Type 3 collagen (Supplements, benefits, and use)

Type 3 collagen is responsible for healing and regeneration. See what else you need to know about it.

AuthorMateusz Podlecki

Author

Mateusz Podlecki

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At Natu.Care, she educates about healthy lifestyles and debunks dangerous myths, contrasting them with the results of the latest scientific research. Additionally, she is interested in new technologies and their impact on health and everyday life.

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Reviewed byIlona Bush

Verified by an expert

Reviewed by

Ilona Bush

Master of Pharmacy

Ilona Krzak obtained her Master of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of Wrocław. She did her internship in a hospital pharmacy and in the pharmaceutical industry. She is currently working in the profession and also runs an educational profile on Instagram: @pani_z_apteki

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Edited byBart Turczynski

Edited by

Bart Turczynski

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Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.

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Fact-checkingEmilia Moskal

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Emilia Moskal

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Emilia Moskal specialises in medical and psychological texts, including content for medical entities. She is a fan of simple language and reader-friendly communication. At Natu.Care, she writes educational articles.

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Type 3 collagen (Supplements, benefits, and use)

Updated:23 September, 2024

11 min

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Third on the list, and second in your body - is type III collagen. Type 3 collagen builds blood vessels, ensures better wound healing, regeneration and elasticity of your tissues, and on top of that it 'works' with type 1 collagen.

Together with pharmacist and educator Ilona Krzak, M.D., we will tell you everything you need to know about it in order to lead a healthier and better life.

From this article you will learn:

What type 3 collagen is.
What it is.
What type III collagen is responsible for in your body.
What is the difference between type 1, type 2 and type 3 collagen.
What is type 3 collagen?
What collagen supplements experts recommend.

See also:

What is type 3 collagen?

Collagen type III is a protein found in many tissues of the body, including the skin, lungs, liver, muscles or blood vesselsand. It provides structural support and helps maintain their integrity and elasticity. Type 3 collagen is important for wound healing, tissue regeneration and in blood clotting.

Collagen type III is the second most common type of collagen in the body and is often found with collagen type I, although it has less tensile strength. Over the years, type III collagen is replaced by type I collagen.

Best collagen - ranking of recommended products

Check out the expert-selected collagen supplements that also include type III collagen.

Best overall

Natu.Care Collagen Premium 5000 mg, mango-maracuja

5.0

Collagen content: 5000 mg marine collagen hydrolysate
.
Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (and L-theanine and coenzyme Q10 in cocoa flavoured collagen or vitamin A and vitamin E in mango–passion fruit flavoured collagen)
.
Form: powder sachets
.
Dose: 1 sachet per day
.
Sufficient for: 30 days
.

See price

Product description

Fish collagen from the Natu.Care brand in a dose of 5000 mg. The formula contains a sufficient portion of the active substance to positively affect your joints, musculoskeletal system and immunity.

Take care of your tendons, joint cartilage, ligaments, muscles and even bones by supplying them with the building blocks to function properly. Move without bólu and provide the necessary support for any physical activity.

And as a „gratis” to regular supplementation, you will also receive firm skinóhand, healthy and shiny hair and strong nails.

Natu.Care Premium Collagen is available in two flavours – Cacao Bloom and Rise&Shine. Both formulas are based on the following active ingredients: marine collagen hydrolysate, wild roseóbud extract and hyaluronic acid.

Additionally, Cacao Bloom contains natural L-theanine, coenzyme Q10 and defatted Dutch cacao. Rise&Shine instead contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

These are the best collagens in the world.

These best fish collagens on the market also rós taste – Cacao Bloom is a treat for chocolate lovers. Rise&Shine will appeal to those whoóenjoy the refreshing taste of mangoófruit and passion fruit.

Pros and cons

Fish collagen from the Natu.Care brand in a dose of 5000 mg. The formula contains a sufficient portion of the active substance to positively affect your joints, musculoskeletal system and immunity.

And as a „gratis” to regular supplementation, you will also receive firm skinóhand, healthy and shiny hair and strong nails.

Additionally, Cacao Bloom contains natural L-theanine, coenzyme Q10 and defatted Dutch cacao. Rise&Shine instead contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

These are the best collagens in the world.

