“As more consumers recognize the link between proper nutrition and good health, including the appearance of hair, skin, and nails, collagen has gained popularity as an ideal beauty and healthy aging ingredient with a versatile range for product development”, noted Sean Moloughney in Nutraceuticals World.1Moloughney S. The beauty of collagen. Nutraceuticals World. September 4, 2018.
The popularity of collagen supplements has recently skyrocketed as consumers seek natural ways to enhance their health and beauty routines.
Collagen is required for various bodily functions, including skin health, joint support, healthy weight management, muscle mass, and overall well-being. Its main role is to provide structure, strength, scaffolding, and metabolic support throughout your body.
This article is intended to help nutraceutical business owners select the best type of collagen for their dietary supplement products. This decision should be based on the target audience you are catering to, and the health concerns your product is formulated to address.
As you’ll discover, each type of collagen offers a unique array of health benefits.
Different Types of Collagens and Their Benefits
What is collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It accounts for about 30% of your body’s total protein. Collagen is the primary building block of your body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, and other connective tissues. It’s also found in and around your organs, blood vessels, and intestinal lining. It functions as a structural support lattice or framework to provide strength, rigidity, elasticity, hydration, and flexibility.
There are up to 28 different types of collagens identified. They differ by how their amino acid content (the building blocks of collagen) is arranged, assembled, structured, and modified. Further acting on the specific nature of collagens are their modifications with other molecules like sugars and other peptides which usually require other nutrients to be functional such as vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese to help shape them into the triple helix structural shape that is required for their function.
Collagen supplementation benefits the body by being bioactive and supplying it with key amino acids. Fragments of collagen proteins called peptides function as signals to cells, triggering the synthesis and reorganization of new collagen fibers, thus continuously supporting hair, skin, nails, bones, and joints. Low levels of protein ingestion (Hypoproteinemia) are associated with the attributes of aging (i.e., thin, dry, brittle hair, hair loss, sagging and wrinkles on the skin, brittle nails and loss of mobility.)
The human body needs about 20 different amino acids to function properly. Therefore, when looking for a collagen supplement, the key is finding one with a diverse amino acid profile, the more amino acids, the better. Taking collagen supplements containing the correct type of collagen and their associated peptides provides tissues like hair, skin, nails, and joints with the building blocks required to maintain a younger, more resilient look and function. As we age, our ability to assimilate proteins decreases resulting in a deficit of the necessary building blocks to support a youthful appearance and function.
As one of the leading contract manufacturers of collagen supplements, we source our raw materials from:
- Bovine Sources (beef)
- Porcine Sources (pork)
- Marine Sources (fish and shark cartilage)
- Chicken (sternum cartilage, eggshell membrane)
As a popular nutraceutical, collagen powder is a frequent target of adulteration, as are other high-value food products, therefore detection of adulteration in collagen powder is of great importance.
Type I Collagen
Type I collagen is the most abundant form of collagen. It is found in skin, bone, tendons, and connective tissue and plays a vital role in skin health by improving elasticity, hydration, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, it supports hair and nail health, bone health, and wound healing.
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is found in sources like shark cartilage and chicken sternum cartilage. It is vital for cartilage health and supports joint function. This type is beneficial for individuals experiencing joint pain or stiffness.
Type III Collagen
Type III collagen is naturally present in skin, organs, blood vessels, and striated muscle. It provides structure to muscles and organs, aiding wound healing and vascular health.
Other naturally occurring forms:
- Type I & V – Found in eggshell membrane and skin at the dermal/epidermal junction.
- Type I, III, & IV This type is found in the layers of your skin.
- Type IV & V This type is found in the cornea of your eyes, some layers of skin, hair, and tissue of the placenta.
- Type I & X – Found in bones and joints.
Choosing the Right Collagen Type for Your Supplement
Supplement business owners we work with often ask “What is the best type of collagen?”, and the answer depends on what structure-function benefit is being supported. Identifying the target health benefits is important in selecting the appropriate collagen type.
Target Health Benefits
- Skin Health: Type I collagen is the best type of collagen for skin and for promoting skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle reduction.
- Joint Health: Type II collagen is the best type of collagen for joints. Undenatured Type II collagen may specifically offer additional benefits for joint health.
- Hair Health: When asked “What is the best type of collagen for hair?,” scientists point to Type I and IV collagen as the best type of collagen for hair formation and health.
- Overall Wellness: Consider a blend of Type I and II collagens for a comprehensive approach to collagen supplementation.
Collagen Sources and Bioavailability
Different sources of collagen have unique benefits and considerations.
- Bovine Collagen: Cost-effective but may have religious or ethical restrictions for some consumers.
