How Many Types of Collagen Should I Take for Wellness?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the "Glue" of the Human Body
3. The Big Five: Exploring the Most Common Collagen Types
4. How Many Types of Collagen Should I Take?
5. The Importance of Bioavailability: Hydrolyzed Peptides vs. Raw Collagen
6. Supporting Your Collagen with Other BUBS Essentials
7. A Day in the Life: Integrating Collagen for Maximum Impact
8. Dietary Sources vs. Supplementation
9. Lifestyle Factors That Damage Your Collagen
10. The Science of Dosage: How Much Is Enough?
11. Why Quality Matters: The BUBS Standards
12. The 10% Rule: Wellness with a Purpose
13. Conclusion
14. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for roughly 30% of your total protein mass? It is the "biological glue" that holds everything together, providing structure to your skin, strength to your bones, and resilience to your tendons. Yet, despite its prevalence, many people are surprised to learn that there isn't just one kind of collagen. Scientists have identified at least 28 different types, each with a unique molecular structure and specific role within the body. This complexity often leaves wellness enthusiasts asking one fundamental question: How many types of collagen should I take to truly support my lifestyle?

At BUBS Naturals, we believe in keeping things simple and effective. Our journey began as a tribute to the legacy of Glen “BUB” Doherty—a Navy SEAL, an adventurer, and a man who lived a life of purpose. That spirit of adventure and commitment to excellence is why we produce clean, science-backed supplements that actually work. Whether you are scaling a mountain, hitting a new personal record in the gym, or simply looking to maintain your vitality as you age, understanding the nuances of collagen is essential. We are dedicated not just to your health, but to a greater cause; we donate 10% of all our profits to veteran-focused charities, ensuring that every scoop of Collagen Peptides you take contributes to a legacy of giving back.

In this article, we will dive deep into the world of collagen types. We’ll explore the differences between the five most common varieties, discuss how your body utilizes them, and help you determine the right combination for your specific goals. We will also look at the lifestyle factors that influence your natural collagen production and how you can integrate high-quality supplements into your daily routine. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of which collagen types are most beneficial for your unique needs and how to optimize your results for a life of adventure and wellness.

Understanding the "Glue" of the Human Body

Before we can answer the question of how many types you should take, we need to understand what collagen actually is. Structurally, collagen is a protein made up of amino acids—primarily glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids group together to form long, fibrous strands that twist into a triple helix. This unique shape is what gives collagen its incredible tensile strength; gram for gram, certain types of collagen are actually stronger than steel.

Your body is constantly producing collagen, but it requires specific "raw materials" to do so. In addition to amino acids, your body needs Vitamin C, zinc, and copper to facilitate the cross-linking of these protein strands. Without these cofactors, the collagen your body produces may be weak or insufficient. This is why a holistic approach to wellness—combining clean supplements with a nutrient-dense diet—is so critical.

As we age, our natural collagen production begins to slow down. For most people, this decline starts in their mid-20s. By the time we reach our 40s and 50s, the loss of collagen becomes more visible in the form of fine lines, less elastic skin, and stiffer joints. Environmental factors like UV exposure, smoking, and high sugar consumption can accelerate this breakdown. This is where high-quality Collagen Peptides come into play, providing the body with the specific peptides it needs to support its natural functions.

The Big Five: Exploring the Most Common Collagen Types

While there are 28 known types, the vast majority of the collagen in your body—about 90%—is Type I. However, for those looking to maximize their wellness, focusing on the "Big Five" is often the most effective strategy. Each of these types serves a distinct purpose and is found in different parts of the body.

Type I: The Foundation

Type I collagen is the undisputed heavy hitter. It is found in almost every tissue in the body, including the skin, hair, nails, organs, bones, and ligaments. If you are looking for support in skin elasticity and hydration, Type I is your primary go-to. It consists of very densely packed fibers that provide structural integrity. Our Collagen Peptides Collection is rich in Type I collagen, sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine to ensure you are getting the cleanest form possible.

