Type II collagen (collagen type 2) is the primary component of all of the cartilage in your body, particularly the subtype known as hyaline cartilage. Cartilage is the connective tissue pad that acts as a cushion and eliminates friction in your joints. These cushions are found in all the joints of the body, including the knees, elbows, and between the vertebrae in the spine. Natural healthcare practitioners use type II collagen to support healthy cartilage synthesis in the body. 

Learn How Collagen Type 2 Loss Happens

Aging and Cartilage Loss

As we age, the body's ability to make type II collagen decreases. At the same time, the loss of type II collagen from the cartilage decreases its integrity, making it less resilient. This type of degeneration is often associated with osteoarthritis and is the reason you may be more inclined to have "wear and tear" problems as you age. This loss of cartilage is accelerated by the presence of the stress hormone cortisol. Thus, stress reduction can help to protect the joint cartilage of the body.

Joint Wear and Osteoarthritis

Wear-and-tear injuries occur in the joint cartilage from overuse and cause less support, less cushioning and more friction. As a supplement, collagen acts as a source of amino acids for use in making and repairing connective tissue all over the body. Supplementation with type 2 collagen can help to support proper cartilage synthesis and help to repair the degeneration associated with osteoarthritis. Type II collagen also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help the joint to repair itself after injury, and prevent inflammatory destruction. This can also be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Different Collagen Type 2 Supplement Varieties

Type II collagen can be found as an encapsulated powder or liquid. It is commonly called hyaline cartilage when seen in supplements. In general, it is combined with other joint-repairing nutrients and vitamins. Type II collagen is found as a component of both pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory formulas. 

Collagen types I and III are also available and should be used after good results are found with type II to further rebuild damaged joints or tissue. Depending on the severity of joint destruction, collagen may need to be taken for a few months before results are seen.

Shopping For A Quality Collagen Supplement

There are many supplement options available when it comes to collagen. While we learned this nutrient is available in capsule or powder form, it's also available as a bovine, marine or vegan source. Each source offers slightly different health benefits due to the ratio of the differing types of collagen in each. 

When shopping for a quality collagen supplement, be sure to choose one that's formulated with pure, potent ingredients that are clean, organic when possible and bioavailable.