Additional information

Fish collagen from the Natu.Care brand in a dose of 5000 mg. The formula contains a sufficient portion of the active substance to positively affect your joints, musculoskeletal system and immunity.

And as a „gratis” to regular supplementation, you will also receive firm skinóhand, healthy and shiny hair and strong nails.

Additionally, Cacao Bloom contains natural L-theanine, coenzyme Q10 and defatted Dutch cacao. Rise&Shine instead contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

These are the best collagens in the world.

User review

Fish collagen from the Natu.Care brand in a dose of 5000 mg. The formula contains a sufficient portion of the active substance to positively affect your joints, musculoskeletal system and immunity.

And as a „gratis” to regular supplementation, you will also receive firm skinóhand, healthy and shiny hair and strong nails.

Additionally, Cacao Bloom contains natural L-theanine, coenzyme Q10 and defatted Dutch cacao. Rise&Shine instead contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

These are the best collagens in the world.

Best for joints

Natu.Care Collagen Premium 10000 mg, cherry

5.0

Collagen content: 10,000 mg of hydrolyzed bovine collagen
Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, extract of Indian frankincense resin (boswellia serrata)
Form: powder sachets for drinking
Serving: 1 sachet per day
Lasts for: 30 days

See price

Product description

One of the strongest collagens on the market, providing as much as 10,000 mg per daily serving. This product can effectively support the condition of joints, skin, hair, and nails.

With this supplement, you will support your skeletal and joint system as well as your beauty, helping you visually halt the aging process and feel rejuvenated!

Pros and cons

Pros:

The daily portion of collagen is very large – as much as 10,000 mg.
Proven collagen formula – COLLinstant, whose effectiveness has been confirmed in clinical studies.
Effective dose of hyaluronic acid, which additionally moisturizes the skin and positively affects joint health.
Vitamin C supports the body's natural collagen production.
Glucosamine is a fundamental building block of compounds found in joint cartilage and a component of collagen that gives elasticity to connective tissue in tendons.
Chondroitin is a natural component found in the human body, mainly in cartilage. This large molecule (mucopolysaccharide) has the ability to absorb water, which helps maintain the elasticity and resilience of cartilage.
Frankincense resin extract supports blood circulation and joint mobility and reduces their stiffness. It may help alleviate inflammatory conditions.
The composition has been tested by the independent and accredited J.S. Hamilton laboratory.

Cons:

None.

Additional information

Users praise Natu.Care Collagen Premium for the easy dissolving of the powder.

ALLDEYNN Collarose Fish

4.7

Collagen content: 5000 mg hydrolysate fish collagen VERISOL F®
Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, biotin
Form: powder to dissolve in water
Dose: one scoop (6 g) of powder daily
Sufficient for: 50 days

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Product description

Atlantic cod collagen VERISOL F® contained in the formula are easily absorbed collagen peptides of fish origin. Regular supplementation can firm your skinóhand and slow down the ageing process. Your nails will become stronger and stop breaking. The addition of biotin will improve the condition of your hairów. The collagen portion is high enough to also have a good effect on your joints, muscles and bones.

Pros and cons

Additional information

Expert and user opinion

DuoLife Collagen fish collagen 2500 mg

4.0

Collagen content: 2500 mg collagen
Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, silicon, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, nettle and bamboo extracts
Form: liquid to drink
Dose:25 ml

.
Sufficient for: 30 days
.

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Product description

100% natural collagen liquid without unnecessary ingredientsós. The composition of ingredientsós improves the appearance and condition of skinóry, hairów, nails. DuoLife is a good choiceór if you notice the first signs of skinóry ageing or want to stop this process. A tasty liquid, convenient to use.

Pros and cons

Additional information

User review

Convenient form

Pharmovit liquid collagen 10000 mg

4.6

Collagen content: 10000 mg hydrolysed bovine collagen types I and III
Additional active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, natural plant extracts, vitamin C, B vitamins, zinc, vitamin D
Form: vials
Dose: 25 ml
Sufficient for: 20 days

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Product description

A solid daily dose of collagen for jointómuscle and bone health and beauty. The duo of collagen and vitamin C has a positive effect on each other, so that „the protein of youth” is better absorbed and more efficiently produced in the body.