Type II: The Joint Specialist

Unlike Type I, which is found in skin and bone, Type II collagen is primarily located in your cartilage. This is the flexible tissue that cushions your joints. For athletes, hikers, or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet, Type II is essential for supporting joint comfort and mobility. It is typically sourced from poultry, specifically chicken cartilage. If your primary goal is to keep your knees and elbows feeling "greased" and ready for action, ensuring your regimen includes Type II is a wise choice.

Type III: The Supporting Actor

Type III collagen is usually found alongside Type I. It is a major component of our skin, blood vessels, and internal organs, particularly the gut lining. Type III plays a significant role in the structure of muscles and the health of the cardiovascular system. Because it works so closely with Type I, many high-quality bovine collagen supplements, including our Collagen Peptides, naturally contain both Type I and Type III.

Type V and Type X: The Niche Players

Type V collagen is essential for the formation of cell surfaces and is found in the hair and the placenta of pregnant women. It also plays a role in the cornea of the eye. Type X, on the other hand, is found in the joints and is crucial for new bone formation and the health of articular cartilage. While these are less abundant than the first three, they are often included in "multi-collagen" blends to provide a broader spectrum of support.

How Many Types of Collagen Should I Take?

The answer to "how many types of collagen should I take" depends largely on your personal health goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but we can break it down into a few common scenarios.

For the majority of people looking for general wellness, skin health, and bone support, taking a combination of Type I and Type III is often sufficient. These two types represent the bulk of the collagen in your body and provide the widest range of benefits. Because they are easily sourced from bovine hides, they are also highly bioavailable when hydrolyzed into peptides. This is why our flagship Collagen Peptides focus heavily on these types—one simple scoop provides the building blocks for your skin, hair, and connective tissues.

If you are an athlete or someone dealing with specific joint concerns, you might consider adding Type II to your routine. Taking a multi-collagen supplement that includes Types I, II, III, V, and X can provide a more comprehensive "full-body" approach. However, it is important to remember that more is not always better. The quality of the collagen and the dosage are often more important than the sheer number of types listed on the label.

Many of our community members find that a high-quality Type I and III supplement, like our grass-fed Collagen Peptides, covers about 90-95% of their needs. When you supplement with these foundational types, your body breaks them down into amino acids and uses them where they are needed most.

The Importance of Bioavailability: Hydrolyzed Peptides vs. Raw Collagen

When considering how many types to take, you must also consider the form. You cannot simply eat a piece of leather or raw bone and expect your body to absorb the collagen. In its natural state, the collagen molecule is too large for the human gut to absorb efficiently.

This is why we use a process called hydrolysis. By using enzymes to break down the long collagen chains into smaller "peptides," we make the protein highly bioavailable. These small chains are easily absorbed through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream, where they can be transported to the skin, joints, and bones.

When you shop the BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides Collection, you are getting hydrolyzed collagen that dissolves instantly in hot or cold liquids. This ease of use is a hallmark of our "no-BS" approach. We believe that a supplement only works if you actually take it, so we ensure our collagen is flavorless and mixes effortlessly into your morning coffee or post-workout shake.

Supporting Your Collagen with Other BUBS Essentials

Collagen doesn't work in a vacuum. To maximize the benefits of whichever types you choose to take, you need to support your body's internal environment.

A great way to start your day is by mixing a scoop of Collagen Peptides with our MCT Oil Creamer. While the collagen supports your structural tissues, the MCTs provide a clean, sustained energy source for your brain and body. This combination is a staple for those who follow an active, keto, or paleo lifestyle.

For those focused on recovery and performance, don't overlook the importance of hydration and other key nutrients. After a hard training session, your body needs to replenish electrolytes to maintain muscle function. Using Hydrate or Die - Mixed Berry ensures that your cells are properly hydrated, which is essential for the transport of nutrients like collagen peptides to the areas that need them most.

Furthermore, if your goal is strength and muscle maintenance, you might consider stacking your collagen with Creatine Monohydrate. While collagen supports the "passive" structures like tendons and ligaments, creatine supports the "active" muscle tissue, giving you a comprehensive approach to physical performance.

