What is Collagen? 

Collagen is formed from structural units called amino acids, and is an important protein for the body. Amino acids such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline combine to form the collagen structure [1]. Collagen fibers create a strong network of bonds, ensuring durability and flexibility for the tissues and organs in the body. 

 Collagen is predominantly found in the bodies of humans and animals. It forms long fibers arranged in a structure known as a triple helix. This structure plays a crucial role in maintaining strength, elasticity, and durability for skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and other structures [2]. 

Classification of collagen based on bodily needs 

Collagen accounts for one-third of the protein content in the body. Scientists have identified 28 different types of collagen, among which four are particularly notable: 

• Type I Collagen: This is the main component of connective tissues and the dermis layer of the skin. It is also found in tendons, internal organs, and bone cells. Type I collagen makes up to 90% of the body’s total collagen, helping to strengthen and elasticize the skin, reduce wrinkles, and regenerate skin [2]. 

• Type II Collagen: This is the main component of joint cartilage. Type II collagen constitutes about 60% of the total collagen in joints and cartilage. It supports the maintenance of strong and resilient cartilage, helping to protect and lubricate joints [2]. 

• Type III Collagen: Type III collagen is often found alongside Type I and is a main component of the retina. It is also present in other structures such as blood vessels and immune cells. Type III collagen plays an important role in supporting the structure of blood vessels, as well as in the recovery and regeneration of tissues [2]. 

• Type IV Collagen: This type is a part of the basement membrane’s epithelial secretions, an essential component of cell and tissue structures in the body. Type IV collagen maintains the structure and function of tissues and provides an optimal environment for metabolic processes [2]. 

Each type of collagen has different effects, so choosing the right collagen depends on the intended use on specific body parts. If you want to maintain healthy skin, consider prioritizing Type I collagen for daily use. 

Classification of collagen by size 

• Regular Collagen: Regular collagen is a natural form that is large in size, typically found in the structure of skin, bones, cartilage, and other tissues in the body. The molecules of regular collagen range from hundreds of nanometers to micrometers in size. 

• Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides are a form of collagen that has been broken down into smaller pieces through a process called hydrolysis. This process separates the collagen from its original structure into smaller collagen segments. Collagen peptides typically range in size from a few kilodaltons to several tens of kilodaltons. Due to their smaller size, collagen peptides are more easily absorbed by the body [6]. 

 The structure of collagen peptides has been studied and proven to have the ability to be directly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to the skin and bones within 30 minutes after oral ingestion. Research has shown that the structure of collagen peptides helps to shorten the body’s digestion and absorption processes. 
 

Nano collagen 

Nano collagen is a form of collagen with a very small size, measured in nanometers (1 nm = 1/1,000,000,000 meter). Nano collagen is produced through high technology, creating ultra-small collagen particles. These nano collagen molecules have a molecular weight of less than 400 daltons and particle sizes of less than 100 nm. Products containing nano collagen are often used in scientific research and medical technology, such as in the fields of tissue transplantation, biomaterials, and nanotechnology [7]. 

Thanks to its low molecular weight and ultra-small particle size, nano collagen can be absorbed faster, effectively supplementing the body’s collagen deficiency. 

Classification of Collagen by Source 

Animal Collagen: Derived from animals, this type of collagen is extracted from the skin, bones, and cartilage of cows, pigs, and poultry. Animal collagen has a structure and properties similar to human collagen and is commonly used in beauty products, skincare, and collagen supplements [5]. 

Fish Collagen: Fish collagen comes from the skin or scales of fish like tuna, squid, and basa. Studies show that fish collagen can be more easily processed into collagen peptides with smaller fiber sizes and lower molecular weights. This allows it to pass through the intestinal walls into the body’s organs more efficiently, resulting in higher usability. Fish collagen is primarily type I, the most abundant type found in human bodies, present in skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments [3]. 

Fish collagen is often considered superior and less likely to be affected by environmental pollutants or contaminated feed, thereby optimizing its quality and effectiveness. 

Plant-Based Collagen  

A new trend in skincare products involving collagen is the use of plant-based sources. Instead of directly ingesting collagen, plant-based collagen alternatives promote the supplementation of amino acids that enable the body to synthesize its own natural collagen for improved skin health and overall wellness. Plants are rich in essential amino acids which help the body eliminate free radicals, prevent diseases, and combat aging. 

Instead of deriving collagen from animals, plant-based collagen sources include sugar beets, kale, soybeans, and barley. Plant-based collagen is suitable for vegetarians and those with allergies or who prefer not to use animal-derived collagen [4]. 

 Classification by Forms of Usage: There are various forms of collagen supplements available, allowing you to choose the most suitable method to achieve optimal results: 

Collagen Pills: Collagen pills are formulated with the necessary amount of collagen to meet the body’s needs and provide the best effects. Each collagen pill is dosed to ensure daily consumption meets the body’s collagen requirements. 

Collagen Powder: Collagen powder is a popular form for collagen supplementation. However, it’s important to stir the powder thoroughly when dissolving to ensure it completely dissolves and to avoid clumping. Collagen powder can be mixed into water, smoothies, or juice to create collagen-rich beverages. 

 Collagen Water Collagen in liquid form is easy to consume and has good absorption and digestibility within the body. This ensures that collagen is quickly delivered to the body, providing effective benefits. 

Collagen Gel Collagen gel is commonly used in beauty and skincare products. Applying collagen gel to the skin may offer limited penetration compared to direct collagen supplementation internally. However, collagen gel can provide external hydration and soften the skin, playing a role in topical collagen supplementation. 

Choosing the right form of collagen supplementation should be based on personal preferences, intended use, and individual absorption capabilities. 

Consider Hector Cordyceps Collagen Water, which features collagen peptides extracted from fish. The small molecular size of collagen peptides enhances absorption in the body. This liquid form offers convenience, allowing direct consumption without the need for mixing or dissolving. The product makes daily collagen supplementation for skin and bones easy. 

Hector Cordyceps Collagen Water combines collagen peptides with other ingredients like cordyceps, hyaluronic acid, and fruit juice to provide nutrients for vibrant, youthful skin. Just 1-2 bottles of Hector collagen per day can help enhance health and care for your skin.