Collagen Types I, II, III, V & X Explained

Peach collagen powder tub with sliced stone fruit

Pick up a multi-collagen powder and you'll usually see a list of Roman numerals on the label. Radiant Glow contains Types I, II, III, V and X. So what do they actually mean?

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It's a structural protein, part of the framework that holds tissues together. Scientists have identified more than 25 types, each named with a Roman numeral in the order it was discovered.

Type I

The most abundant type in the body. Type I is found in skin, bone, tendons and ligaments, and it's the main collagen in the deeper layer of your skin (the dermis).

Type II

Type II is the main collagen in cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions your joints.

Type III

Type III often sits alongside Type I. It's found in skin, blood vessels and internal organs, and it's especially plentiful in younger skin.

Type V

Type V is found in smaller amounts in hair, cell surfaces and tissues such as the cornea. It works with Types I and III to help form collagen fibres.

Type X

Type X is found in cartilage, particularly in areas where cartilage is turning into bone during growth.

Why choose a multi-collagen?

Many collagen powders come from a single source and contain mainly one or two types. A multi-collagen blend simply gives you a broader mix of collagen types in one scoop. Radiant Glow combines 9,200mg of multi-collagen per serve with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and probiotics. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, which is why it's often paired with collagen.

The bottom line

Collagen types tell you what kind of collagen is in the tub. When comparing products, also check the amount of collagen per serve, added sugar, flavour and the brand's returns policy. Our guide how to choose a collagen powder in Australia covers what to look for.

Shop Radiant Glow multi-collagen powder: free tracked shipping Australia wide, Afterpay, and buy 3 save 10%.

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