A Day in the Life: Integrating Collagen for Maximum Impact

How does this all look in practice? Let’s walk through a typical day for someone committed to the BUBS lifestyle—someone who values adventure, wellness, and peak performance.

6:00 AM: The Morning Ritual Your day begins with a focus on mental clarity and structural support. You brew a fresh cup of coffee and stir in one scoop of Collagen Peptides and a scoop of Butter MCT Oil Creamer. This provides you with Types I and III collagen for your skin and joints, along with healthy fats for sustained morning energy.

10:00 AM: Mid-Morning Wellness As you settle into your work or daily tasks, you take two Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies to support digestive wellness. A healthy gut is the foundation for nutrient absorption, ensuring that the collagen you took earlier is being processed effectively.

1:00 PM: The Mid-Day Boost After a light lunch, you take your Vitamin C supplement. Since Vitamin C is a critical cofactor for collagen synthesis, taking it during the day helps your body maximize the peptides you’ve ingested, aiding in the formation of that crucial triple helix structure.

4:30 PM: Training and Hydration You head out for a mountain bike ride or a session at the gym. During your workout, you sip on Hydrate or Die - Lemon to keep your energy high and your muscles functioning optimally. Post-workout, you might add another scoop of collagen to a protein shake to assist with recovery.

8:00 PM: Reflection and Rest As the day winds down, you rest easy knowing that you’ve supported your body with clean, NSF for Sport certified ingredients. You also take pride in the fact that your purchase is helping veterans through our 10% pledge.

Dietary Sources vs. Supplementation

While we are big proponents of supplementation, we also believe in a "food-first" approach. You can naturally support your collagen levels by consuming a diet rich in traditional foods. Bone broth is perhaps the most famous dietary source of collagen, as the long simmering process extracts the protein from animal bones and connective tissues.

Other excellent sources include:

• Fish with the skin on: Most of the collagen in fish is located in the skin and scales.
• Chicken with the skin on: Chicken is naturally rich in Type II collagen.
• Egg whites: A great source of proline and glycine, two key amino acids for collagen production.
• Berries and Citrus: While they don't contain collagen, they provide the Vitamin C necessary for your body to build its own.

However, modern diets often lack these traditional sources. We rarely eat organ meats, bone marrow, or connective tissues anymore. This is why a high-quality supplement is such an effective tool. It bridges the gap between our ancestral nutritional needs and our modern lifestyle. When you use our Collagen Peptides, you are getting a concentrated dose of the exact amino acids your ancestors would have consumed daily.

Lifestyle Factors That Damage Your Collagen

Taking multiple types of collagen won't be as effective if you are simultaneously damaging the collagen you already have. To protect your structural integrity, you should be mindful of three main "collagen killers":

1. UV Exposure: Excessive sun exposure is one of the leading causes of collagen breakdown in the skin. UV rays cause the collagen fibers to become disorganized and brittle, leading to premature aging. Always wear sunscreen and protective clothing when exploring the outdoors.
2. Sugar Consumption: A diet high in refined sugar can lead to a process called glycation. This is where sugar molecules attach to proteins (like collagen) and form "advanced glycation end products" (AGEs). These molecules make your collagen stiff and less resilient.
3. Smoking: Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your tissues and significantly impairs the body's ability to produce new collagen. It also depletes Vitamin C levels, further hindering the synthesis process.

By combining the right types of collagen supplementation with a lifestyle that protects your existing protein structures, you can stay active and vibrant for much longer.

The Science of Dosage: How Much Is Enough?

Once you've decided on the types of collagen to take, the next question is how much. Scientific research into collagen dosage is ongoing, but current studies suggest that a range of 2.5 grams to 15 grams per day is effective for most people.

• For skin health: Studies have shown that as little as 2.5 to 5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen can improve skin hydration and elasticity over a period of 8 to 12 weeks.
• For joint support: Higher doses, typically around 10 to 15 grams, have been used in studies focusing on joint comfort and muscle recovery.
• For bone density: Many researchers suggest a consistent daily intake of 5 grams to support long-term bone health.

