Collagen Type 1 and 3
Updated Aug. 12th, 2026 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Key Health Benefits of Collagen Type 1 and 3
- Arthritis and Joint Health
- Bone Health
- Sports Injury
- Scar Tissue Healing & Skin Health
- Different Supplement Varieties of Collagen Type 1 and 3
- Nutritional Information
- Reader Comments (8)
Collagen is a very popular supplement for skin and joint health, but did you know there are various types of collagen? Indeed, of the subtypes of collagen, there are a few main types, including collagen types 1 and 3.
Type 1 collagen accounts for more than 90% of collagen throughout the body. It occurs in skin, tendons, blood vessel walls, organs, bones, and scar tissue. Type I collagen is the main organic component of bones. Type 3 collagen occurs in artery walls, skin, and intestines. It commonly occurs alongside type 1 collagen throughout the body. Both types increase during scar formation. Together, they provide bulding blocks that support damaged ligament and tendon repair.
What Are The Health Benefits of Collagen Type 1 and 3?
Arthritis and Joint Health
Type 2 collagen typically provides the initial collagen treatment for arthritis. It may support cartilage repair and healthy inflammatory responses. After several months, adding types 1 and 3 may provide additional support for joints and connective tissues. This may be due to the support of healthy bone regeneration, or due to stronger joint support from increased structural integrity of tendons and ligaments.
Bone Health
Type I collagen is the main organic (non-mineral) component of our bones. It is one of the basic protein building blocks that serve to give bone its structure. Thus, supplementation can help to support bone health and improve bone strength.
Sports Injury
Type I and III collagens are the main components of ligaments and tendons in our bodies. Because of this, supplementation with these nutrients can help to speed recovery and repair of injuries such as sprains and strains.
Scar Tissue Healing & Skin Health
To form healthy scars during the healing process, the body requires both type I, and type III collagen. Lack of sufficient amounts of either will result in improper scar formation. Combining collagen and vitamin C can help the body to quickly heal wounds.
Different Supplement Varieties of Collagen Type 1 and 3
Manufacturers offer type 1 and type 3 collagen as capsules, powders, and liquids. They often combine these collagen types with joint-supporting nutrients and vitamins. Manufacturers frequently include type 2 collagen in these combination formulas. Skincare manufacturers also add collagen to anti-aging products. People may add types 1 and 3 after using type 2 to support damaged joints or tissues.
This was a very interesting article about the different types of collagen. I see a lot of collagen now on the market and it can sometimes get confusing or feel overwhelming trying to figure out which type is the best for the results you are looking for, especially when you first start researching. I found this very informative and appreciated the differences listed as well. I will have to speak to my doctor about this to see if it is right for me but this was a great starting off point, thank you.
Hello,
Indeed, we're glad our article was able to help you further learn about collagen and how the different types support your health. When our body naturally makes collagen, it produces it in the perfect ratio of all 3 type; therefore when supplementing to keep natural collagen production boosted, (since it depletes as we age), it's important to find one that supports all 3 types in this ratio.
Have a healthy day!
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is found abundantly in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, the digestive system and tendons, which explains its benefits for joint health. However, natural production declines with age, as early as age 25. Collagen is essential to the health and function of the musculoskeletal system and is especially critical to preventing tissue breakdown and stimulating tissue repair. Collagen is also frequently recommended post-injury or fracture to help enhance healing, accelerate recovery, reduce joint pain and degeneration and generally support convalescence.
Hello Ryan,
Indeed, collagen is an important part of joint and overall health. Natural collagen production does decline with age, which is why many people often supplement to enhance their bodies production. This helps keep joints cushioned and hair, skin and nails healthy. It's important to choose a supplement that has the critical balance between collagen types 1,2 & 3 like your natural collagen production does. You can learn more in this article here:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/collagen-2/
Have a healthy day!
My younger Brother has Ehler's Danlos, the most common genetic cause of chronic pain. This disorder is caused by a collagen defect. From his experience, I have learned just how important major collagens are to health and wellness! As you mention, collagen bears obvious relevance to joint health, skin health, sports injury, and bone health. But, collagen is so integral to every single body system as I have discovered through how it has affected, for example, my Brother's digestive health and even neurological health (think POTS and migraines!)
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for your comment and sharing your families experience with collagen supplementation.
We think you’ll also enjoy this article on collagen, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/collagen/
Have a healthy day!
I take Salmon collagen which is type 1 believer. It's easy on my stomach as I always take it on an empty stomach with vitamin C. Next time, I will try it with cooled down calendula tea. I read it goes well with collagen, let's see how it pairs with calendula. Consumption of salmon collagen can lead to improved joint support as well as relief from joint pain caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis when used regularly over time. I am helping my mom discover collagen for this purpose. Bone Health is also important like joints.
Hello Kaveh,
Glad you found a collage you love and that's easy on your stomach while providing the benefits you're looking to get out of a collagen supplement. We hope your mom enjoys it and feels its benefits too.