only Type I and Type II collagen are used. Type II is sometimes considered the better choice for supplements. Read on to learn about what it is and why you should be taking it.
What is type II collagen?
Type II collagen is found in humans and animals, and can be used for a multitude of things. When taken from animals, it is turned into a supplement form. It contains the chemicals chondroitin and glucosamine, which are used for the reparation of cartilage. There is not enough evidence or rheumatology conducted clinical trials to say definitively that it can help with the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or the treatment of osteoarthritis, but there is promising research and results. It is likely that higher doses would be necessary in order for supplemental collagen to be completely effective. As we age, our natural collagen production begins to decline. Production decreases by roughly 1% per year after we reach age 20. This may lead to things like cartilage degradation, wrinkles, lack of skin elasticity, and lack of a glow in the skin. While we can't stop this from happening, we can try and prevent further damage and repair any present damage. Taking Type II collagen as a supplement may help to remedy the issues we previously discussed, as well as strengthen your hair and nails, and potentially help you lose weight. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and taking it as a supplement will increase your protein intake.
Where is collagen type II found?
As we briefly mentioned, Type II collagen is found in our body's cartilage and cartilage tissue, making it especially effective for joint health and connective tissue health. It can also be found in bones and connective tissues. It is found in both humans and animals, including fish. In animals, we often use the skin and scales when making supplements, but bones and connective tissues are also used.
What is type II collagen made of?
Type II collagen is a protein that is made from chains of amino acids. These amino acids, like glycine and proline, are essential to the formation of collagen. It comes in many varieties, such as bovine collagen, chicken collagen, marine collagen, and porcine collagen. The chicken collagen type and porcine collagen type are less common in supplements. Bovine collagen and marine collagen are the most popular when it comes to supplements. You may find products that are made from hydrolyzed collagen Type II, which simply means the collagen has been broken down into much smaller, more easily digestible particles. This is the same thing as collagen peptides; it's simply another name for it. There are also pill or powder forms available for collagen supplements. The powder form is the most popular because it can be added to hot and cold drinks, and mixed into smoothies. Since it is made from animal protein, it is not suitable for vegans. However, pescatarians can consume marine collagen. If you're unsure of what kind you should try, or if it can help you, you can always consult a healthcare professional.
What foods have type II collagen?
There are quite a few foods that contain Type II collagen, as well as foods that help to increase the natural production of collagen. Foods that naturally contain it are chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Bone broth is another food that contains collagen, as it is made from simmering the bones of any of the animals mentioned above. It's also extremely healing for your gut and any digestive issues you may have. Foods that boost your natural collagen production include foods rich in vitamin C, green leafy vegetables that are packed with antioxidants, avocados with omega-3 fatty acids, beans, and citrus. Eating a diet rich in all these foods will help you increase your natural collagen production.
Does type II collagen help joints?
Yes- Type II collagen does help joints, either to improve pain levels or increase overall health. Collagen products are available to help with a few issues that involve your joints. As we mentioned, more studies need to be done in order to have concrete evidence, but in many cases people have found quite a bit of relief through taking collagen supplements.
What is collagen type II good for?
Collagen Type II is good for so many things, most of which we discussed in this article. Skin issues, joint pain, weak bones, brittle hair and nails; the list goes on. It is especially good for issues involving cartilage, and helping you achieve glowing skin. It's important to find natural products to use for your collagen supplement. Ones that are organic, non-gmo, grass-fed, and wild-caught are all great options to ensure you get a clean product. There are no known side effects of taking collagen, and daily dosage depends on your body and what you take it for. If you want a product that is convenient for grab and go, plus packed with clean ingredients, try our Kalumi BEAUTYfood bars. They contain 8 grams of wild-caught marine collagen, and 11-13 grams of protein. It also contains vitamin A from sweet potatoes and cocoa butter that can help boost your natural collagen production. Whether you want glowing skin or stronger hair and nails, our bars have you covered.
Sources:
https://www.rxlist.com/collagen_type_ii/supplements.htm
https://www.medicinenet.com/collagen_type_ii/supplements-vitamins.htm
These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.