Pros and cons

Additional information

High dose

KFD Premium Collagen+

4.9

Collagen content: 12,440 mg of gelatin collagen hydrolysate
Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin D, MSM, hyaluronic acid, calcium, frankincense resin extract
Form: powder to be dissolved in water
Dose: 4 scoops (20 g) of powder daily
Sufficient for: 20 days

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Product description

High dose of collagen and a real bomb of vitamins C and D and organic sulphur. With this preparation the effects will come immediately. You will improve the firmness of your skin and reduce wrinkles. Your hair and nails will be strong and shiny.

A generous dose of collagen will improve the mobility of your jointsós, benefit your bone system and muscles. Do you do sports and need a product thatós able to keep up with your needs? This product will do the trick.

Pros and cons

Additional information

Expert opinion

Collagen Reme

4.0

Collagen content: 2500 mg pork collagen
Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, niacin (vitamin B3), riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin A, biotin, vitamin D, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium
Form: powder
Dose: one scoop per day
Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

The dietary supplement from Remé contains beef collagen in a patented formula and vitamin C, whichóra aids its absorption. The formula comes in three flavours: neutral, orange-maracuja and strawberry-pomegranate. The formula can effectively support and improve the condition of the skinóry, hairóry and nails.

Pros and cons

Additional information

How do I choose the best collagen supplement?

If you are going to choose a collagen supplement, it is essential to pay attention to a few important aspects:

Collagen content: good supplements with collagen have a dose in the range of 2,500-15,000 mg (2.5-15 g). The optimal daily requirement is around 4,000-5,000 mg (4-5 g). Collagen is very difficult to overdose on, so it is better to take 10 000 mg than just 200 or 400 mg. The largest portions of collagen are collagen powder (in sachets) and for drinking, as well as in liquid.
Purpose of supplementation and type of collagen: type I collagen has more of an effect on hair, skin and nails, type 2 collagen on joints, and III is important for tissue regeneration.
Origin: decide whether you prefer fish collagen (sea collagen), beef, pork or maybe poultry.
Form: there are many options to choose from, including collagen powder and sachets, drinkable collagen, collagen in tablets or capsules or collagen in liquid.
Position: it is relevant whether you are taking natural collagen, collagen hydrolysate, or freeze-dried collagen; whether it is powdered animal cartilage or, however, biologically bioactive peptides - it all matters for the bioavailability of collagen.
Additional active ingredients: collagen supplements should contain vitamin C (supports natural collagen production and synthesis). In addition, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10, field horsetail extract, biotin, zinc, copper, vitamin A, manganese and omega-3 acids or MSM. Here you will see the full criteria.

When choosing collagen, pay attention to whether it is hydrolysate or native collagen (natural). When you are faced with this dilemma, remember that it is best to choose hydrolysed fish collagen. Collagen peptides are smaller than normal collagen particles, making them better absorbed and more effective, and fish collagen is most similar to human collagen, which also makes it less allergenic.

Hydrolysed collagen peptides have a mass of only 3-6 kDa, while native collagen is typically 285-300 kDa.

Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

See also:

Where is type 3 collagen found?

Collagen type 3 is a protein that is found in many parts of the body. It can be found in the skin, lungs, blood vessels, myometrium, and in fetal tissuesand.

Mutation of the COL3A1 gene causes the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Large arteries rupture and lead to sudden death in the patient.

Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

You will also find it in muscle and bone marrow. What's more, it is also present in the extracellular matrix of some cancersand.

This type of collagen is found in smooth-cell myxomas or in malignant tumours: myxosarcoma, smooth-cell myxoma or fibrosarcoma.

Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

Type III collagen belongs to a group of proteins called fibrillar collagens with interrupted triple helices (FACIT).

See also:

What is type III collagen responsible for?

Although type III collagen is the second most common type of collagen in the body, its contribution to the physiological maintenance and repair of skeletal tissues is yet to be fully exploredand.

Type III collagen in bones was only discovered in 1991. Prior to that, it was thought to simply not be there.

Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

Type III collagen works together with type I collagen and. Together, they provide structural support and maintain tissue integrity in the body. The combination of type 1 and type 3 collagen fibres gives elasticity to tissues.

The uterus enlarges more than 100 times during pregnancy

Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

Type III collagen is particularly important for wound healing and tissue regeneration - it also helps in the formation of new blood vessels and collagen fibres, as well as platelet aggregationand.

