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Collagen has become one of the most popular dietary supplements on the market, especially in the skin and joint care industry. Many products are marketed with claims that specific types of collagen (type 1, type 2, type 3) are best for different parts of the body. But how does this actually work on a biological level? When you take a collagen supplement – whether it’s hydrolyzed collagen, collagen peptides or gelatin – it goes through a process that makes it useful to the body in a way that doesn’t always match the product’s marketing.
When you consume collagen, your body starts breaking down the protein right in your stomach. Stomach acid and proteolytic enzymes play a central role here. Proteins are large molecules that the body cannot absorb in their original form. Hydrolyzed collagen already consists of shorter chains of amino acids, called peptides, which makes the breakdown faster and more efficient than regular collagen mass such as gelatin.
In the small intestine, the process continues with enzymes such as trypsin and peptidases that cleave the peptides into even smaller fragments. The result is a mixture of free amino acids and short peptides, with glycine, proline and hydroxyproline being the most characteristic of collagen. These three amino acids are particularly important because they form the unique triple helix structure of collagen that gives strength and elasticity to tissues.
After the collagen is broken down, the amino acids and small peptides are transported across the wall of the small intestine and into the bloodstream. This is a critical step, as the body now has access to raw materials that can be used for protein synthesis throughout the body. It is important to understand that the body does not absorb collagen as finished structures of type 1, type 2 or type 3. All collagen that comes from dietary supplements is now in the form of building blocks that the body can use where needed.
This flexibility means that the body can distribute the absorbed amino acids to skin, joints, tendons, blood vessels and other tissues that need repair or strengthening. The body controls where the collagen is built, based on the needs of the tissue.
Collagen in the body occurs in several types, each with different functions and locations:
Type 1 collagen: Found primarily in skin, bones and tendons. Responsible for strength and elasticity in skin and bones.
Type 2 collagen: Found primarily in cartilage and is crucial for joint function and shock absorption.
Type 3 collagen: Found in skin, blood vessels and internal organs, and supports the structure of soft tissues.
When the body has access to the amino acids from collagen peptides, it can synthesize either type, depending on the needs of the tissues. For example, if you take a supplement labeled as type 1 collagen, the body can use the same amino acids to build type 2 collagen in cartilage or type 3 collagen in blood vessels. This flexibility is one of the reasons the body can adapt to its own needs rather than the type the supplement is marketed for.
How effectively the body can use collagen from supplements depends on several factors:
Bioavailability: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are more easily absorbed than intact gelatin.
Tissue needs: Damaged skin, cartilage or bone stimulates the body to use the amino acids for repair where needed.
Presence of cofactors: Vitamin C is necessary for the body to convert amino acids into stable collagen structure. Without sufficient vitamin C, collagen synthesis becomes ineffective.
Age and health status: Older individuals or people with chronic illnesses may have slower collagen production, making supplementation more relevant.
Some studies suggest that different collagen types may have targeted effects:
Type 1 Collagen: May improve skin elasticity and support bone health.
Type 2 collagen: Studies suggest that it may relieve joint pain and improve mobility in osteoarthritis.
Type 3 Collagen: May support skin structure and cardiovascular tissues.
Despite these indications, the practical difference is often small, as the body can convert the absorbed peptides into the collagen type needed. This means that a supplement labeled as type 1 can still contribute to cartilage or blood vessels if the body prioritizes it.
The body's collagen synthesis is a complex biological process:
Amino acids and peptides are transported to fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen.
Inside the cell, translation of mRNA into procollagen chains occurs, where glycine, proline and hydroxyproline are assembled into a triple helix structure.
Procollagen is transported out of the cell and converted into mature collagen by enzymatic cleavage.
The mature collagen fibers are organized into networks that strengthen the tissue.
This step-by-step approach shows why the body does not need “ready-made” collagen from supplements – it has its own mechanisms to tailor collagen as needed.
Combine collagen with vitamin C , as it is crucial for cross-linking collagen fibers.
Choose hydrolyzed collagen peptides for better absorption.
Consume regularly – collagen works best as a long-term investment in skin, joints and bones.
Collagen from dietary supplements is broken down into amino acids and short peptides in the stomach and small intestine.
The body does not absorb ready-made “type 1, 2 or 3” collagen.
Absorbed amino acids are used to synthesize the type of collagen the body needs, allowing supplementation to have broad effects.
Specific collagen types may provide small, targeted benefits, but the body is flexible.
For best results, collagen should be combined with vitamin C and taken regularly.
Understanding these biological processes will help you look beyond marketing and choose collagen supplements that can truly support your body's needs, regardless of the type on the label.