- Marine Collagen: Hypoallergenic and sustainable, suitable for those with bovine allergies or ethical concerns.
- Porcine and Avian Collagen: Consider target market preferences and potential allergies.
- Ethically Sourced Collagen: Growing preference for ethically sourced collagen and innovations in vegan collagen alternatives.
Offering vegan and vegetarian collagen alternatives can broaden your market. If applicable, ensure Kosher and Halal certifications and provide allergen-free options to cater to a wider audience.
Collagen needs to be broken down into smaller peptides for optimal absorption. Using hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) in your supplement enhances bioavailability. Factors like vitamin C intake can also support absorption.
Our expert team can help you select the best form of collagen to use in your dietary supplement product.
Delivery Formats
Collagen supplements come in various formats, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
- Powders: Popular and flexible for higher dosages.
- Liquids: Easy to absorb and swallow and convenient for on-the-go consumption.
- Capsules & Tablets: Convenient but may contain lower collagen content per serving.
Effective dosages vary depending on the collagen type and desired benefits. Higher doses generally translate to improved effectiveness.
When considering how to choose collagen, using branded, research-backed collagen peptides ensures consistent quality and efficacy. Third-party testing and certifications are crucial for product purity and safety.
Additional Considerations for Collagen Supplement Brand Owners
- Market Trends and Consumer Preferences: Current trends emphasize clean-label products, organic collagen sources, and specific dietary needs (e.g., keto, paleo). These trends can influence product development and marketing strategies.
- Cost and Scalability: Balancing cost-effectiveness with high-quality ingredients is essential for maintaining product competitiveness and profitability.
- Additional Ingredients: Consider including Vitamin C for collagen absorption and Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced skin health benefits. Select additional ingredients based on the target market and desired benefits.
- Regulatory Compliance: Complying with relevant regulations ensures the safety, labeling, and manufacturing of your collagen supplements. Understand the specific regulations applicable to your target markets, such as those from the FDA and EFSA.
Manufacture Your Collagen Supplement with Vitaquest
Your search for a reliable custom collagen supplement manufacturer ends here.
Whether launching a new collagen supplement line or expanding an existing one, Vitaquest has the expertise to bring your vision to reality. Our 45+ years of experience, knowledgeable team, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure you receive high-quality collagen supplements that meet your specifications and exceed your customer’s expectations.
From ideation and formulation to manufacturing and packaging, our comprehensive services support supplement brands throughout the development and production process. Our capabilities include sourcing high-quality collagen, formulation design, contract manufacturing, packaging services, and fulfillment solutions. With Vitaquest, you can produce high-quality collagen supplements efficiently and effectively.
Conclusion
Choosing the best type of collagen for your supplement involves considering target health benefits, collagen sources, dietary restrictions, bioavailability, delivery formats, dosage requirements, and quality. Aligning your selection with market needs and desired health benefits ensures the success of your collagen supplement.
Partnering with a trusted contract development and manufacturing organization like Vitaquest can help you navigate these considerations and successfully bring your product to the market.
To learn more about how we can help you Deliver What’s Next in collagen supplements, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Vitaquest sales executives or to request a competitive nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you already have your project requirements prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collagen
Q: What form of collagen is most effective?
For skin improvement and joint support, hydrolyzed collagen peptides are often considered the most effective due to their high bioavailability. For joint health, undenatured collagen might be preferred. If you’re formulating for skin health, hydrolyzed collagen, marine collagen, or bovine collagen are preferred.
Q: Is Type I or Type III collagen better?
Type I and Type III collagens each offer specific benefits, and their efficacy depends on the specific health outcomes you are targeting. Type I collagen is best for skin while type III collagen is preferred for bodily structures, such as organs.
Q: What type of collagen is good for aging?
Both types I and III collagen are good for healthy aging, as they support multiple areas, including skin health, bone strength, wound healing, gut health, and vascular health.
Q: Is marine or bovine collagen best?
Marine collagen is best if your focus is on skin health; bovine collagen is preferred if you are looking for a broader range of benefits, including hut health and joint health.
Q: What to avoid when taking collagen?
Avoid high-sugar and high-fat diets, plus avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol.
Q: Which collagen is best for skin tightening?
Type I collagen is preferred for skin tightening.
Q: Is it better to take collagen tablets or powder?
It depends on consumer preference. Collagen powder has higher bioavailability, the ability to mix with beverages, and has fewer additives—but it can have taste issues. Tablets are more convenient, do not have taste concerns, and offer more precise dosing.
Q: What collagen is best absorbed by the body?
The collagen form best absorbed by the body is hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides.