During collagen remodelling, type II collagen is replaced by type I collagen to restore the normal collagen composition of the skin .

In addition, type III collagen is involved in the formation of the basement membrane, which has a protective function for tissues and organs , and also interacts with platelets in the clotting process .

See also:

What is the difference between collagen types 1, 2 and 3?

The major types of collagen differ primarily in their structure and structure (primarily the number of alpha-1 and alpha-2 chains - that's enough for you now) and where they are found in the bodyand.

Type I collagen is the most abundant type of collagen in the body - making up as much as 90% of all collagen. It is found in skin, bones, tendons and ligamentsand.

Type II collagen is the main component of joint cartilage. It is also found in the auricle, nasal septum and intervertebral discs.

Type III collagen is present in skin, lungs, blood vessels, uterus and fetal tissues, among others. Type 3 collagen regulates type 1 collagen fibres and can also be found in reticular fibres, such as bone marrowand.

See also:

Summary

Collagen type 3 is - after collagen type I - the second most common collagen in the human body.
It is present in many tissues of the body, including the skin, muscles, blood vessels or lungs, as well as in the tissues of the foetus.
Collagen type III is the most common type of collagen in the human body.
Type III collagen strengthens and ensures tissue integrity, promotes tissue regeneration and wound healing, and helps build blood vessels.
Collagen type III and type I fibres combine to give elasticity to tissues in the body.
Collagen supplements have a combination of type I and type III collagen in their formulation.
Collagen supplements have a combination of type I and type III collagen in their formulation.

FAQ

How many types of collagen are there?

Today there are said to be nearly 30 types of collagen - 28 to be exact. From your health and beauty perspective, the most important are type I, type II, type III and X.

For more interesting facts and benefits of collagen, see: 47 facts about the properties of collagen.

What kind of collagen for the skin?

The most important for skin is type I collagen. To improve its condition, radiance, firmness or colour a better solution than cosmetics and creams will be collagen supplements. The collagen molecules used in creams are usually too large to reach the dermis. In this form, they may help to moisturise it, but the effect will not be long-lasting. If you want long-lasting results, work from within.

Check out what is the best collagen for the skin.

What is the best collagen in tablets?

Choosing collagen tablets is difficult as new products are constantly appearing. Before buying, pay attention to the collagen content per dose, the origin and form of the collagen in question. Consider that there are also options in sachets, ampoules and shots if you want to conveniently take collagen on the go.

Are collagen and gelatine the same thing?

Collagen and gelatine are two different substances, but they have a few things in common. Gelatin is a product that is obtained from collagen by boiling and evaporating water.

Collagen is used in cosmetics, medicine and for supplementation. Gelatine is primarily used in the catering and food industry. Your favourite jellies have a lot of gelatine, but for health purposes and to supplement collagen deficiency, choosecollagen supplements.

Is collagen well absorbed?

Collagen bioavailability depends mainly on the source and how it is produced.

The best absorbed collagen is hydrolysed fish-derived collagen in the form of small peptides. Fish collagen (sea collagen) is absorbed up to 50% better than beef collagen.

What are collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides are short chains of amino acids, small collagen molecules that are formed during the process of collagen hydrolysis. The smaller the molecules, the more easily collagen is absorbed. Therefore, for supplementation choose products with collagen peptides.

Is vitamin K involved in collagen synthesis?

Vitamin K plays an important role in collagen synthesis. It is essential for the modification and activation of collagen-forming proteins. Without sufficient vitamin K, collagen may not be fully functional and unable to maintain proper structure.

Also important for the natural production of collagen is vitamin C.

Which fish collagen to choose?

When choosing fish collagen (sea collagen), pay attention to its dose per serving, as well as its origin and method of production. Check if the manufacturer uses patented ingredients or states where the raw material comes from and how the collagen is sourced.

What meat has the most collagen?

Based on the available literature, it is difficult to say unequivocally which meat has the most collagen. Its amount will vary depending on the type of meat and where the cut in question comes from. Some studies show that high amounts of collagen are contained in beef tendon, cod and eel skin or shark tail, among others. It has also been found that the content, bioavailability and properties of collagen also decrease with cooling.

