Collagen plays an important role in the human body. It is no wonder that supplementation with the 'protein of youth' is of interest to so many people. Wondering which collagen will be right for you? Which one will improve the condition of your skin and which one will benefit your musculoskeletal system during training? Find out what you need to know about the collagens available on the market.

Beyond the protein of youth: Exploring the other roles that collagen plays in the body

Collagen is the most abundant protein in humans and is made up of amino acids. It accounts for approximately 30% of the total protein mass and is characterised by its resistance to stretching, making it a good structural support for skin, tendons, bones and ligaments ^[1]. It is called the protein of youth for good reason, as it is the main component of the skin, with type I collagen accounting for about 85-90% and type III collagen about 10-15% ^[4]. With age, collagen synthesis decreases and collagen fibres become damaged, which is associated with the formation of wrinkles and reduced skin firmness. For this reason, collagen supplementation is considered a natural way to rejuvenate. The protein also has an inconsiderable impact on musculoskeletal health - it supports bone, muscle and joint health and can speed up post-workout recovery ^[4].

Collagen types - what do they tell us?

There are 28 types of collagen - each with a different function in the body. However, the most abundant protein in humans is type I and type III collagen. Type I makes up more than 90% of collagen in the human body - it can be found in the vascular system, skin, bones, teeth, tendons, lungs, heart and other tissues ^[1-4]. Type I collagen has a high biocompatibility in human tissue naturally 'mimicking' the extracellular matrix ^[3]. Type III collagen, on the other hand, is an important component of muscle and blood vessels. It has been suggested that - along with type I collagen - it is also found in skin, tendons, ligaments or synovial membranes ^[4].

Bioactive collagen peptides. VERISOL®, TENDOFORTE® or FORTIBONE® collagen? Which to choose?

Collagen is obtained from both natural animal sources (e.g. bovine, porcine and fish collagen) and plant sources. In dietary supplements, hydrolysed bovine collagen with high solubility is most commonly used ^[4].

OSAVI collagens tailored towards your goal. Choose your favourite product

• Collagen Joints and Bones

Dietary supplement in powder form containing the clinically tested, bioactive collagen peptides FORTIBONE®. Enriched with rosehip extract standardised for vitamin C, for joint and bone support.

• Tendons and Ligaments Collagen

Dietary supplement in powder form containing the clinically tested, bioactive collagen peptides TENDOFORTE®. Enriched with copper and manganese for connective tissue support.

• Collagen Hair, Skin and Nails

A dietary supplement in powder form containing highly purified bioactive collagen peptides VERISOL® - a specially formulated and clinically tested collagen that improves the appearance of hair, skin and nails.

• Collagen Beauty & Sport

Dietary supplement in powder form containing clinically tested, bioactive collagen peptides VERISOL® - to improve the appearance of hair, skin and nails - and TENDOFORTE® for active lifestyle support.

• Hydrolysed collagen type I & III

A dietary supplement in powder form containing highly purified collagen peptides derived from collagen types I and III. The product contains high concentrations of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline - the main collagen-building amino acids. It is intended for those wishing to take comprehensive care to support the body with collagen.

All of the collagens listed are in powder form, so you can tailor your supplementation to suit your needs. A great way to take your chosen product on a daily basis is to add a serving of collagen to your favourite drink, yoghurt or meal. You'll find plenty of recipe inspiration on our website where collagen will work perfectly.

[1] Wu, M., Cronin, K., Crane, J.S. (2022). Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709 
[2] Ricard-Blum S. The collagen family. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011 Jan 1;3(1):a004978. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a004978 .x;
[3] Naomi R. et. al. (2021). Current Insights into Collagen Type I. Polymers; 13(16):2642. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162642 
[4] Wang H. (2021). A Review of the Effects of Collagen Treatment in Clinical Studies. Polymers; 13(22):3868. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13223868 .x 
[5] König, D., Oesser, S., Scharla, S., Zdzieblik, D., & Gollhofer, A. (2018). Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients, 10(1), 97. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010097 
[6] Jerger S. et. al. (2022). Effects of specific collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training on Achilles tendon properties. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 32(7), 1131-1141. DOI: 10.1111/sms.14164 
[7] Dressler P. et. al. (2018). Improvement of Functional Ankle Properties Following Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides in Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability. J Sports Sci Med.; 17(2):298-304. PMID: 29769831; PMCID: PMC5950747 
[8] Praet SFE. et. al. (2019). Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients. Nutrients; 11(1):76. doi: 10.3390/nu11010076 
[9] Praet, S. et al. (2019). Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients. Nutrients, 11(1), 76. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010076 
[10] Jerger, S. et al. (2022). Effects of specific collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training on Achilles tendon properties. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 32(7), 1131–1141. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14164 
[11] Jerger, S. et al. (2022). Effects of specific collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training on Achilles tendon properties. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 32(7), 1131–1141. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14164 TENDOFORTE®. STRENGTHEN LIGAMENTS AND TENDONS. Gelita. Improving Quality of Life. Pobrano 13.12.2023 z https://www.gelita.com/en/products/collagen-peptides/tendoforte 
[12] VERISOL®. TRUE BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN. Gelita. Improving Quality of Life. Pobrano 13.12.2023 z https://www.gelita.com/en/products/collagen-peptides/verisol 
[13] Proksch E. et. al. (2014). Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Has Beneficial Effects on Human Skin Physiology: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Skin Pharmacol Physiology. 27(1): 47-55. doi: 10.1159/000351376 .x 
[14] Proksch E. et. al. (2014). Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol.; 27(3):113-9. doi: 10.1159/000355523 
[15] Schunck M. et. al. (2015). Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. J Med Food; 18(12):1340-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0022 
[16] Oesser S. (2020). The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. International Journal on Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods and Novel Foods. DOI 10.17470/NF-020-0019 
[17] Hexsel D. et. al. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol.; 16(4):520-526. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12393