What is type II collagen?
Type II collagen is a fibrillar protein made up of 3 long chains of amino acids that form a tightly packed network of fibrils and fibers. It is the main component of cartilage in the body. It consists of dry weight and collagens. Type II collagen is what gives cartilage its tensile strength and elasticity, thereby enabling it to support the joints. It helps in the binding process with the help of fibronectin and other collagens.
What’s the difference between type II and type I collagen?
On the surface they appear to be the same, each being a triple helix i.e. made up of three long chains of amino acids. However, at a molecular level there is an important difference.
- Type I collagen: Two of the three chains are identical.
- Type II collagen: All three chains are identical.
Type I Collagen is found mainly in bones and skin.
Whereas type II collagen is only found in cartilage.
Benefits of type II collagen
Type II collagen is a major part of cartilage tissue. So to really understand the role it plays, one must look at the function of cartilage in the body.
Cartilage is a firm but pliable connective tissue. There are different types of cartilage in the body, each with a specific function. The cartilage found in joints has several functions, such as
- connecting bones
- allowing tissue to bear mechanical stress
- shock absorption
- allowing connected bones to move without friction
Cartilage is made up of chondrocytes which are special cells that create what is known as an ‘extracellular matrix’ comprising proteoglycan, elastin fibers and type II collagen fibers.
The type II collagen fibers are the main collagenous substance found in cartilage. They play an extremely important role. They form a network of fibrils that help to bond proteoglycan and elastin fibers into a tough, but flexible tissue.
How can type II collagen supplementation support joint health?
Taken hydrolyzed type II collagen regularly can reduce inflammation in joints and promote lubrication which helps protect the cartilage from degradation thereby extending its durability. It can also help to reduce synovial inflammation in the knee joint.
For those already with joint conditions, adding type II collagen to their regime can help them reduce swelling and stiffness, which in turn means less discomfort and more mobility.
In summary
The overall benefits of collagen type II:
- By reducing inflammation, hydrolyzed collagen can help ease joint discomfort and improve mobility
- By stimulating collagen production , it can protect cartilage and support connective tissues
- It is highly bioavailable and bioactive
- It’s a natural product, sustainably sourced with excellent traceability
- It is odorless and tasteless, meaning it can be incorporated into numerous supplementary delivery forms and applications
Collagen peptide is set to be the next generation of go-to joint health solutions. Not only does it help with pain relief and mobility, but it also offers joint protection for a population that’s becoming highly conscious of joint health. So is collagen type II is good for you? Of course it is!
