Type 1, 2 and 3 Collagen Explained
Your body contains at least 28 different types of collagen, but type 1, 2 and 3 collagen make up around 90% of the collagen in your body. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right supplement for your goals.
The Three Main Collagen Types
| Collagen Type | Found In | Primary Role | Common Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Skin, bones, tendons, ligaments | Skin structure, bone matrix, connective tissue | Marine collagen |
| Type 2 | Cartilage, joints | Joint cushioning, cartilage structure | Chicken cartilage (undenatured Type II) |
| Type 3 | Skin, blood vessels, organs | Skin structure, vascular tissue | Bovine collagen |
Which type should you take?
Type 1 collagen is the most abundant in your body, making up around 90% of your total collagen. This is why most marine collagen supplements focus on delivering high-quality Type 1 collagen from fish sources.
Both marine and bovine collagen is hydrolysed — broken down into smaller peptides so the body can absorb it through the digestive tract. Marine collagen has more evidence for skin outcomes specifically.
When you might consider Type 2
If your primary concern is joint health rather than skin, there are two types of Type 2 collagen supplements to be aware of:
Hydrolysed collagen (which Kollo's marine collagen is) has the broader evidence base for joint outcomes in osteoarthritis and active populations at typical doses of 5–15g daily.
Undenatured Type II collagen (usually derived from chicken cartilage, taken at around 40mg daily) has emerging evidence in osteoarthritis specifically, and works through a different mechanism — immune-modulating rather than providing raw peptides.
Both work best over 12+ weeks alongside movement. Supplements support joints; they don't replace exercise, physiotherapy, or medical care.
Kollo's approach
Kollo Premium Liquid Marine Collagen provides 10,000mg of predominantly Type 1 Naticol® marine collagen peptides per sachet, alongside vitamin C (100% NRV) which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones, cartilage, gums, teeth and blood vessels.
For dedicated joint care, Kollo Flex+ is a separate joint-focused formulation designed to complement marine collagen or work as a standalone.
