Collagen: The Foundation of Youth and Flexibility

When people talk about collagen, most imagine smooth skin or glossy hair — but this powerful protein does far more. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up about 35 % of your total protein. It forms the structural framework that holds your body together — supporting your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and joints.

What makes collagen truly fascinating is that it isn’t a single uniform protein. There are more than 28 types of collagen, but two of them: Type I and Type II do most of the heavy lifting. Understanding how they differ helps you choose the right kind of support for your goals, whether that’s radiant skin or flexible joints.

Type I Collagen – The Beauty and Strength Builder

Think of Type I collagen as your body’s internal scaffolding. It’s the main collagen found in skin, hair, nails, tendons, and bones, giving structure, firmness, and elasticity.

As collagen production naturally slows with age — often starting in your mid-20s — fine lines appear, nails weaken, and skin loses its bounce. Type I collagen helps rebuild this foundation from within, improving skin hydration, elasticity, and smoothness, and promoting stronger nails and thicker hair.

A study in 2015 reported that 8 weeks of oral collagen peptide intake significantly increased skin hydration relative to baseline.  Another trial using a hydrolyzed collagen peptide in an 8-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design showed significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and surface roughness. A systematic review of oral collagen supplementation found that many human clinical trials report increased skin hydration, elasticity, and decreases in wrinkle severity across various durations (often 8 to 24 weeks) although effect sizes vary.

Where to find it naturally??

Fish, chicken skin, egg whites, and bone broth are all natural sources of Type I collagen.

Type II Collagen – The Joint Protector

While Type I keeps you looking vibrant, Type II collagen keeps you moving smoothly. It’s the main structural protein in cartilage, the cushioning tissue between your bones that allows joints to glide without friction.

As cartilage thins over time or through high activity, stiffness or discomfort can appear. Supplementing with Type II collagen helps support cartilage repair, ease joint inflammation, and improve mobility.

A well-known clinical study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that adults with rheumatoid arthritis who took 0.1 mg of oral Type II collagen daily for one month, followed by 0.5 mg daily for two months, experienced less joint pain and swelling and could walk 15 meters more quickly than before supplementation (Trentham et al., 1993). In another randomized controlled trial, Type II collagen improved symptoms and had effects on urinary biomarkers of cartilage breakdown.  In a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial in 2021, Adults that take HCII (hydrolyzed Type II chicken collagen) showed significant reductions in pain & stiffness vs placebo and improved joint function.  

Where to find it naturally??

Chicken cartilage and bone broth contain Type II collagen, but dietary collagen is best absorbed in hydrolyzed or bioactive peptide form.

The Collagen Synergy: Why You Might Need Both

Your body’s collagen needs aren’t one-size-fits-all.

Type I collagen strengthens and rejuvenates the outer structure including skin, hair, nails, and bones. Type II collagen nourishes the inner mobility system such as joints, cartilage, and connective tissue. Studies suggest that supplementing both Type I and Type II collagen may provide more holistic joint and connective tissue support which creates a comprehensive foundation for strength, movement, and visible vitality.

How to Maximize Collagen Absorption

To get the most out of collagen, a few lifestyle tweaks go a long way:

• Stay hydrated: Collagen fibers depend on water to stay elastic and functional.
• Eat enough protein: Amino acids such as glycine, proline, and lysine are collagen’s raw materials.
• Choose hydrolyzed forms: Smaller peptides are easier for the body to absorb and use.
• Pair with hyaluronic acid: This naturally occurring molecule helps lock in moisture, supports skin elasticity, and works synergistically with collagen to maintain hydrated, plump tissue.
• Some advanced formulas also include BioPerine® (black pepper extract) to boost nutrient bioavailability.

Collagen isn’t just about beauty, it’s about keeping every part of you strong, mobile, and resilient. Type I collagen supports the structure you can see, while Type II collagen maintains the flexibility you can feel. Together, they help you move with ease and age with confidence.

For those seeking convenient, science-backed support, Life Nutrition offers collagen-focused solutions such as Joint Support (with Type I and II collagens, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia for joint comfort) ，plus Algae Calcium to complement bone and connective-tissue health. Each formula is proudly developed with premium, bioavailable ingredients designed to help your body stay strong, supple, and radiant from within.