Did you know that almost 30 types of collagen have been identified? And, they are not all equal.

Some are more important to human health than others. Among these, the different types have different functions.

If you want the benefits of collagen powder, it’s important to know which type does what, and ensure that you are taking the right type of collagen for your goals.

What is Collagen Powder?

Collagen powder is a supplemental powder that has been hydrolyzed from bones, hooves, skin, ligaments, and tendons of animals.

Sounds delicious, right?

While it may not be the most appetizing of supplements, it contains powerful and effective nutrients.

In fact, its nutrients are amino acids, and many of these amino acids are absent in modern diets.

Really, there are 3 ways you can get collagen on a daily basis:

1. You get it when you drink bone broth.
2. You get it when you eat small tiny bones that are within seafood (some bones are usually eaten when you eat salmon for example).
3. You can use a gelatin or collagen powder.

For most people, collagen powder is the easiest way to add it to the diet routinely.

Ease of Collagen Powder

While both bone broth and tiny bones are great for health, they are not always easy to come by (or cost-effective) in a daily diet.

Collagen powder, on the other hand, is easy to use. You can add it to coffee, tea, smoothies, soups and more.

Unlike gelatin, it dissolves easily and does not “gel” liquids.

It only takes a small amount, about 2 tablespoons per day, to get the benefits boosted in research, as long as you are taking the right type of collagen.

How to Make Sure You’re Taking the Right Type of Collagen

There are different types of collagen, and each type can be helpful in a different way in the body.

Collagen powders are usually made from cow, chicken, fish, pig or egg sources.

Type I Collagen

Type I Collagen makes up 90% of our hair, skin, and nails. If you’re looking to improve your appearance, Type I is the right type for you.

In fact, Type I Collagen can help ward off the hallmarks of skin aging, like the stretching out or thinning of the skin.

How? There are a few distinct ways:

1. Improved Elasticity of Skin and Tissue

A 2014 study of 46 women, ages 35-55, showed that eight weeks of collagen powder supplementation improved skin elasticity within just 4 weeks (1).

When skin’s elasticity is improved it can stretch and rebound better, without sagging. This increases a youthful appearance.

2. Reduced Wrinkles

Another 2014 study concluded that collagen supplementation reduced wrinkles after just 8 weeks of use (2).

What’s more, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology concluded that collagen supplementation not only improved skin moisture but also produced younger-looking, less-fragmented skin (3).

3. Improved Skin and Tissue Structure

In a 2017 lab study, researchers found that 6 months of oral consumption of collagen increased the collagen content in the skin. It also improved the skin structure and improved the density of different types of collagen (type I and type III).

This resulted in improved color and luster of the skin and fur. While this was a study on mice, it is promising for human skin and hair as well (4).

How do you get Type I Collagen? It is most abundant in bovine and marine collagen. However, there is a relatively high incidence of allergy to bovine collagen among humans, and there are some concerns of disease in the cows transferred to humans. The best source is from fish. Check your sources and make sure they include fish (5).

Type II Collagen

Type II collagen in the most important form when you’re sick. This is one reason why good chicken soup or broth can help.

In fact, Type II Collagen is known for its immune-boosting and joint-supporting properties.

How?

It improves your digestion. Type II is a major part of our gut lining and helps it act as a barrier between the substances we consume and our bloodstream. This helps both digestion and immune function.

In addition, Type II Collagen is a major building block of cartilage, which is why it’s so crucial for joint health.

So, take Type II to improve immune function and joints.

Where does it come from? Chicken bone broth and bovine (cow) sources. 

Type III Collagen

Type III Collagen is important as well, and specifically, it promotes cardiovascular health.

This collagen helps form arterial walls. It is often found alongside Type I Collagen in human and animal bodies.

So, when you get Type III, you are also often getting Type I Collagen. This means both cardiovascular and skin health improvements.

How is it made? Type III collagen supplements are often made from bovine (cow) and other animal sources. 

Other Types of Collagen

While 80-90% of human collagen is types I, II, and III, there are other types. Two other important types are V and X. These are important for cell membranes, placenta health during pregnancy, bone formation, and more. When you get chicken or bovine sources collagen, you are usually getting at least a small amount of these types as well.

Your Best Collagen Powder

Fortunately, the Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen and Marine Powder is a great source of these collagens, especially Types I, II, and III.

The benefits are plentiful, including support of joint, skin, ligament, skin, heart, and digestive health. It’s easy to add to many liquids and foods and makes a great source of collagen amino acids in your everyday diet.

Bottom Line

Unless you proactively add it, your diet is likely lacking in the amino acids found in collagen. Thankfully, hydrolyzed collagen powders make it easy. And since Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder includes both chicken and marine collagens, you can get the 3 most important types in each scoop. Whether looking to improve skin, immune function, joints, or heart health, you’ll receive types of collagen that do it all. Add it today.