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The Different Types of Collagen: Understanding the Building Blocks of Your Body

Written by Kat Kennedy, NASM CPT, NCSF CPT, NCSF SNS
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Elaine Gavalas, ND, PhD

May 23, 2025

Did you know that approximately 30% of all the protein in your body is collagen (1)? It's true! This remarkable substance is often called the "glue" that holds your body together—and for good reason. From your skin to your joints, bones, and blood vessels, collagen plays a crucial role in keeping your body strong, resilient, and functioning optimally.

But here's where it gets interesting: not all collagen is created equal. There are actually different types of collagen in your body, each with unique functions and benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different types of collagen, with special focus on the most abundant and important varieties: types I, II, and III.

Table Of Contents

What Exactly Is Collagen?

Before diving into the different types of collagen, let's understand what collagen actually is.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, serving as a major building block for your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Think of collagen as the scaffolding that provides structure, strength, and elasticity to various parts of your body.

This incredible protein is made up of amino acids—primarily glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—arranged in a unique triple helix structure (1). This distinctive formation gives collagen its remarkable strength and stability.

How Many Different Types of Collagen Are There?

Scientists have identified at least 28 different types of collagen in the human body! However, approximately 90% of all the collagen in your body consists of just three types: Types I, II, and III (2).

Let's explore these main types of collagen in detail.

Type I Collagen: The Body's Most Abundant Protein

Type I collagen is the superstar of the collagen world, accounting for approximately 90% of your body's collagen and about 25% of your body's total protein mass (1). Let's break down what makes Type I collagen so special:

Where Type I Collagen Is Found

Type I collagen forms strong, thick fibers that are present in (3):

  • Skin (providing structure and elasticity)
  • Bones (offering strength and flexibility)
  • Tendons and ligaments (connecting muscles to bones)
  • Blood vessel walls (providing structural support)
  • Organs (offering structural integrity)
  • Teeth (supporting dental health)
  • Scar tissue (helping with wound healing)

What Type I Collagen Does for You

The benefits of Type I collagen are extensive (3):

  • Skin Health: It keeps your skin looking firm, smooth, and youthful by maintaining its elasticity and hydration.
  • Bone Strength: Type I collagen provides a flexible framework for calcium and other minerals to attach to, creating strong, resilient bones.
  • Wound Healing: When you get a cut or injury, Type I collagen plays a crucial role in the healing process.
  • Hair and Nail Growth: It provides the building blocks for strong, healthy hair and nails.

As we age, our natural production of Type I collagen decreases significantly—by about 1% per year after age 20. This decline is what leads to many signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pain, and weaker bones.

An infographic showing how collagen looses its structure and affect skin as you age

Type II Collagen: Joint Supporter

While Types I and III get most of the spotlight, Type II collagen deserves special attention for its unique role in joint health.

Where Type II Collagen Is Found

Unlike Types I and III, Type II collagen has a more specialized location (4):

  • Cartilage (especially in joint cartilage)
  • Intervertebral discs (cushioning between vertebrae)
  • Eyes (vitreous humor)
  • Ears (elastic cartilage)

What Type II Collagen Does for You

Type II collagen is the primary structural component of cartilage, the rubber-like padding that protects your joints. It provides (4):

  • Joint Support: It helps maintain the integrity and shock-absorbing properties of your cartilage.
  • Mobility: Healthy Type II collagen  helps your joints to move smoothly and comfortably.
  • Pain Reduction: Proper levels of Type II collagen can help reduce joint discomfort.

As we age, our Type II collagen breaks down, which can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and conditions like osteoarthritis.

Native Note: It’s best to take Type II collagen separately from Types I and III, since taking them together may reduce how well your body absorbs Type II and lessen its benefits. (5, 6).

Type III Collagen: The Support System

Type III collagen is the second most abundant collagen in your body, often found alongside Type I collagen. It's known for its role in forming reticular fibers, which are thinner and more pliable than the fibers formed by Type I collagen.

Where Type III Collagen Is Found

Type III collagen is predominantly found in (7):

  • Skin (particularly in the dermis layer)
  • Blood vessels (providing structural support)
  • Internal organs (especially the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys)
  • Intestinal walls (supporting digestive health)
  • Bone marrow (aiding in blood cell production)
  • Muscles (supporting muscle function)

What Type III Collagen Does for You

Type III collagen plays several vital roles (7):

  • Skin Elasticity and Hydration: It works alongside Type I collagen to maintain your skin health, with a particular focus on skin elasticity.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Type III collagen is essential for the integrity of blood vessels, supporting overall cardiovascular function.
  • Organ Function: It provides structural support to your organs, helping them function optimally.
  • Wound Healing: Type III collagen is particularly important in the early stages of wound healing.

Interestingly, babies and children have higher levels of Type III collagen compared to adults, which contributes to their soft, plump skin. As we age, the ratio of Type III to Type I collagen changes, contributing to various signs of aging.

Other Types of Collagen

While Types I, II, and III are the most abundant, several other types of collagen play important roles in your body:

  • Type IV Collagen: Forms sheet-like structures that provide filtration properties in various tissues, including the kidneys, inner ear, and eye lens.
  • Type V Collagen: Works with Type I collagen to create stronger fibers, particularly in placental tissue, hair, and cell surfaces.
  • Type X Collagen: Important for bone formation, especially during growth and development (8).

The Bottom Line

The different types of collagen in your body work together to create a strong, resilient framework for tissues, organs, and systems. Types I and III are particularly important for skin, bones, and overall structural integrity, while Type II is crucial for joint health.

As we age, our natural collagen production declines, which can lead to various signs of aging—from wrinkles and sagging skin to joint pain and bone weakness. However, by understanding the different types of collagen and their roles, you can take proactive steps to potentially support your body's collagen production and preserve your health and vitality for years to come.

Whether through a balanced diet rich in collagen-boosting nutrients, smart lifestyle choices, or targeted supplementation, investing in your collagen health is investing in your overall well-being.

Kat Kennedy
Article by

Kat Kennedy

Kat Kennedy is the Fitness and Nutrition Editor at NativePath. With a NASM CPT, NCSF CPT, and NCSF Sports Nutrition Certification, she has a passion for giving people the tools they need to feel healthy, strong, and confident.

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    Medical Disclaimer

    This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Chad Walding nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.

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    Did you know that approximately 30% of all the protein in your body is collagen (1)? It's true! This remarkable substance is often called the "glue" that holds your body together—and for good reason. From your skin to your joints, bones, and blood vessels, collagen plays a crucial role in keeping your body strong, resilient, and functioning optimally. But here's where it gets interesting: not all collagen is created equal. There are actually different types of collagen in your body, each with unique functions and benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different types of collagen, with special focus on the most abundant and important varieties: types I, II, and III.