Products (and foods) rich in collagen are primarily meat jellies, fruit jellies, offal, broth or chicken feet and fish - the latter also being a rich source of omega-3 acids.

Will I get collagen as a medicine?

No, there is no collagen on the market with drug status - you can buy collagen supplements in both pharmacies and drugstores. Remember to choose a particular product primarily based on the collagen content, its origin, form, form and additional active ingredients.

Sources

See all

Allard-Ratick, M. P., McCarthy, C. P., & Jang, I.-K. (2021). Letter by Allard-Ratick et al Regarding Article, "Coronary Optical Coherence Tomography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Determine Underlying Causes of Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries in Women". Circulation, 144(12), e206-e206. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.053480

Archile-Contreras, A. C., Cha, M. C., Mandell, I. B., Miller, S. P., & Purslow, P. P. (2011). Vitamins E and C May Increase Collagen Turnover by Intramuscular Fibroblasts. Potential for Improved Meat Quality. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59(2), 608-614. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf103696t

Asai, T., Takahashi, A., Ito, K., Uetake, T., Matsumura, Y., Ikeda, K., Inagaki, N., Nakata, M., Imanishi, Y., & Sato, K. (2019). Amount of Collagen in the Meat Contained in Japanese Daily Dishes and the Collagen Peptide Content in Human Blood after Ingestion of Cooked Fish Meat. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 67(10), 2831-2838. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b06896

Eble, J. A., Kassner, A., Niland, S., Mörgelin, M., Grifka, J., & Grässel, S. (2006). Collagen XVI Harbors an Integrin α1β1 Recognition Site in Its C-terminal Domains *. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 281(35), 25745-25756. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M509942200

Effect of refrigeration on the collagen and texture characteristics of yak meat. (n.d.). Retrieved 25 May 2023, from https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/cjas-2021-0059

Ichikawa, T., Horie-Inoue, K., Ikeda, K., Blumberg, B., & Inoue, S. (2006). Steroid and Xenobiotic Receptor SXR Mediates Vitamin K2-activated Transcription of Extracellular Matrix-related Genes and Collagen Accumulation in Osteoblastic Cells *♦. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 281(25), 16927-16934. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M600896200

Kuivaniemi, H., & Tromp, G. (2019). Type III collagen (COL3A1): Gene and protein structure, tissue distribution, and associated diseases. Gene, 707, 151-171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2019.05.003

Liu, X., Wu, H., Byrne, M., Krane, S., & Jaenisch, R. (1997). Type III collagen is crucial for collagen I fibrillogenesis and for normal cardiovascular development. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 94(5), 1852-1856. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.94.5.1852

Rørtveit, R., Reiten, M. R., Lingaas, F., Sveri, S. B., Brech, A., Espenes, A., & Jansen, J. H. (2015). Glomerular Collagen V Codeposition and Hepatic Perisinusoidal Collagen III Accumulation in Canine Collagen Type III Glomerulopathy. Veterinary Pathology, 52(6), 1134-1141. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300985814560237

Sato, T. (2013). Vitamin K2 and Bone Quality. Vitamins & Minerals, s6. https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0390.S6-001

Stanchev, S., Stamenov, N., Kirkov, V., Dzhambazova, E., Nikolov, D., & Paloff, A. (2020). Differential collagen expression in kidney and heart during hypertension. Bratislavske Lekarske Listy, 121(1), 73-78. https://doi.org/10.4149/BLL_2020_011

Wang, C., Brisson, B. K., Terajima, M., Li, Q., Hoxha, K., Han, B., Goldberg, A. M., Sherry Liu, X., Marcolongo, M. S., Enomoto-Iwamoto, M., Yamauchi, M., Volk, S. W., & Han, L. (2020). Type III collagen is a key regulator of the collagen fibrillar structure and biomechanics of articular cartilage and meniscus. Matrix Biology, 85-86, 47-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matbio.2019.10.001

Wu, J.-J., Weis, M. A., Kim, L. S., & Eyre, D. R. (2010). Type III Collagen, a Fibril Network Modifier in Articular Cartilage *. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 285(24), 18537-18544. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M110.112904

Jelonek, L. (2023). Collagen. Everything you need to know (B. Turczynski, ed.; 1st ed.). Natu.Care. https://books.google.com/books?vid=9788396887801

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