Type I Collagen: Everything you need to know

There are 28 different types of collagen found in the human body, but type I collagen is the most common type of collagen found naturally in the body. They are more prevalent in connective tissues and play a significant role in the component of the tendons, organs, and bones. In this article, we will look at the advantages of type I collagen, which sources contain mainly collagen type I, and how to apply it in supplements.

1. The bottom line on type I collagen:

Type I collagen accounts for 90% of the body’s collagen stores and is found just below the skin’s surface in the dermis. It’s also a key building block for maintaining the elasticity and firmness of our biggest organ: the skin. This is the type of collagen you’re probably thinking about if you’re interested in preserving collagen levels in your skin, hair, or nails. Because it is so prevalent in connective tissues, we often see a decrease in type I collagen resulting in characteristics such as sagging skin, fine lines, brittle nails, and thinning hair.

But type I collagen isn’t just a beauty-related substance; it’s also a significant component of the tendons. The collagen in the tendon structure is the main molecule of dense fibrous tissue and forms approximately 70% dry weight. When examined as collagen type, it is composed mainly of Type I (60%) and other types. Collagen adds strength to tendons and ligaments, and it imparts some stretch to these structures by allowing for some flexibility.

These effects make type I collagen a vital component of any diet or wellness routine — especially if you stay active as you age.

2. What are the sources of type I collagen?

Type I collagen peptides can be extracted from various sources such as bovine, porcine, and fish. Each head of the collagen extract has its pros and cons.

Bovine Type I Collagen

Extracted from the skin and bone of bovine, this type I collagen is one of the major industrial sources of collagen. The advantage of bovine collagen is that it is cheaper than other collagen sources. However, due to the outbreak of diseases such as BSE, TSE, and FMD, and furious cow disease, which pose a threat to humans, researchers are searching for an alternative, safer source of collagen. One of the significant disadvantages of bovine collagen is that nearly 3% of the population is allergic to it, causing a hindrance in its usage.

Porcine Type I Collagen

Like bovine collagen, the skin and bones of porcine are utilized to extract type I collagen peptides. This source is widely used for obtaining collagen for industrial purposes. Since porcine collagen is almost similar to human collagen, it does not cause much allergic response when used. But just like the bovine source, the setback of zoonosis poses a risk of contamination. Collagen from porcine is forbidden due to religious constraints.

Fish (Marine) Type I Collagen

In recent years, fish has emerged as a preferred source, being low risk of disease transmission, religiously appropriate, and culturally well-accepted. The fish source is the safest source for obtaining type I collagen presently compared to other sources. Fish collagen peptides can come from two different sources: ocean fish and freshwater fish.

Studies have shown that marine collagen from ocean-dwelling fish can be contaminated with heavy metals and other contaminants. Type I collagen peptides sourced from sea fish contain higher sodium levels, which can influence taste. Also, fish collagen made from ocean-dwelling fish is often produced by blending the skins of various species. In addition to the lack of traceability and uniformity, this practice is more likely to add unwanted odors.

The above problems are better controlled for farm-raised fish stocks. In particular, with the source raised at certified sustainable farms, it is not only single-sourced and pure but also traceable and environmentally friendly.

3. The sustainable, uniform and traceable type I collagen sources

Vinh Wellness type I collagen peptides are derived from their sustainably-raised tropical, freshwater fish (pangasius hypophthalmus) – a highly stable, fully traceable, and single-sourced. As a result, our products are consistent with exceptional quality and ideally suited to the most demanding applications. To learn more about this source, contact Vinh Wellness here.

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