What is the difference between collagens

Updated September 4, 2025

Collagen has become a "staple" supplement for many people. Like other proteins, it's currently very popular.

At Mediterranean Health, we see collagen as a valuable supplement, especially for people who are very active in sports, and for adults from 35-40 years old. It can be taken earlier, since the body begins to lose its ability to produce collagen from the age of 25, and this decline intensifies in the 30s, which is when the effects of aging become more noticeable, such as stiff skin and painful joints.

Collagen is a group of proteins found in ligaments, tendons, skin, muscles, and even the dentin of our teeth. Our bodies produce this protein naturally, but like many other things, lifestyle and the passage of time can cause our bodies to stop producing collagen in the same quantity and quality as when we were younger, which adds to the wear and tear our bodies experience.

There are several studies that demonstrate the benefits of collagen supplements for improving the appearance of the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, especially when the collagen is in the form of peptides, which the body can absorb better.

There are also studies that show a relationship between collagen consumption - especially type 2 - and the improvement of joint problems, such as osteoarthritis, wear and tear of joint cartilage, as well as skin firmness.

Collagen supplements can come from chicken, beef, fish, and pork, and although there are quite a few types, type 1, which provides flexibility and strength to tendons, skin, and bones, type 2, which is found mainly in cartilage, and type 3, which is present in organs such as the uterus, arteries, and intestines, are the most common.

What is each type of collagen used for?

With different types of collagen supplements available in various formats, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Type I Collagen : Extracted from fish and shellfish. It is the most abundant type of collagen in our body. Its main function is to provide support, strength, and flexibility to the body. It is found primarily in skin, tendons, and bones, forming part of the bone matrix.

At Árbol Verde we have three products with Type 1 Collagen

• Collagen with Silicon and Magnesium (Sports): Made with marine collagen, magnesium, and silicon to support bone and joint health. This collagen is often taken by people who exercise a lot and may experience pain due to the constant use of their bodies . This collagen comes in powder form and can be added, for example, to recovery shakes after exercise.
• Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid : Made with marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and fortified with silicon, magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc. It's considered a nutricosmetic, a dietary supplement formulated to improve the appearance of nails and hair and help maintain elastic, smooth, and hydrated skin. This collagen comes in capsules.
• Collagen with Silicon : Made with marine collagen and silicon, one of the most common elements in our bodies, which, among other properties, aids in collagen synthesis and promotes bone mineralization. This collagen comes in capsules.

Type II Collagen : Extracted from chicken. It is the main structural component of cartilage, providing strength and resilience. It is a basic collagen that can help with bone and joint pain that may occur with age. This collagen comes in capsules.

Collagen Peptide: Rich in Type I and Type III collagen. Árbol Verde Collagen Peptide comes from grass-fed cattle. It is a type of collagen found in connective tissue. This collagen peptide is easily absorbed. It is a general-purpose collagen that helps maintain healthy joints, skin, and other tissues in the body. It is available in powder form.

When should I take collagen?

Type 1 collagen can be taken at any time of day, for example, Green Tree Peptide Collagen can be taken with your morning coffee - it has no flavor so it does not affect the enjoyment - or you can add it to a smoothie before or after exercising.

Although type 2 collagen can be taken at any time, it is more effective when taken on an empty stomach.

In the case of Collagen with Hyaluronic Acid Plus, Árbol Verde, since it contains Vitamin C, we recommend taking it in the morning.

Is there collagen in food?

Of course we can consume collagen through our diet, although the amount compared to what we can consume with supplements would normally be less, except in cases of very organized diets.

Bone broth is especially rich in type 3 collagen and very beneficial for people with intestinal problems. Chicken, beef, legumes, eggs, and dairy products contain beneficial proteins—including collagen.

To boost collagen production in our body, it is essential to eat foods rich in vitamin C, for example, by eating meat with broccoli, or a chicken salad with tomato and dressed with lemon.

This blog is for informational purposes only and in no way replaces consultation with a doctor.