As the most abundant protein produced by the human body, collagen is responsible for supporting various bodily functions, including structure and strength to the skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues.
Here, we will summarise everything you need to know aboutcollagen types and sources. Help decide between collagen types I, II & III by uncovering their benefits, and find the right supplement at Meaghers Pharmacy with our top recommended products.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
- Collagen Types Explained: How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement
- What Are the Benefits of Hydrolysed Collagen?
- The Best Peptides for Collagen Support at Meaghers Pharmacy
- Marine vs Bovine: Which Should You Choose?
- Our Top Picks for Marine & Bovine Collagen Supplements
- Are Vegan Collagen Supplements Worth It?
Explore the main collagen types, their benefits, and which is best for different goals.
Discover what collagen peptides are, and their key advantages.
Shop our top picks for hydrolysed collagen peptide supplements.
Decide which source of collagen is best for your skin and health goals.
Shop our recommended supplements.
Discover an alternative to animal-based collagen sources.
Collagen Types Explained: How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement
Though often used interchangeably, there is a noticeable difference between a collagen type and a collagen source. A collagen source signifies the animal from which the collagen was extracted, such as marine (fish), bovine (cow), chicken and porcine (pig).
On the other hand, the type of collagen refers to its biological structure. Made up of three amino acids (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline), each collagen type has a different structure and mechanical properties.
āĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Type I ā the most abundant type, which accounts for 90% of the bodyās total collagen. Type I collagen is extremely strong, highly resistant to stretching and helps prevent tears in skin or ligaments.
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āĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Type II ā makes up 60-95% of collagen found in articular cartilage; however, it only makes up 1-5% of the bodyās total collagen.
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āĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Type III ā represents 5-20% of the bodyās collagen, and has a more flexible structure, compared to type I. Type III collagen is mostly found in flexible tissues, such as skin, blood vessels and the lungs.
Unlike types I and III, which work together by resisting pulling strength, type II collagen works by resisting compression and absorbing force.
When choosing a collagen supplement, some products use a combination of collagen types to work together for comprehensive benefits. If your goal is to promote skin health and support anti-ageing concerns (such as wrinkles or fine lines), look for types I and II. For joint and bone health, look for type II.
What Are the Benefits of Hydrolysed Collagen?
Often referred to as collagen peptides, hydrolysed collagen is broken down into short chains of amino acids to increase absorption rate (bioavailability) in the body. The hydrolysis process breaks down large collagen proteins into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides.
Here are some of the main advantages of collagen peptides:
āĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Helps improve signs of ageing - contributes to maintaining and repairing connective tissues (such as skin, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments).
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āĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Supports collagen production - elasticity, skin firmness, and promotes a more youthful complexion after consistent use.
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āĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Supports joints, bones, and connective tissues - helps cushion joints, and can improve flexibility and mobility.
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āĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Aids muscle recovery - helps maintain the connective tissues around muscles to support physical performance and rehabilitation.
For more information, read our guide to collagen peptides, including comparing hydrolysed vs unhydrolysed collagen, here.
The Best Peptides for Collagen Support at Meaghers Pharmacy
Looking for the best peptides? At Meaghers Pharmacy, we stock a wide variety of collagen supplements, ranging in their form (such as tablets or powder) and their types. Whether you are looking to target anti-ageing signs or help support your joints and bones, these hydrolysed collagen picks are here to help.
Here are some of our top picks for the best collagen peptides:
Natures Plus Collagen Peptides Powder
Key Features:
- Contains six major types of collagen (I, II, III, IV, V & X)
- Sourced from grass-fed beef, wild-caught cod, free-range chicken and eggshell membrane
- Hydrolysed and supported with digesting enzymes (Papaya)
Cost: ā¬35.95 (285g)
Zooki Collagen Liquid Sachets - Blackcurrant Flavour
Key Features:
- Available in tasty flavours: Mango, Blackcurrant, Citrus Lime and Sour Cherry
- Marine collagen powerhouse, with one of the highest daily doses per sachet (11,000mg)
- Up to 95% bioavailibility
- Ready-to-drink sachets, perfect for on-the-go
Cost: ā¬69.95 (30 sachets)
Not found the right supplement for your needs? Browse our entire collection of collagen supplements at Meaghers Pharmacy here.
Marine vs Bovine: Which Should You Choose?
Two of the most common sources of high-quality collagen are marine and bovine collagen.
Derived from the skin, scales, and bones of fish, marine collagen is incredibly rich in type I collagen. These parts have a high collagen content, which is extracted through hydrolysis, producing bioavailable peptides. Marine collagen supplements often have a superior absorption compared to other types (like bovine or porcine), and are great for anti-ageing signs, strengthening nails and hair, and healthy skin.
Perfect for overall body support, bovine collagen is extracted from cows, particularly their hides, bones, and connective tissue. Bovine collagen contains both type I and type III collagen, making these supplements great for supporting a wide range of health benefits, including strengthening bones, gut health, muscles, organs and blood vessels.
Combining marine and bovine collagen gives you the advantages of both type I and type III collagen, offering a broad spectrum of support for your entire body. Consider alternating supplements, taking marine one day and bovine the next. Or why not take half a dose of each collagen daily to address multiple concerns?
For more information, read our guide comparing marine vs bovine collagen here.
Our Top Picks for Marine & Bovine Collagen Supplements
Many high-quality supplements contain both marine and bovine collagen, combining benefits to support skin elasticity, joint health, and muscle recovery.
Here are our top picks for collagen supplements, featuring a combination of marine and bovine sources:
Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Powder
Key Features:
- High-quality marine collagen sourced from fish scales and skin
- 12g collagen per portion
- Contains type I and type III collagen
- Helps promote a youthful appearance
- Suitable for pescatarians
Cost: ā¬47.95 (221g)
Swedish Nutra Collagen Powder
Key Features:
- Bovine collagen: 10,000mg per serving
- Sourced from high-quality bovine collagen peptides
- Helps with moisture and plumping the skin
Cost: ā¬29.95 (300g)
Revive Active Collagen Complex
Key Features:
- Marine collagen peptides sourced from fish
- Enriched with vitamin C to support natural collagen formation
- Includes additional micronutrients such as hyaluronic acid, biotin, and copper
- Designed for high absorption and bioavailability
Cost: ā¬59.95 (30 sachets)
Are Vegan Collagen Supplements Worth It?
The term āvegan collagenā is quite misleading, as collagen protein is exclusively extracted from animal sources. Instead of animal-based sources, vegan collagen supplements contain collagen boosters, such as amino acids, nutrients, and antioxidants, to replicate the essential building blocks of collagen protein.
Vegan collagen supplements often contain beneficial ingredients, such as:
- Pro-Collagen Peptides
- Vitamin C
- Plant Protein
- Copper
- Zinc
- Antioxidants
- Silica
- Hyaluronic Acid
Our Top Vegan Pick: Advanced Nutrition Skin Collagen Support
Key Features:
- Contains science-backed ingredients: vitamin C, zinc, French melon, Champagne grape extract, MSM
- Plant-based capsules
- Helps maintain supple, younger-looking skin
- Supports collagen formation
Cost: ā¬65.00 (120 capsules)
