Collagen labels are full of Roman numerals — Type I, Type II, Type III — and it's rarely explained what they mean. This guide breaks down Type I and III collagen clearly: what each is, where they're found, and what to make of them when choosing a supplement.
For transparency: this is a composition explainer. Collagen carries no authorised health claims in the UK, so nothing here should be read as a promise that any collagen type treats or improves joints, bones or skin. It's about understanding what's in the product.
Collagen isn't one thing
There are nearly 30 known types of collagen in the body, but a handful dominate, and supplements focus on three:
- Type I — the most abundant collagen in the body, concentrated in skin, bone, tendon and ligament.
- Type II — found mainly in cartilage.
- Type III — often found alongside Type I, in skin and connective tissue.
Type I & III: the common pairing
Most general collagen supplements — including our Bovine Collagen Powder — provide Types I & III together, because that's the combination naturally abundant in skin and the body's broader connective structure. Bovine (cattle) sources are naturally rich in both, which is why they're the usual route for a Type I & III product. Marine collagen, by contrast, is predominantly Type I.
What "hydrolysed" adds
Our powder provides hydrolysed Type I & III collagen — meaning the collagen is broken into shorter peptides during processing, which makes it mix cleanly into drinks and is the standard form for supplements. At 14,000mg per serving, it's a high-dose, unflavoured option.
Does the type matter when choosing?
Honestly, for most people the type is less important than the marketing suggests. Type I & III is the standard, sensible choice for a general collagen supplement. The genuinely useful things to check are source (bovine vs marine), dose (stated clearly in mg), whether it's hydrolysed, and — for any claimable angle — whether vitamin C is included, since vitamin C is the nutrient that carries the authorised collagen-formation claim. We cover that in the wider guide to collagen for bones and joints.
The takeaway
Type I is the body's most abundant collagen (skin, bone, connective tissue); Type III usually accompanies it; Type II is the cartilage one. A Type I & III product like our Bovine Collagen Powder is the standard general-purpose choice — just remember that collagen is chosen on composition, and it's the paired vitamin C that carries the authorised claim.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a medical condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting a new supplement. Signed, Dr. Miron, Founder of Pure Vitamins UK.
