What is the Difference Between Collagen 1 2 and 3?

The three main types of collagen are collagen 1, 2, and 3, and they differ in their structure, function, and locations in the body. Here are the key differences between them:

• Collagen 1: This is the most common and abundant type of collagen, found in skin, bone, teeth, tendons, ligaments, vascular ligature, and organs. It provides structure to these tissues and is particularly abundant in the skin, where it keeps it plump, elastic, and young-looking.
• Collagen 2: Mainly found in cartilage, collagen 2 supports joint health. It is also found in the cartilage in the ribs, nose, larynx, trachea, and many joint surfaces. Some studies have found that supplementing with type 2 collagen can improve knee pain.
• Collagen 3: Present in the skin, muscle, and blood vessels, collagen 3 works in conjunction with collagen 1 in skin, ligaments, blood vessels, and joints. It also promotes skin health and elasticity, and has been identified as a key player in wound healing.

When choosing a collagen supplement, it is essential to consider the specific benefits you want to achieve. For skin health, types 1 and 3 are the most prevalent and provide the most benefit. For joint health, type 2 collagen would be the most beneficial. However, it is possible to take collagen supplements containing types 1, 2, and 3 together, but this would be most effective with bovine collagen, which naturally contains all three types. Always consult your healthcare provider when choosing supplements.

Comparative Table: Collagen 1 2 vs 3

The three most prevalent types of collagen, making up about 80-90% of our total collagen, are Types 1, 2, and 3. Here is a table highlighting the differences between these three types:

Type 1 collagen is the most abundant and is found in various body parts such as skin, tendon, vascular ligature, organs, and bone. Type 2 collagen is primarily found in cartilage, providing structure and flexibility to joints like knees and wrists. Type 3 collagen is the second most abundant collagen found in our body and is present in large quantities in muscles, blood vessels, and the uterus. It has been identified as a key player in wound healing.