Our Collagen Peptides typically provide around 10 grams per serving, which sits right in the "sweet spot" for comprehensive support. Whether you use the 20 oz Tub at home or our 20 ct Travel Pack on the road, staying consistent with your dosage is the most important factor in seeing results.

Why Quality Matters: The BUBS Standards

In the world of supplements, not all collagen is created equal. Many brands use low-quality hides, incorporate fillers, or fail to test for heavy metals. We take a different path. Inspired by Glen "BUB" Doherty's standard of excellence, we ensure that every product we sell meets the highest bars of purity.

Our Collagen Peptides Collection is:

• NSF for Sport Certified: This is the gold standard in third-party testing. It ensures that our products are free from over 280 banned substances and that what is on the label is exactly what is in the tub.
• Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised: We source our bovine collagen from cattle that spend their lives outdoors, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable product.
• Soluble and Flavorless: We use a high-quality hydrolysis process so that you never have to deal with clumps or an "animal" taste in your coffee.

Choosing the right type of collagen is only half the battle; choosing a brand you can trust is the other half. When you see the BUBS logo, you know you are getting a product designed for high-performance individuals who refuse to compromise on their health.

The 10% Rule: Wellness with a Purpose

At BUBS Naturals, wellness isn't just about personal gain—it's about community and giving back. Our mission is deeply rooted in the legacy of Glen "BUB" Doherty, who lost his life defending others in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012. Glen was a man of action, a friend to many, and a true adventurer. We founded this company to keep his spirit alive.

Every time you choose our Collagen Peptides, you are participating in our 10% Rule. We donate 10% of all profits to the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation and other veteran-focused charities. This money goes toward helping veterans transition back to civilian life through education and fitness. This sense of purpose is what drives us to create the best products on the market. When you feel better, you can do more for others—and that is the ultimate goal of our wellness journey.

Conclusion

Understanding how many types of collagen should I take is a vital step in optimizing your wellness and longevity. While there are dozens of types in the body, focusing on a high-quality source of Type I and Type III collagen is the most effective way to support your skin, bones, and connective tissues. For those with specific joint needs, incorporating Type II can provide additional support.

The most important takeaway is that consistency and quality are paramount. Supplementing with 10 to 20 grams of clean, hydrolyzed peptides daily can make a significant difference in how you feel and perform. By pairing your Collagen Peptides with supportive nutrients like Vitamin C and maintaining a lifestyle that protects your natural protein structures, you are setting yourself up for success in all your adventures.

Ready to experience the BUBS difference for yourself? Explore our Collagen Peptides Collection today. Join us in our mission to live a life of adventure, health, and purpose—one scoop at a time. Together, we can honor a hero’s legacy while building our own.

FAQ

1. Is it safe to take different types of collagen at the same time?

Yes, it is perfectly safe and often beneficial to take multiple types of collagen. Many people choose to combine Type I and III (found in bovine collagen) with Type II (found in chicken collagen) to provide a broader range of support for skin, joints, and gut health. Your body will break these down into amino acids and utilize them where they are needed most.

2. How long does it take to see results from taking collagen peptides?

While everyone is different, most clinical studies suggest that it takes between 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use to see noticeable results. Improvements in skin hydration often appear first, followed by benefits to nail strength and joint comfort. For long-term benefits like bone density, daily supplementation should be a permanent part of your wellness routine.

3. Can I take too much collagen?

Collagen is a protein, and like any protein, it contributes to your daily caloric and macronutrient intake. While there is no specific "upper limit" for safety, most people find that 10 to 20 grams per day is the optimal range. Taking excessive amounts won't necessarily provide faster results, as your body can only process and utilize a certain amount of protein at one time.

4. Do I need to take Vitamin C with my collagen?

Vitamin C is a necessary cofactor for the body’s natural collagen synthesis. While you don’t have to take it at the exact same moment as your collagen powder, ensuring you have adequate Vitamin C levels throughout the day is crucial. Using a supplement like our Vitamin C or eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help your body turn those collagen peptides into functional tissue.